Wreck of Mary Margaret - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Mary Margaret, a trawler scuttled in the post-WWII blockship programme, is one of our favourite dives in Scapa Flow, especially for divers getting comfortable with wreck penetration. She sits upright and relatively intact, making for easy navigation. We love drifting along her deck, watching the light filter through the superstructure and illuminate schools of saithe darting between the beams. You’ll find squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, and the mast, covered in colourful anemones, often hosts inquisitive wrasse. The engine room is an easy swim through, and if you’re patient, you might spot a ling lurking in the darker corners. While many divers flock to the German High Seas Fleet, the Mary Margaret offers a quieter, intimate experience; it’s a brilliant dive for those who appreciate the smaller details and the sheer history of Scapa Flow.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.503940, -5.996635
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Valtos

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 Margaret

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 Margaret

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