Wreck of Mary Of Banff - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Mary Of Banff, a small trawler resting on her starboard side, is often overshadowed by Scapa Flow's giants, but we reckon she’s a standout for a different reason. She’s surprisingly intact for her size, sitting in manageable depths where light still filters down, painting the holds and superstructure in shifting greens and blues. We love slipping into the wheelhouse, still largely recognisable, or nosing around the engine room, feeling the distinct chill of Orkney’s waters even in summer. This wreck is less about vast scale and more about intimate detail, perfect for divers who appreciate exploring a complete, if compact, vessel. You’ll find squat lobsters tucked into every crevice and anemones blooming across her decks, transforming her into a living reef. Visibility here can be excellent, making it a great photographic subject. Our advice? Go slow, really poke around; there's always something new to spot if you take your time.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.255380, -2.033133
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Foveran Links

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 Of Banff

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 Of Banff

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