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Monochrome image of scuba divers exploring the depths of the ocean.
📷 Alexey Demidov · Pexels

Gobernador

3.7 — based on 10 community signals
4.1 5 species 6 contributors

Gobernador is a year-round UK dive site near the Bu of Hoy in Orkney Islands, Scotland, offering kelp forest and wreck exploration.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
Shore entryBoatOnlyCurrentVariesSeasonal

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Marine life
Bottlenose dolphin

Top operators here

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Map

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Gobernador location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
16.1 kn
Wave
2.22 m
Water
13.3°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WSW (24%)
Now: WSW (248°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 3.47m

Next: High at 02:00 (+0.54m)

+1.7 m0 m-1.8 m
▲ 02:00 · +0.54m ▼ 08:00 · -0.25m ▲ 15:00 · +0.54m ▼ 21:00 · -0.35m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV1.95 · low Air PM2.55 · good 06:50 19:21
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 23.5 2.66 2 4mm
09-20 24.7 3.08 2 6mm
09-21 15.9 2.1 1 2mm
09-22 12.6 1.34 3 0mm
09-23 13 1.78 3 1mm
09-24 17.7 1.68 3 3mm
09-25 19.5 2.84 3 1mm

About this spot

Gobernador sits in the waters around Orkney Islands, Scotland, near the historic Bu of Hoy architectural structure. This UK dive spot draws divers year-round, making it accessible to those who can handle Scottish waters. The site features kelp forests typical of northern UK diving, with rocky reefs and potential wreck exploration opportunities. Local dive records show at least five documented species observations at this location, giving divers a sense of the marine life present. Community video documentation from three separate sources provides visual reference for planning your dive. Orkney's waters are known for strong tidal movements and variable visibility common to Scottish diving. Gobernador benefits from being outside a marine protected area, though divers should always respect local regulations and check with regional dive operators before planning any dive. The site suits divers comfortable with cooler water temperatures and dynamic current conditions that define northern UK diving. Access to Gobernador requires getting to Orkney Islands, which involves ferry travel from mainland Scotland or flights to Kirkwall. Once on Hoy, local knowledge becomes essential for finding the exact dive site and understanding safe entry points. The community has documented this spot through video, so reviewing available footage beforehand helps set realistic expectations for conditions and marine life encounters.

📖 Guide: Diving in the United Kingdom: 57 Sites From Wrecks to Seals

Marine life

Bottlenose dolphin

Dive types

ReefWreck

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type G · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 848km · ~195kg · €4

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Gobernador?

Gobernador is diveable year-round. Scottish waters are cold but stable throughout the year. Summer months (June-August) offer longer daylight, while winter brings shorter days. Check local weather and tidal forecasts before any dive, as Orkney conditions change rapidly.

What depth and difficulty level is Gobernador?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings for Gobernador are not documented in available records. Contact local Orkney dive operators or review community videos for current conditions and site-specific guidance before planning your dive.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Five documented species observations exist for Gobernador, though specific species names are not listed here. Orkney waters typically host seals, kelp forests, anemones, and various fish species. Community videos show what divers have actually encountered at this site.

How do I access Gobernador and are there permit requirements?

Gobernador lies in Orkney Islands, Scotland. Access requires ferry or flight to Orkney, then travel to Hoy. The site is outside an MPA, so no special marine protection permits apply. Contact local dive operators in Orkney for current access conditions and safety briefings.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

The Diving Cellar

4.6 km
Dive centre

SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm

9.1 km
Dive centre

SMS Markgraf

9.1 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Agricola: Rome's Conqueror of Britain

Era Epics

New Governor Of Gibraltar - Colour (1969)

British Pathé

New Governor Of Isle Of Man (1937)

British Pathé
wind peaks Jan-Feb-Oct, calmest May-Aug-Jul, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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