WYRE LAW - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Wyre Law is a proper Scapa Flow anomaly, a shallow wreck often overlooked, and honestly, we love it for that. She's a steel steam trawler, went down in 1952, and now sits bolt upright in just two metres of water. That depth is key; it means incredibly long bottom times, even for newer divers, and a wreck that’s just bathed in ambient light, cutting through the usual Scapa gloom. Our favourite thing about the Wyre Law is the way you can just drift over her deck, spotting the details that would be lost in deeper, darker water. The bow, the stern, the collapsed superstructure – it’s all there, softened by decades of growth. The engine room is open to the sky, and you can poke your head in, watching the light play on the machinery. You'll see plumose anemones waving like tiny white flags, crabs scuttling across the plates, and often, small shoals of pollack or saithe darting through the rusted framework. It’s not a deep, dramatic penetration dive, but it’s a brilliant, relaxed exploration of a piece of history, perfectly suited for those who appreciate the smaller details and want to spend ages just soaking it all in.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.254044, -6.172802
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Gress Saltings

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 WYRE LAW

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 WYRE LAW

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