Wreck of Skua Flaes Beacon, The Ruff, St Margarets Hope, South Ronaldsay - Scapa Flow, Orkney

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.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.837086, -2.954456
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Switha

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

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

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