Wreck of Ruby [Possibly] - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Rill Cove Wreck in Cornwall is one of those dives that sticks with you, a proper piece of history claimed by the sea. We’ve done it a few times, and each trip feels different depending on the light and the currents. Descending onto the site, you quickly realise this isn’t some scattered debris; it’s a recognisable wreck, broken but substantial, often with a decent amount of current running over it, which just adds to the atmosphere. What we really love here is how the wreck has become a living reef. The metal structure is absolutely coated in life. You'll spot jewel anemones in every shade of orange and pink clinging to the plates, and the crumb-of-bread sponge seems to thrive here, a vibrant splash of yellow against the gloomier steel. Look closer into the nooks and crannies and you’ll find common lobsters eyeing you from their hideouts, and nursehounds often resting in the deeper sections. We’ve even seen huge pollock cruising the perimeter, clearly enjoying the shelter the wreck provides. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history mingling with nature, offering enough structure to explore but also a rich tapestry of Cornish marine life.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.982914, -2.593330
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Auskerry

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 Ruby [Possibly]

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 Ruby [Possibly]

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