Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Mudlark
Protected Area
Bullers of Buchan 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 Mudlark offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The *Mara* wreck in Scapa Flow isn't about tropical colours, it’s about atmosphere and history, a proper plunge into the cold, dark past. We love how the visibility here, often 10-15 metres, plays tricks on your eyes as you descend onto the scattered remains of this German naval trawler. You’re not just diving a wreck; you’re entering a steel tomb overgrown with life. Our favourite part is nosing around the engine room, feeling the sheer scale of the machinery, now home to fat Atlantic cod and inquisitive poor cod darting between the girders. Look closely, and you’ll spot tiny transparent gobies tucked into every crevice, while bull rout often eye you suspiciously from beneath a deck plate. The kelp, especially the channelled wrack and oarweed, sways eerily, creating a living curtain over the steel, making each swim-through feel like a discovery. This site is a great choice for divers who appreciate the sombre beauty of historical wrecks and the hardy marine life that thrives in these northern waters. Come prepared for the chill, but expect a genuinely immersive experience.
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 shipwreck possibly the Mudlark
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Mudlark
Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Mudlark Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Mudlark, 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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