YC 21
Protected Area
Hoy
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) - YC 21 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The YC 21 barge, sunk in a gale in Gutter Sound back in '68, offers a solid, if not spectacular, dive at 14 metres. We’ve found her to be a dependable spot for a leisurely exploration, often with decent visibility for Scapa. The wreck itself is relatively intact, a good size for a single dive, with plenty of nooks and crannies for curious divers. Keep an eye out for the usual Scapa residents; we often spot wrasse darting around the structure and some surprisingly large crabs tucked into the plating. It’s a great site for newer wreck divers looking to get comfortable, or for anyone wanting a relaxed dive when the big German battleships feel a bit much.
Typical YC 21 Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to YC 21
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for YC 21
YC 21 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for YC 21, 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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