Wreck of North Queen
Protected Area
Cairnbulg to St Combs Coast
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 North Queen offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The North Queen in Scapa Flow isn't one of the big German warships, and that's precisely why we love her. She's a fantastic example of a more accessible Scapa wreck, sitting in shallower depths, making for longer bottom times and a truly immersive experience. Dropping down onto her bow, you’re greeted by a thick coating of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the subtle current, like a field of miniature flowers. We always find ourselves drawn to the stern, where the prop shaft leads to a still-intact propeller, a great photo opportunity, especially with the ambient light filtering through the Orkney green water. Keep an eye out for inquisitive wrasse darting between the deck fittings and the occasional large pollack shadowing your every move. It’s a dive that offers a real sense of exploration without the demands of the deeper, darker sites. She’s perfect for divers looking for a proper Scapa wreck dive who might not be comfortable with the big boys just yet, or for those who simply appreciate the beauty of a smaller, colonised wreck.
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 North Queen
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of North Queen
Wreck of North Queen Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of North Queen, 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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