Wreck of Minieh
Protected Area
Copinsay
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 Minieh offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Minieh is one of those Scapa Flow wrecks that really gets under your skin. We love it because it’s not just a pile of plates; it’s a proper ship with character, lying on its starboard side, largely intact. You drop down onto the hull and immediately feel the history, the silence broken only by your own bubbles. Inside, the holds are open, inviting you to explore – just be mindful of the silt, it kicks up quick. What makes Minieh special is the way the marine life has completely reclaimed it. Dulse carpets the decks, and you’ll find poor cod darting through the superstructure. Look closely and you might spot thornback skates tucked away, or even a dogfish snoozing in a shadowy corner. We’d suggest focusing on the bow and stern sections; they tend to be the most interesting architecturally, with some cool penetration options if you’re properly trained and equipped. It’s a dive that suits those who appreciate the quiet dignity of a well-preserved wreck and don’t mind a bit of a chill – it is Orkney, after all.
Typical Wreck of Minieh Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Minieh
Wreck of Minieh Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Minieh, 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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