Wreck of Sheila
Protected Area
Valtos
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 Sheila offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Sheila wreck in Scapa Flow isn't one of the big German battleships, but that's precisely why we love it. She's a trawler, much smaller and more intimate, which means you can really get to know her in a single dive. Dropping down onto her deck, the first thing you notice is how completely she's become part of the seabed, draped in kelp and alive with plumose anemones that sway gently in the current. We always take our time exploring the bow, where crabs often scuttle among the twisted metal, and then head towards the stern, often finding inquisitive wrasse peering out from crevices. It’s a fantastic site for photographers or divers who appreciate the quiet dignity of a working vessel reclaimed by the sea.
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 Sheila
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Sheila
Wreck of Sheila Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Sheila, 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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