Wreck of Silver Reward - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Silver Reward. Now, this one's a different flavour of Scapa wreck. She's not one of the German High Seas Fleet giants, no. This is a fishing trawler, sunk in 1916 after a collision. What we love about her is the intimacy. You can really get a feel for the working life of the vessel. She lies on her starboard side, relatively intact, often bathed in that moody green light Scapa is famous for. Head down into the stern, and you’ll find yourself in the old engine room, a tight squeeze but worth it to see the machinery still bolted down. We've spent a good hour just exploring the deck, picking out details like the winch gear and the steering quadrant. Look closely for those big plumose anemones clinging to the darker recesses, their white tentacles reaching out like ghostly fingers. The resident wrasse are usually bold, darting between the plates, and we often spot a curious conger eel peeking from a pipe. It's a fantastic dive for those who appreciate history and enjoy a bit of close-quarter exploration, rather than just circling a massive hull. Aim for slack water, always, as the currents here can be surprisingly brisk.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.962147, -5.526582
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Wester Ross

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 Silver Reward

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 Silver Reward

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