Wreck of Mary Croan - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Mary Croan might not be the most famous wreck in Scapa Flow, but she’s one we return to time and again. We love her because she’s so accessible, sitting in shallower waters than some of her colossal neighbours. This trawler, scuttled in 1919, lies largely intact on her port side, offering a fantastic sense of her original form. You'll fin through open holds now home to dense clusters of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the subtle flow. Look for velvet crabs scuttling amongst the plates and the occasional inquisitive wrasse peeking from behind a bulkhead. We'd suggest aiming for a slack tide; it makes navigating the interior much more relaxed. The relatively shallow depth also means you get good ambient light penetration on clear days, illuminating the skeletal structure and making those anemones almost glow. She’s a great wreck for divers wanting to experience Scapa Flow’s history without the demands of a deeper dive, perfect for a long exploration or even a refresher.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.614323, -6.447212
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Rubha Hunish

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to Wreck of Mary Croan

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Wreck of Mary Croan

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories