Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Cape Wrath

    Wreck of Sunnyvale

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Cape Wrath

    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 Sunnyvale 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

    The Wreck of Sunnyvale sits in Scapa Flow, another piece of that incredible wartime graveyard. We love this site because it’s surprisingly intact, offering a real sense of the ship’s original purpose. Drop down and you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of it, with sections of the hull still proudly upright, giving you plenty of vertical exploration. We always make a point of heading into the larger holds; they’re dark, cool, and often filled with schools of juvenile cod darting between the rusty girders, and sometimes a ling or two lurking in the deeper shadows. The deck fittings, winches, and even some of the superstructure are still recognisable, encrusted with anemones and soft corals that glow faintly in the torchlight. This isn't a drift dive; it’s a detailed exploration, best suited for divers who appreciate history and enjoy poking around the nooks and crannies. Surface conditions can be choppy, as is typical for Orkney, so a steady boat and an experienced skipper are essential for an enjoyable dive here.

    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.

    Today06:4717:2810h 41m daylightGolden hour 16:33

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Sunnyvale

    Wreck of Sunnyvale Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Wreck of Sunnyvale, 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

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