Orkney, also known as the Orkney Islands, is an archipelago in northern Scotland and, although you are still in Europe, this place has an otherworldly quality and magnetism that draws tens of thousands each year. Orkney’s incredible rolling green fields, rugged coastlines and spectacular pristine beaches together with shipwrecks still resting on the seabed makes this place a must to visit for every serious diver.
Churchill Barriers
Stromness harbour; it's hard not to fall in love with this place
Orcas have been fairly regular visitors in Scapa Flow
Of the 782 warships scuttled, 3 Battleships and 4 Light Cruisers still rest today on the seabed of Scapa Flow . The majority were raised in what was one of the largest ever salvage operations in history. Nevertheless, the remains still make these waters an exciting playground for diving parties to explore.
Whether you are a complete beginner, or an experienced diver, used to warm water or cold, Scapa Scuba -Orkney's only PADI Dive Centre- will have diving options and packages available for you. Those certified divers who have not dived for a while, or who are not qualified for the deeper dives in Scapa Flow will appreciate shore diving at the Churchill Barriers providing great shallow wreck diving - all wrecks are lying in 10m of water within easy swimming distance from the shore. A perfect dry suit training ground.
meet the team
a former Lifeboat Station has become Scapa Scuba's second home
More experienced divers will however want to dive a bit deeper and the wrecks in Scapa Flow lie in water ranging from 24 - 45m deep with the visibility extending to as much as 20m on occasion. If you are unfamiliar with the layout and history of the breath taking wrecks, the Scapa Scuba might be a good tip - all their guides are experienced instructors or Divemasters, who are experienced in the diving conditions of the area and familiar with its history. They have dived the wrecks many times so will be able to show you all the best parts of every wreck you dive.
Apart from guided dives, the guys also offer a full range of Diver Training . They specialise in small groups and individuals so whether you are on your own, or part of a group - they will be delighted to take you diving. At the Dive Centre you’ll also find a fully stocked dive shop, an on-site dry suit manufacture and overnight dry suit repair business as well as offering equipment servicing. Well worth a visit! The Dive school operates from early May and will carry on 7 days a week until the end of September. To find out more about Scapa Scuba, visit their website.
Photos: © SCAPA SCUBA
Source: http://www.scapascuba.co.uk
