Question 1

What should I wear under my drysuit?

Accepted Answer

We recommend tracksuit bottoms/leggings for the bottom half, thick socks and a thermal top or jumper without a hood for your top half.

If you feel the cold (like Rob is) then maybe wear both! We have tracksuit bottoms and tops with us in the van if you don't have anything suitable.

Find more information here: https://www.krakendiving.co.uk/post/be-prepared

Question 2

If weather is a bit wet or and windy, will my activity still happen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, don't worry at all!

One of the great things about the Churchill Barriers is they provide us with nice sheltered sites in nearly all wind directions (there is one annoying direction, but thankfully we don't get it often).

Rainfall doesn't effect us at all, apart from wanting to get in the drysuit quicker or we might do briefings in the van. Exploring the underwater world in a toasty drysuit is (in our opinion) the best thing you can do on a wet and windy day in Orkney!

It's the shore cover to feel sorry for, who'll be wetter than our divers and snorkellers!

If you are booked for boat diving, we are of course a bit more exposed. But we do our best to find sheltered areas or to rearrange to another day.

Question 3

How long does the day last?

Accepted Answer

Shore Snorkel Safaris generally take about 3 hours.
We usually meet at 0945 for a morning snorkel or 1245 for an afternoon snorkel.

Shore Diving starts at 0945 and usually finishes about 1430 if doing two dives.
Exact meeting times and locations would be sent to you via email (or whatsapp if arranged) in the days running up to your dive/snorkel as this is weather dependent.

Ropes off for boat activities tends to be 0830/0900 from Stromness Harbour, getting back around 1600.

Question 4

Do I need a medical?

Accepted Answer

All PADI courses require the participant to complete a PADI Medical, depending on your answers this may require signing off by a GP before you are allowed to dive.

The only exception to this are the PADI Tec Rec courses which require sign off by a GP regardless of your answers.

For those not doing a course, you only need to complete a medical if diving on the boat.

We do not need snorkellers to complete a PADI Medical, but if you have any conditions that may be relevant please let us know in advance.

Question 5

How do I get to Orkney?

Accepted Answer

The downside of being a small group of islands off the north coast of Scotland is it can feel more complicated to work out how to get here, but don't worry we've got you sorted.

You can either fly to Kirkwall airport or get a ferry from various locations around Scotland.
We've jotted down some more information on possible routes and ideas for the rest of your trip here:
https://www.krakendiving.co.uk/planning-your-trip

Question 6

Can I get gift vouchers?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can do gift vouchers!

Our gift vouchers can be for any amount or activity and are valid for a year from the event (e.g. if you get them for someone for Christmas, they'd be valid until the following Christmas).

Question 7

What is the water temperatue?

Accepted Answer

The temperature ranges from 6 degrees at the start of the season (April) to a high of about 15 in August, before slowly dropping back down to about 7 or 8 degrees at the end of the season in December.
We do everything in drysuits though so you should still stay toasty and warm!

Question 8

What is the youngest you can take for snorkelling or diving?

Accepted Answer

This is a bit of a tricky one, the youngest for snorkelling that we will take is 10 and for diving it is 12.

However, at this sort of age we'd ask you to send us their height and chest measurements before booking, to ensure we have a small enough suit to fit them so they stay dry and warm to fully enjoy their underwater adventure with us!

Question 9

I've never dived before, what's the first step?

Accepted Answer

Super exciting that you're thinking of getting in the water, and even more exciting that you're thinking to come with us!

There are three options:
Option one: Join us for a snorkel safari, you get to explore the underwater world without ever having to leave the surface of the water.

Option two: Join us for a Discover Scuba Dive (or two) to experience breathing underwater for the first time without having to commit to a full four day course to learn how to dive.

Option three: Take the plunge (Get it??) and complete your PADI Open Water Course with us to learn how to safely scuba dive and earn a qualification recognised around the world.

Get more information on these options here: https://www.krakendiving.co.uk/post/its-ok-to-be-scared

Question 10

Can I come as a solo diver?

Accepted Answer

Yes definitely!

We structure all our offerings so they're accessible for divers that aren't travelling with a buddy.
Depending on other bookings you might have a guide all to yourself or be buddied up with someone else of similar experience level.

Either way you'll be with at least one, normally two staff members, so plenty of safety and eyes for spotting those cool little critters.

If you want you can read more about how we cater to solo divers in our blog post here:
https://www.krakendiving.co.uk/post/solo-traveling-no-problem

Question 11

I have my own wetsuit, can I wear that?

Accepted Answer

With the water temperature we have up here off the North of Scotland, we do everything in drysuits to make sure you're comfortable enough to enjoy your time in the water with us. Don't worry if you've never worn one before, you'll get a full briefing on how they work and help with getting in and out of them if needed.

Question 12

Can I come to your shop?

Accepted Answer

We don't actually have a physical shop! We're all about the providing you with the best in-water experience rather than focusing on selling equipment.
If you want to remember your time with us why not treat yourself to some cool Kraken Merchandise or book our in house photographer to come and join you on your dive?

Question 13

I Only have 1 day, can I dive Scapa?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, if you only have one day available we'd be unable to get you on the German Wrecks of Scapa Flow.

This is due to the deeper depths they sit at. We require people to spend a day with us at the Churchill Barriers to make sure we and they are happy and comfortable before heading deeper.

We know check dives get a bad rep around the world as a waste, but the Barriers are an amazing dive site, they actually end up being most of our Divemasters favourite dives instead of the big German Wrecks. There are WW1 and WW2 ship wrecks plus loads of awesome marine life calling the wrecks home. So even if you can't get as deep as you hoped, you'll still get an amazing days dive on some historically important wrecks!

Read a bit more about our shallow dive sites at our blog post: https://www.krakendiving.co.uk/post/you-don-t-have-to-go-deep

Frequently Asked Questions