Wreck of Summer Isles (Possibly) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Summer Isles, or what we strongly suspect is Summer Isles, is a Scapa Flow experience that really gets under your skin. We love descending onto the bow and seeing the shape of her emerge from the gloom, typically around 15 metres if the light's cooperating. The stern points back towards shore, and it's here we find the real character, with several large sections of her hull plating torn away, creating swim-throughs that are just begging for a look. Shoals of saithe often hang above the deeper sections, their scales catching the light, and we’ve found some decent-sized lobsters tucked into the debris. This wreck is perfect for those who appreciate the history as much as the diving, offering a tangible link to Scapa Flow’s past, and it’s especially rewarding on a slack tide when you can really take your time to explore the nooks. It's not the biggest wreck in Scapa, but its accessible depth and fascinating structure make it one of our favourite mid-week dives when the weather lets us on it.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.977985, -5.454701
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cailleach Head

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 Summer Isles (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 Summer Isles (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