ACHILLES - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Achilles, oh, Achilles. This isn't one of Scapa's colossal German battleships, and honestly, we love it for that. She's a fishing vessel, sunk back in 1970, and resting upright at a neat 32 metres. The story goes a rope fouled her propeller near Whiten Head, and down she went. What makes her a standout for us isn't the history lesson, but the sheer diveability. You drop onto her deck and immediately feel that cool, low-vis Scapa embrace. Forget sprawling over miles of deck; Achilles is compact, coherent. You can make a full circuit, poking into her wheelhouse, peering down into the fish hold where light filters in green and spooky. The stern, with its prominent propeller and rudder, is always our favourite part. It’s a proper wreck dive, intimate and explorable, without the deco commitment of the big boys. This wreck is absolutely coated in life. Dead man's fingers drape everywhere, anemones bloom from every surface, and if you bring a torch, you'll spot crabs scuttling in the shadows. The local wrasse population treats Achilles like their personal playground, darting between the decaying superstructure. It's a fantastic second dive, perfect for refining your wreck skills or just soaking in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. We'd suggest aiming for slack water, always a good call in Scapa, to really take your time navigating her decks.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.589590, -4.559702
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
32m

Wreck History - ACHILLES

Year Sunk
1970
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

While Scapa Flow is renowned for the scuttled warships of the German High Seas Fleet, its waters hold the stories of many other vessels, including the humble fishing boat Achilles. On January 19, 1970, the Achilles's career was cut short when a rope fouled its propeller, disabling the vessel. Powerless in the strong Orkney currents, the boat sank half a mile north of Whiten Head. Thankfully, the entire crew was rescued before she went down.

For divers, the Achilles offers a completely different experience from the massive WWI battleships nearby. Resting at a depth of 32 meters, this dive is suited for advanced divers. The wreck is a more modern and intimate site, allowing explorers to see the remnants of a working fishing boat. Divers can identify deck gear, winches, and parts of the superstructure, all now colonized by a beautiful carpet of anemones, sponges, and hydroids. It's a peaceful dive that serves as a reminder of the perils faced by all who make their living from the sea.

Marine Protected Area: Eilean Hoan

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to ACHILLES

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ACHILLES

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories