Wreck of Viola
Protected Area
Hoy and West Mainland
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 Viola offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
Diving the *Viola* in Scapa Flow, you’re not just exploring a wreck, you're touching a piece of history. This trawler, scuttled during the famous fleet sinking, lies relatively intact, offering a fantastic penetration dive for those with the right training. We love dropping into the stern, navigating through the holds, feeling the chill of the steel on your fingertips. It’s dark in there, properly dark, so good lights are non-negotiable. Outside, the wreck is completely encrusted. We’ve seen huge crumb-of-bread sponges clinging to the hull and dulse waving in the gentle flow. Lobsters peek out from every crevice, and butterfish dart between the plates. Keep an eye out for the odd common dragonet camouflaged on the deck too. The *Viola* isn't about tropical colours, it's about the sheer atmosphere and the quiet hum of history, a real Scapa Flow classic.
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.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Viola
Wreck of Viola Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Viola, 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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