Wreck of Mary Margaret
Protected Area
Valtos
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 Margaret offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
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 Margaret
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Mary Margaret
Wreck of Mary Margaret Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Mary Margaret, 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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