the submerged safari
A stark look at Orkney where the land ends. This expedition bridges the gap between shore and sea, moving from coastal defences into the marine life and blockships beneath the surface. Run alongside Kraken Diving, we link current marine ecosystems and naval history with remote, cliff-edge archaeology. This is about space, scale, and solitude—showing the islands exactly as they are: unedited, wild, and with hopefully no one else in sight.
Built for
- The curious traveller: For those wanting a raw, crowd-free encounter with Orkney's natural and naval elements.
- Wildlife and scenery seekers: Focused on dense kelp forests, marine ecosystems, and nesting seabird colonies along open horizons.
Ages: 10+ (due to technical gear and exposure to coastal heights).
Max group size: Ideal for up to three adults or a family of four. Larger groups strictly by request.
Intensity: Moderate (includes an open-water snorkel and a steep, chain-assisted coastal scramble).
Families: All ages over 10.
Includes
- Snorkel Safari: Guided exploration of submerged wreckage, WWI/WW2 blockships, and kelp forests led by PADI professionals.
- The Deerness Wilderness: Tracking the cliff paths of Mull Head Nature Reserve and the 80-metre-deep collapsed sea cave at The Gloup.
- The Brough Scramble: Crossing the rocky coastline and ascending the sea stack to explore the 11th-century Norse ruins of Deerness.
- Professional Gear: Full cold-water kit hire and high-spec immersion equipment tailored for the North Sea.
- Private transport: Door-to-door transport anywhere on the Orkney Mainland for up to 4 guests.
Typical itinerary
Conditions dictate the flow. We select snorkel sites based entirely on tide, swell, and visibility to ensure the best encounter and total isolation, which means the sequence of the day will shift.
09:00am
Anywhere on Orkney mainland.
.avif)
Coastal positioning
Land-side logistics, technical briefing, and gear fitting.
The submerged safari
Open-water snorkel experience. We drift directly over WWI/WW2 blockships and explore dense seagrass meadows. No previous diving experience is required; we provide all historical and biological context directly in the water. Instead of looking at a monument, you are floating through history.
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 quiet break at the Barrier View Café.
The Deerness Wilderness & The Gloup
We head east to the Mull Head Nature Reserve, far away from the standard tour routes. The walk starts at The Gloup, tracking the open chasm where the tide crashes through a subterranean arch, before following 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 isolated sea stack and explore the remaining stone foundations of the Norse chapel, 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 shift slightly based on water conditions.
What the means for you
We prioritize the integrity of the environment and quiet over a rigid schedule. Most tours stop at the shoreline; we use the tide to determine the exact moment to cross it. By combining specialized land logistics with Orkney’s only dedicated dive school, we open up a perspective on Scapa Flow and the eastern cliffs that remains entirely hidden to standard visitors.
- True Isolation: This route targets the edges of the mainland where the tour buses cannot go. It is designed to give you the quiet, elemental space that defines the true spirit of the islands.
- Sustainability and Impact: We operate on a 'look but don't touch' policy. We move through these delicate marine and coastal ecosystems leaving zero trace, focusing entirely on passive wildlife observation.
- Island time: The itinerary is roughly 6 hours, but water and weather dictate the day. We travel at a pace that respects the natural environment and always works out in your favour.
- Guaranteed return: I closely monitor the clock and sea conditions to ensure you are back well in time for flights, ferries, and cruise departures—unless you decide to get lost at the bar.
Items not included:
Lunch
Shipping for any artifacts (leave them where they lie)
Bad moods
Hi I'm Calum.
This safari is about removing the barriers between you and the environment. 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 completely 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, no pressure technical check to answer your 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 (£350) is required to secure the date once the itinerary is confirmed, with the remaining balance (£350) due on the day.
Expect to hear back within 24 hours
Next Steps
The Details The rate covers up to 4 people, which is how many fit in the vehicle. This is a completely private tour; you will not be sharing the space with strangers. If your group is larger, get in touch to discuss the logistics.
Vehicle Upgrades If an executive vehicle like the BMW 5 or 7 series is required, get in touch and this can be arranged for an additional fee.
Alterations & Special Requests If you want to change or add more stops or adjust the timing, let me know.
(I’ll be here. The date might not be.)
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