Wreck of Naja - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Isleford* isn't one of the Scapa Flow giants, but we love her for exactly that. Lying in the shallower waters, she’s a fantastic introduction to wreck diving in Orkney, or a relaxed second dive after exploring one of the deeper German High Seas Fleet ships. What you lose in sheer scale, you gain in penetration opportunities and the sheer volume of sea squirts that encrust almost every surface. We’ve spent many a decompression stop finning through the wheelhouse, seeing the light filter through portholes, and watching butterfish dart into the gloom. Look closely at the metalwork; you’ll spot light-bulb sea squirts and star ascidians in brilliant yellows and purples, creating an almost technicolour blanket over the steel. Dog whelks cling to plating, and common brittlestars wave their arms from crevices. Keep an eye out for curious seals too; they often make an appearance, particularly if the dive boat is quiet. It’s a site that really comes alive when you slow down and take in the details.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.841003, -2.901516
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Switha

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 Naja

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 Naja

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