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 defences to the marine life and blockships beneath the surface. This 6-hour expedition spans more than many millennia, linking current marine ecosystems and WWI/WW2 naval history with remote, cliff-edge archaeology.
Quick Logistics
- Ages: 10+ (due to technical gear and exposure to coastal heights).
- Group Size: Max 4 people.
- Intensity: Moderate (includes an open-water snorkel and a steep, chain-assisted coastal scramble).
- Included: Full cold-water kit hire, PADI professional instruction, and private land transport.
- Availability: Seasonal by arrangement.
Service Includes
- Site Facilitation: Access to the Churchill Barriers and historic naval anchorage points.
- Snorkel Safari: Guided exploration of submerged wreckage, WWI/WW2 blockships, and kelp forests.
- The Gloup & Mull Head: A walk alongside an 80-metre-deep collapsed sea cave where the ocean surges inland beneath a natural land bridge.
- The Brough of Deerness: Exploration of a 30-metre-high sea stack hosting the stone remains of an early medieval Norse chapel and settlement.
- Professional Gear: High-spec equipment tailored for cold-water immersion.
Typical itinerary
Conditions dictate the flow. Kraken selects snorkel sites based on tide and visibility to ensure the best encounter, which may shift the sequence of the day.
09:00am
Anywhere on Orkney mainland.
.avif)
Coastal positioning
Land-side logistics and technical briefing.
The submerged safari
Open-water snorkel experience led by Kraken Diving. Drift over WWI/WW2 blockships or explore dense seagrass meadows. No previous diving experience is required; PADI professionals provide all historical and biological context in the water.
De rig & Refuel
Time to strip out of the gear, dry off, and warm up. Before trading the marine environment for the high sea cliffs, we stop for a break at the Barrier View Café.
The Deerness Wilderness & The Gloup
We head east to the Mull Head Nature Reserve. The route starts at The Gloup, tracking the open chasm where the tide crashes through a subterranean arch. From there, we follow the cliff path over rabbit-cropped turf with panoramic views of the North Sea.
The Brough Scramble
We descend the rocky coastline to the base of the Brough of Deerness. To reach the summit of the sea stack and explore the 11th-century Norse ruins, we take the narrow, rock-cut steps using a fixed chain rail for support. The area is completely open, wild, and surrounded by nesting seabirds.
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 environment over a rigid schedule. Most 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 eastern cliffs that remains hidden to standard visitors.
This is about space, scale, and solitude. Instead of reading a plaque about naval history, you drift over the top of the ships. Instead of visiting a manicured heritage site, you navigate a raw, exposed sea stack where the land ends and nature holds court. We provide the technical gear and local mechanics so you can experience the environment exactly as it is: unedited and unique.
Items not included
- Lunch
- Shipping for any artifacts (look but don't touch)
- Bad moods
Hi I'm Calum.
This safari is about removing barriers. Kraken Diving handles the technical PADI safety and submerged history; I manage the land logistics, coastal routing, and cliff-side archaeology. We wanted to create an experience that cuts out the crowds and focuses entirely on the elements, and this one delivers.
Got tour questions? Let's talk
Skip the chatbots and speak in real time. This is a free ten-minute briefing is a no pressure technical check to answer questions live. 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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