scapa flow and children

[chris mehegan]

Has anyone any experience of taking children aong on a diving trip to scapa flow? It is basically a club trip, but two sets of parents (all divers) need to take along children. So, is there childcare? Are there accommodation combinations to cater for families and the other divers who may be trying to get away from their own kids? Any other advice?

[Philip Siswick]

Has anyone any experience of taking children aong on a diving trip to scapa flow? It is basically a club trip, but two sets of parents (all divers) need to take along children. So, is there childcare? Are there accommodation combinations to cater for families and the other divers who may be trying to get away from their own kids? Any other advice?

Chris,

My wife and I did this two years ago, with our long-suffering club. Whether it is possible and/or sensible all depends on how old your kids are. Our experience was very positive, but it may not work out for you.

We lived on shore (Ferry Inn, Stromness), so that the other divers didn't have to put up with our (then) 6 month old son at night. We had planned to alternate diving (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), so that one of us was always available to look after our son. In the event, the crew were outstanding and looked after him for us when it wasn't possible for one of us to dive after the other (a lot of Scapa wrecks are not tidal, so two waves can dive in the morning and afternoon).

Things to think about:

- How old are your kids (boats are fine for kids who can't crawl/walk or are a reasonable age)
- How many do you have (less are easier to manage than more, but one doesn't entertain itself)
- Is the crew in agreement - they will take legal responsibility for additional passengers
- Can you do an alternate day deal amongst yourselves and keep your kids on shore. With two sets of parents, each of you will only lose 1 or 2 days in the week. If one of you stays on shore, you can save one charter slot as well

There is no childcare in the Orkneys that I am aware of, but there is quite a lot to do on days that you are not diving.

In summary - it is well worth trying, but you'll need to compromise your diving a little. If you want more info, drop me a line at philip(at)siswick.co.uk

Cheers,

Phil

[Clodagh Watt]

Has anyone any experience of taking children aong on a diving trip to scapa flow? It is basically a club trip, but two sets of parents (all divers) need to take along children. So, is there childcare? Are there accommodation combinations to cater for families and the other divers who may be trying to get away from their own kids? Any other advice?

<a href="http://www.visitorkney.com/accommodation.html" >http://www.visitorkney.com/accommodation.html</a>

You can download the Orkney Tourist Board Accommodation Brochure from this link.

Last year our club visited Scapa Flow. There were two family groups, but no young children. All of us, except for two people who chose a B&B, stayed in a couple of rented houses and a flat. We were happy with the standard of the accommodation.