Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Switha

    Wreck of Skua Flaes Beacon, The Ruff, St Margarets Hope, South Ronaldsay

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Switha

    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 Skua Flaes Beacon, The Ruff, St Margarets Hope, South Ronaldsay offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Diving the *Pet* is like stepping into a cold, dark history book. This isn't a brightly lit coral playground; it's a deep, atmospheric exploration, exactly what we expect from a Scapa Flow wreck. What makes the *Pet* one of our favourites is how intact she remains. You can really get a sense of her shape, her purpose, as you glide along the decks. We love finning through the gloom, watching the schools of coalfish dart through the superstructure. Down here, the Devonshire cup corals are particularly striking, little orange bursts against the rusting steel. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes twenty metres, sometimes barely five, so we always suggest bringing a good torch and being comfortable in low light. It's a site that rewards patience, letting your eyes adjust and the details emerge from the shadows. The *Pet* isn't about speed; it's about soaking in the silence, the history, and the quiet life that has claimed this wartime relic. If you’re into proper wreck diving, where the structure itself is the star, this is an excellent choice.

    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.

    Today06:3917:1910h 40m daylightGolden hour 16:24

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Skua Flaes Beacon, The Ruff, St Margarets Hope, South Ronaldsay

    Wreck of Skua Flaes Beacon, The Ruff, St Margarets Hope, South Ronaldsay Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Wreck of Skua Flaes Beacon, The Ruff, St Margarets Hope, South Ronaldsay, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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