Wreck of Zarefah
Protected Area
Copinsay
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 Zarefah offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Zarefah isn't one of Scapa Flow's behemoths, but we think it’s a brilliant dive for those who want to get hands-on with a wreck. She was a trawler sunk by a mine in 1916 and now lies broken in three main sections. You’ll find her off Cava, usually a nice sheltered spot. We love weaving through the debris field, poking into the twisted metal and imagining the trawl nets still hanging from her davits. The stern section, with its intact prop shaft, is our favourite. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked into crevices and the jewel anemones that add surprising splashes of colour to the dark metal. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the light filters through the kelp, creating an eerie, atmospheric dive. It's a proper rummage, a good few dives exploring every nook and cranny, and perfect for photographers looking for an intimate wreck subject rather than a wide-angle marvel. Stronger currents can whip through here, so pick your slack carefully.
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 Zarefah
Wreck of Zarefah Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Zarefah, 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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