Wreck of Strato - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Eday* is one of those Scapa Flow wrecks that just *feels* like a proper dive. We love the way she’s mostly intact, lying on her port side, giving you plenty of internal space to explore if you’re comfortable with wreck penetration. Dropping onto her deck, you’ll often find it swarming with butterfish darting between the deck fittings, and great clumps of Devonshire cup coral adding splashes of orange to the otherwise monochrome steel. We’d suggest heading for the bow first. It’s still quite recognisable, and the propeller is a fantastic spot to look for squat lobsters tucked away in crevices. Visibility can vary here, as it does across Scapa, but even in murkier conditions, the sheer scale of the *Eday* still impresses. You’ll definitely need a good torch; we often see light-bulb sea squirts clinging to the bulkheads inside, glowing faintly in your beam. This is a brilliant dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a chill; the marine life is tough and vibrant, a real testament to how nature reclaims these industrial relics.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.223125, -2.508054
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Central Sanday

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 Strato

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 Strato

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