Wreck of Mary Croan
Protected Area
Rubha Hunish
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - Wreck of Mary Croan offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for Wreck of Mary Croan
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Mary Croan
Wreck of Mary Croan Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Mary Croan, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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