ALABAMA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Alabama*, just shy of 115 metres long, is one of Scapa Flow's shallower giants, lying on her port side at a friendly 12 metres. This isn't just a jumble of twisted metal; you get a real sense of her scale here. We love exploring the stern, especially around the massive prop and rudder. The boilers are still very much in place, impressive even after all these years, and a swim-through takes you past the engine room, a tight but rewarding squeeze. What makes the *Alabama* a standout is how accessible she is, even for newer wreck divers. Visibility can be superb, letting you appreciate the sheer length of her hull, now a vibrant canvas of plumose anemones, dead man's fingers, and kelp. Look for the wolfish that often lurk in the shadowed nooks and crannies. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide, giving you ample time to really pick through the details without fighting a current. It’s a proper Scapa wreck, just without the deep commitments, perfect for an afternoon exploration.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.197285, -6.386383
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Wreck History - ALABAMA

Year Sunk
1904
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

While Scapa Flow is world-famous for the scuttled German High Seas Fleet from World War I, it holds many other fascinating wrecks, including the much older Danish steamship, the Alabama. Built in Glasgow in 1899, this cargo vessel met its end on New Year's Eve, 1904. Caught in a fierce storm, it ran aground on the shores of the island of Burray.

The Alabama was salvaged for a time but eventually abandoned to the elements, slipping beneath the waves. Today, its scattered remains lie in just 12 meters of water, making it one of the most accessible and enjoyable shallow dives in Orkney. It's a perfect dive for beginners or a relaxing second dive of the day. Divers can easily explore the ship's impressive triple-expansion engine and two large boilers, which stand proud of the seabed and are often surrounded by kelp forests and curious fish.

Marine Protected Area: Tong Saltings

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 ALABAMA

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 ALABAMA

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