Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Donmouth

    Wreck of Nurzec

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Donmouth

    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 Nurzec offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The Nurzec, a former German torpedo boat, lies upside down in about 24 metres, one of the smaller, often overlooked Scapa Flow wrecks. We love it because it’s so accessible, especially for divers new to cold water wreck diving who still want a proper piece of history. You’ll drop down onto the hull, typically silty, but the real fun starts when you swim around the stern. The props are still there, massive and barnacle-encrusted, a perfect spot for photography. Inside, the wreck is surprisingly open, with easy swim-throughs into what used to be the engine room. Watch for wrasse darting between the girders and the occasional inquisitive conger eel peeking from a dark corner. Visibility can vary, but we’ve had some fantastic dives here in late spring with 10-15 metres, making the whole wreck visible from the surface. We'd suggest pairing it with a drift dive on the nearby block ships if you’re looking for a full day out. It's a great dive for those who appreciate the quieter side of Scapa.

    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.

    Today06:3317:1810h 45m daylightGolden hour 16:25

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Nurzec

    Wreck of Nurzec Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Wreck of Nurzec, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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