Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Mousa

    Wreck of St Sunniva

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Mousa

    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 St Sunniva 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 USS Arizona Memorial isn’t about big pelagics or technicolor reefs. It’s a somber, profound experience, and one we think every diver should try to make if they get the chance. You’re not just exploring a wreck; you’re bearing witness to a moment in history, a steel tomb where over a thousand souls still rest. The visibility here can be tricky, often a bit silty, but that only adds to the atmosphere. We love watching the light play across the dark hull plates, illuminating the ghostly shapes of the superstructure. What you'll see down there isn't just twisted metal. Schools of threadfin and island jack cruise through the open torpedo tubes, and we’ve spotted longnose hawkfish perched on what were once gun turrets, now overgrown with delicate corals. It's a surreal blend of history and nature, a testament to life finding a way even in the most tragic of places. This dive suits thoughtful, respectful divers who appreciate the historical weight of a site as much as the marine life. Our best advice? Go with a dive operator who truly understands the site's significance; their pre-dive briefing makes all the difference.

    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.

    Today06:3417:1010h 36m daylightGolden hour 16:12

    Reviews for Wreck of St Sunniva

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of St Sunniva

    Wreck of St Sunniva Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Wreck of St Sunniva, 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

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Scapa Flow, Orkney, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Scapa Flow, Orkney

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Scapa Flow, Orkney.

    Search stays in Scapa Flow, Orkney

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Wreck of St Sunniva

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Scapa Flow, Orkney