the submerged safari
Where Orkney runs out of land, this tour keeps going. We take you from clifftop ruins to sunken wrecks, with Kraken Diving's PADI team handling the deep bits and me handling the rest. Wild, quiet, and usually just you.
Built for
- The curious type: raw Orkney, no crowds
- Wildlife watchers: kelp, seabirds, open skies
Key facts
- Ages: 10+
- Group size: up to 4
- Intensity: moderate
- Families: family friendly
Includes
- Snorkel safari: guided, WWI/WW2 blockships
- Deerness wilderness: cliff walk to The Gloup
- Brough scramble: climb to Norse ruins
- Full gear: cold-water kit included
- Private transport: door to door, up to 4
Typical itinerary
Tides call the shots here, so the order of the day can shift. We chase the conditions, not the clock.
09:00am
Anywhere on Orkney mainland.
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Coastal positioning
Kit fitting and a quick briefing before we head for the water.
The submerged safari
Straight over the blockships and through the seagrass. No diving experience needed. You're not reading about history, you're floating through it.
De rig & Refuel
Gear off, kettle on. A quick stop at the Barrier View Café before we swap wetsuits for walking boots.
The Deerness Wilderness & The Gloup
East to Mull Head, well off the tourist trail. The walk starts at The Gloup, a collapsed sea cave the tide still crashes through, then follows the cliffs with the North Sea for company.
The Brough Scramble
Down to the shore, then up the sea stack via chain and rock-cut steps to the old Norse chapel ruins. Seabirds included, free of charge.
3pm (ish)
Return anywhere on the Orkney Mainland. Timings shift slightly based on water conditions.
What the means for you
We'd rather wait for the tide than watch the clock. Pairing land know-how with Orkney's only dedicated dive school gets you a side of Scapa Flow that most visitors never see, on a day shaped entirely by what the sea decides to do.
- True isolation: The tour buses stop at the car park, we keep going. This route runs the cliff edges and shorelines where coach groups simply can't reach, so more often than not, it's just you, the wrecks, and the wildlife.
- New to snorkelling? No bother. No experience or fancy technique needed. Kraken Diving's PADI team brief you fully before you're in the water and stay right with you the whole way round.
- Leave no trace: The wrecks and seabirds here are the real thing, not a museum piece behind glass. We look, we don't touch, and nothing leaves with us but photographs.
- Island time: Six hours is the plan, not a promise. If the swell's up or the light's wrong, we'll reshuffle the day rather than force it, and you'll still get the full experience, just in a different order.
Guaranteed return:
Flights and ferries wait for no one, so I keep a close eye on the tide table and the clock to have you back in plenty of time, unless you decide to get lost at the bar instead.
Items not included:
- Lunch
- Shipping for any artifacts (leave them where they lie)
- Bad moods
Hi I'm Calum.
Hi, I'm Calum. Kraken Diving look after the PADI safety and the sunken history, I handle the land, the cliffs, and the ruins. Between us, we cut out the crowds entirely.
Got tour questions? Let's talk
Skip the chatbots, talk to a real Orkney person. Ten free minutes on tides, timings, and anything else on your mind.
Bring your weird and wonderful ideas. I enjoy a challenge.
Book this tour
To book, send an enquiry and I'll be in touch within 24 hours.
A 50% deposit (£375) secures your date, with the balance due on the day.
Expect to hear back within 24 hours
Next Steps
The details: The rate covers up to 4 people, that's what fits in the vehicle. Fully private, no strangers along for the ride. Bigger group? Just ask.
Alterations and special requests: Want to change a stop or the timing? Just say the word.
(I'll be here. The date might not be.)
Your questions answered
Do I need diving experience for the Submerged Safari?
No, it's snorkelling only. No experience needed, just comfort in open water.
How long does the tour take?
Around 6 hours, though tides and weather can shift the timing.
What's the minimum age?
10 years old, due to the gear and the cliff scramble.
How many people can join?
Up to 4 in the standard rate. Larger groups by request.
What's included in the price?
PADI-guided snorkel, cold-water gear, cliff walk to Deerness, and private transport for up to 4 guests.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, for families with children aged 10 and over.
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