Wreck of St Magnus (Possibly) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Prudentia isn't the biggest wreck in Scapa Flow, but for us, it's one of the most atmospheric. She's broken up pretty well, lying at an angle with her stern at about 20 metres, and the bow section shallower. We love tracing the length of her, imagining her final moments, especially on a day when the light penetrates the gloom. You’ll find an incredible amount of life here, too. The Devonshire cup corals are just stunning, splashes of orange against the steel, and we’ve seen some huge shoals of sprats and sand eels here, silver ribbons moving as one. Look out for razorbacks tucked into the nooks and crannies. The currents can pick up, so we’d suggest timing your dive for slack water, making the penetration into the deeper parts of the hull a bit more comfortable. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, taking in both the history and the vibrant life that has reclaimed it.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.537920, -1.728230
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Loch of Strathbeg

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 St Magnus (Possibly)

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 St Magnus (Possibly)

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