Wreck of Nurzec
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.
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.
Reviews for Wreck of Nurzec
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)
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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