Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101814 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Dropping onto what we believe is the *Varing* in Scapa Flow, it’s immediately clear this isn't just another pile of metal. This wreck, possibly an old merchant steamer, lies broken but still full of character on the seabed. We love picking out details in the gloom – the way a winch looms out of the green, or a section of hull plate still holds its rivets after all these decades. It’s a site for those who appreciate history as much as marine life, offering plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. The *Varing* provides a canvas for life in the Flow. Blue mussels cling in dense mats to every available surface, while the occasional harbour porpoise might cruise past in the distance. Look closer and you’ll spot cape sharks lurking in the deeper shadows, and the sheer number of razorbills and guillemots circling above, feeding, tells you just how rich these waters are. We'd suggest going at slack water to truly appreciate the scale and atmosphere; strong currents can make navigating the deeper sections a bit of a workout. It’s a real taste of Scapa Flow's unique blend of history and hardy North Atlantic life.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.777775, -2.951072
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Spey Bay

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 Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101814

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 Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101814

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