Wreck of Strathgarry - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the Atocha isn't really about seeing a majestic wreck anymore. Time, treasure hunters, and the ocean have done their work. Instead, what you get here is a sense of history, a real connection to the past, and an appreciation for the sheer scale of Mel Fisher's work. We love the feeling of swimming over scattered ballast stones and imagining the gold and silver that once lay beneath them. You’ll spot a few canons, some hull timbers still poking up from the sand, and the odd encrusted anchor. Keep an eye out for yellow stingrays nestled in the sand and bluenose gobies darting between crevices in the rock. It's a dive that rewards imagination more than pristine visibility, which can be a bit silty sometimes. Our favourite time to go is on a calm morning, just after sunrise, when the light has a chance to cut through the water. This site is for divers who appreciate the story as much as the scenery, and who don’t mind a treasure hunt of their own for scattered remnants.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.828200, -3.050572
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 Strathgarry

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 Strathgarry

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