the submerged safari
This is a joint operation between Historic Orkney and Kraken Diving. We bridge the gap between shore and sea, moving from coastal defenses to the marine life and blockships beneath the surface. This 6-hour expedition spans more than five millennia, linking current marine ecosystems and WWI/WW2 naval history with Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeology.
The Essentials
- Target: Explorers, the physically active, and high-context travelers.
- Ages: 10+ (due to technical gear and naval sites).
- Group Size: Max 4.
- Included: Full kit hire, PADI professional instruction, and private transport.
- Intensity: Moderate.
Availability: seasonal by arrangement.
Service Includes
- Site Facilitation: Access to Churchill Barriers and naval anchorage points.
- Snorkel Safari: Guided exploration of submerged wreckage and kelp forests.
- Tomb of the Eagles: A coastal walk and entry into one of Orkney’s most famous Neolithic chambered cairns.
- Bronze Age Site: Exploration of the Liddle Burnt Mound and ancient stone structures.
- Professional Gear: High-spec equipment for cold water.
Typical itinerary
Conditions dictate the flow. Kraken selects snorkel sites based on tide and visibility to ensure the best encounter, which may change the layout of the day.
09:00am
Anywhere on Orkney mainland.
.avif)
Coastal positioning
Land-side logistics and technical briefing.
The submerged safari
Snorkel experience led by Kraken Diving. Explore WWI/WW2 blockships or seagrass meadows. No previous experience required. Kraken professionals provide historical and biological context as you move through the water.
De rig & Refuel
Time to de-rig and warm up. Before moving from the maritime environment to the cliffs of South Ronaldsay, we head to the Barrier View Café for a break.
Tomb of the Eagles & Bronze Age Site
Visit the Neolithic tomb (access via the famous trolley) and the nearby Bronze Age dwelling.
The North Sea Panorama
We conclude on the dramatic Isbister cliffs. This provides an up-close, panoramic view of the North Sea and the Pentland Firth where the land abruptly halts against the open water.
3pm (ish)
Return anywhere on the Orkney mainland. timings may shift slightly based on water conditions.
Why This Matters
We prioritize the integrity of the experience over a rigid schedule. Most Orkney tours stop at the shoreline; we use the tide to determine the best moment to cross it. By combining specialized land logistics with Orkney’s only dedicated dive school, we provide a perspective on Scapa Flow and the southern isles that remains hidden to most.
This is about an experience beyond the generic. Instead of reading a plaque about the WW1 and WW2 blockships, you can drift over the top of them with a dedicated instructor. You can stand on the South Ronaldsay cliffs where the land ends and the Neolithic world began. We provide the technical gear so you can stop being a spectator and start navigating the environment as it is: raw, historic, and unique.
Items not included
- Lunch
- Shipping for any artifacts (look but don't touch)
- Bad moods
Hi I'm Calum.
I’m Calum. This safari is about removing barriers. Kraken Diving handles the technical PADI safety and submerged history; I ensure the land logistics and archaeology run well. I wanted to make another unique experience, and this one delivers.
Got questions about this tour?
Skip the chatbots and speak in real time. This ten minute briefing is a no-pressure technical check to answer questions and check over your ideas. We’ll focus on the logistics, timings, tides, and accessibility.
To ensure your journey is built without compromise. Bring your "weird and wonderful" ideas, I enjoy a challenge.
Book this tour
To book the 'The submerged safari' please submit an enquiry. I will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss the next steps.
A 50% deposit (£300) is required to secure the date once the itinerary is confirmed, with the remaining balance (£300) due on the day.
Expect to hear back within 24 hours
Next Steps
Tailoring your itinerary
I will be in touch a day or two after your enquiry to discuss the details.
Additions & Special Requests
If you want to customise the tour or include more entry tickets, let me know. I will provide a separate estimate for any additions.
Booking protection & insurance
Deposits are non-refundable to reflect our small scale, personal service. To protect your booking, we recommend independent travel insurance including CFAR (Cancel for any reason) coverage.
(I’ll be here. The date might not be.)
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