Scapa Flow — Barrel of Butter vs Scapa Flow — Dive Destination Comparison
Scapa Flow — Barrel of Butter (United Kingdom) scores 56.9/100 vs Scapa Flow's 53.7/100 in OkToDive's 12-category rating. Choose Scapa Flow — Barrel of Butter for reef diving with 6–18m visibility. Choose Scapa Flow for wreck diving at ~$120/dive.
Last updated: 2026-07-22
Side-by-side comparison
| Metric | Scapa Flow — Barrel of Butter | Scapa Flow |
|---|---|---|
| OkToDive Score | 56.9/100 | 53.7/100 |
| Country | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Visibility | 6--18m | 5--15m |
| Water temp | 6--13 C | 6--13 C |
| Max depth | 22m | 46m |
| Current | moderate | strong |
| Cost per 2-tank dive | $90 | $120 |
| Budget tier | mid range | mid range |
| Best months | May, June, July | May, June, July |
| Dive types | reef, wall, scenic | wreck, deep, technical |
| Min certification | Open Water | Advanced Open Water |
| Key species | dahlia anemone, wolf fish, ballan wrasse | common seal, lobster, ballan wrasse |
| Google rating | 4.6 (95 reviews) | 4.7 (1400 reviews) |
Which should you choose?
Choose Scapa Flow — Barrel of Butter when...
- + Divers who prioritize reef diving
- + Anyone visiting Europe for the first time
- + Groups seeking 8+ named dive sites in one area
Skip if
- - You hate cold water — temps drop to 6°C
- - You need shore access — this is boat-only
Choose Scapa Flow when...
- + Wreck diving enthusiasts
- + Anyone visiting Europe for the first time
- + Groups seeking 15+ named dive sites in one area
Skip if
- - You're uncomfortable in strong currents
- - You don't have Advanced certification
- - You hate cold water — temps drop to 6°C
Bottom line
Scapa Flow — Barrel of Butter wins on overall score (56.9 vs 53.7), but the right choice depends on your priorities. Scapa Flow — Barrel of Butter is more affordable ($90 vs $120/dive). Scapa Flow — Barrel of Butter has better peak visibility (18m vs 15m).