Plongée à Scapa Flow — Barrel of Butter — United Kingdom

Barrel of Butter is a rocky reef pinnacle rising from the sandy floor of Scapa Flow, separate from the famous German fleet wrecks. Carpeted in jewel anemones and soft corals, it offers a colourful shallow dive in the heart of Orkney's legendary anchorage. Ideal for divers wanting a reef break between wreck dives.

Score
56.9
Visibilité
6–18m
Température
6–13°C
Meilleurs mois
May, June, July
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World Class
Intermediate
Scapa Flow — Barrel of Butter
United KingdomEurope
56.9

SCORE

58.8900°N

-3.1000°E

Barrel of Butter is a rocky reef pinnacle rising from the sandy floor of Scapa Flow, separate from the famous German fleet wrecks. Carpeted in jewel anemones and soft corals, it offers a colourful shallow dive in the heart of Orkney's legendary anchorage. Ideal for divers wanting a reef break between wreck dives.

Orkney's Shallow Reef Jewel

Visibility6–18 m
Temperature6–13°C
Max Depth22 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$90
Best MonthsMay, June, July, August
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML58.0CH45.0VIS55.0SV55.0TMP28.0DA60.0OP72.0TS58.0GT45.0VAL70.0CRD85.0SP52.0

Marine Life

58.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
55
Megafauna Encounters
40
Reef Fish Abundance
52
Macro Life
68
Endemic Species
55
Marine Life Diversity
58.0
Coral & Reef Health
45.0
Visibility & Conditions
55.0
Dive Site Variety
55.0
Water Temperature
28.0
Depth & Access
60.0
Operator Quality
72.0
Topside Experience
58.0
Getting There
45.0
Value & Cost
70.0
Crowding
85.0
Social Proof
52.0

Dive Types

reefwallscenic

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Skara Brae Neolithic villageRing of BrodgarScapa distillery tourpuffin watching at Marwick Head

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Skara Brae
  • Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
  • St Magnus Cathedral

Non-Diver Score

7/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber5 km — Orkney Hyperbaric Trust Chamber, Kirkwall
Nearest Hospital10 km

Chamber in Kirkwall; DAN Europe emergency line available

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Scapa Scuba

PADI

4.8
210 reviewsNITROX

Diving Cellar

BSAC

4.6
145 reviewsNITROX
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