Wreck of Sunnyvale
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.
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.
Reviews for Wreck of Sunnyvale
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)
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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