Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Moray - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Subtle wreck in Sumatra really hits different. We’ve done our fair share of submarine dives, but there’s a quiet solemnity here that sets it apart. Dropping down, you start to make out the unmistakable lines of an S-class sub, resting on its side, a ghost from 1944. It’s not a site for poking into every nook and cranny; the delicate integrity means we treat it with respect, admiring the structure from the outside, imagining the lives onboard. What we really love is how the ocean has just taken it back. The conning tower is a fantastic spot, completely encrusted with sponges and whip corals, home to dozens of glassfish shimmering in the ambient light. Keep an eye out for the resident batfish school; they often orbit the stern, silhouetted against the blue. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history as much as marine life, a contemplative experience rather than a frantic exploration. The conditions can vary, so we always suggest checking local reports for current strength – sometimes there’s a gentle drift that makes the descent feel like flying.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.708897, -2.656889
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cullen to Stake Ness Coast

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 shipwreck possibly the Moray

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 shipwreck possibly the Moray

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