Wreck of Mormond
Protected Area
John o' Groats
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 Mormond offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The *Mormond*, a German steamer scuttled in 1919, isn't as famous as some of Scapa Flow's bigger names, but we love it for its quiet, unassuming charm. Lying on its port side in about 16 metres, it’s an ideal introduction to Flow wreck diving, especially if you’re still getting comfortable with overhead environments. The stern is our favourite part, with a distinctive quadrant davit that feels like a forgotten piece of industrial art. The wreck itself is quite broken up in places, but that just means more nooks and crannies for exploration. Light filters through cracks in the deck plates, illuminating crabs scuttling over rusted metal and plump anemones clinging to every surface. You'll find plenty of coalfish darting in and out, and we’ve often spotted lobsters tucked into the darker recesses. It’s a gentle dive, usually with minimal current, allowing you to really take your time and soak in the history. We’d suggest pairing it with another shallow dive for a relaxed day out.
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.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Mormond
Wreck of Mormond Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Mormond, 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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