Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Kildale
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 shipwreck possibly the Kildale offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The HMS Stygian, a 1943 S-class submarine, isn't just a dive site; it’s a time capsule. Dropping down, you really feel the history of the place. We love the way the hull’s silhouette takes shape, a stark contrast to the usual Similan granite boulders. Inside, the torpedo tubes are still visible, and you can imagine the crew in those cramped quarters. Schools of fusiliers often swirl around the conning tower, so thick they almost block out the light, a real sensory overload. Our favourite part is lingering near the bow, watching the resident giant morays peek out from crevices that used to be watertight compartments. The wreck's integrity, even after all these years, is remarkable. It’s a dive for those who appreciate both history and the way the ocean reclaims man-made structures. Best dived mid-morning to catch the light shafting through the open sections, illuminating the colourful soft corals that now carpet the metal.
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.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Kildale
Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Kildale Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Kildale, 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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