Dive Orkney

The Orkney Islands offer some of the best diving in the British Isles. From the world famous Scapa Flow wrecks to some of the most scenic diving in the world, the Orkneys have the variety to suit everyone’s taste and experience. One of the best ways to get the most out of your time is to use a liveaboard – that way you don’t have to return to Stromness every evening but can relax in comfort and move from dive site to dive site.

Aboard MV Karin, we offer week long dive trips that cater for your preferences. For the full Orkney diving experience, we recommend taking in the best of the famous Scapa Flow wrecks, seal diving, scenic diving , scallops, lobsters and even the odd crayfish. In addition, visit the North Isles wrecks and different harbours each evening.


For all the wreck junkies we offer a mix of wrecks and scenic and wildlife. If you want to dive Scapa Flow all week, again it’s not a problem; you are still not limited to two dives a day and seals are a fantastic lunchtime snorkel even if they do tend to nip at your fins when you aren’t looking!

A Typical Dive Trip aboard MV Karin

On your arrival on Saturday (unless on the late ferry) we will depart for a dive on the German fleet in Scapa Flow - if you are too tired after the journey then just relax and grab some sleep in your cabin. We will overnight in Longhope on Hoy at the south end of the island, with its small, very local, island pub (be wary of the landlord’s hospitality!!)

Sunday morning we head to the Koln, probably the best of the cruisers these days, before going to Lyness at lunchtime for food and a visit to the naval museum at Lyness. A recommended afternoon dive is on the German U-Boat, U116 in what is normally better visability. We overnight in Burray where yet more good food and a hospitable pub makes the evening slip by
Monday we dive the James Barrie, an excellent dive that is very recognisable in good visibility. This is a testing dive, lying in 42m and, in slack water, makes an excellent introductory dive to the diving what is to come in the North Isles diving way.

Leaving Scapaflow, we head north and dive on either the Pensylvania or Aorangie, both shallow dives rarely looked at by recreational divers. We overnight in Orkney’s capital, Kirkwall which has much to offer including the cathedral with the bell off HMS Royal Oak on display , restaurants galore and (of course) pubs to relax in.
The following morning takes us to the wreck of the Cotavia (42 metres) with its huge steam engines and brass propeller blade (or is it two?). Heading further north, we dive a tug in shallow water at Eday before drifting off and to pick scallops. On our way to Sanday for our overnight stay we can stop off at the seal colonies for a swim with our grey friends – don’t forget to take your cameras and videos for this one!!

The following morning, we head south to dive the HMS Zarefah (a large, well built steam ship that was run by Oxbridge members before being conscripted for the First World War and then being sunk off the Mull Head by mines). The afternoon dive is North on the Tomalina, a unique wreck literally in a gully under the Westray Lighthouse, a site that has to be seen to be believed. The site is very weather dependant but is a brilliant swim.
Heading south now we head towards Stromness, diving the Tabarka in Hoy Sound before we overnighting in Orkney’s second town

Our last day brings us to the German battleships. For those who want to go deeper the SMS Markgraf is the choice (45m). For those who want to stay a little shallower (38m) the SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm is your option. These wrecks are huge and have a fantastic history so do a bit of research to be aware of what they are about. They are like colossal metal reefs with guns on them so should keep all happy.

The last dive of the week is agreed by vote! You decide on whether it is on another blockship - maybe the Gobernador Bories, SMS Carlsruhe etc.

This is just a suggested itinerary - there are many other options to go for (too many to mention here). For more information, contact

John Thornton, Polrudden House,
Peerie Sea Loan,
Kirkwall, Orkney,
Scotland, KW15 1UH.

Telephone (01856) 874761
Mobile 07850 246831
Email [email protected]

or visit our websites:
http://www.scapaflow.com
http://www.scapaflow.com/diveorkney.htm