ALMERIA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Almeria might only sit at 5 metres, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it's not worth a dive. This blockship, deliberately sunk in 1915 to protect the Flow, offers a surprisingly engaging dive, especially for those looking to experience Scapa’s history without the deep-water commitment. We love how accessible she is, making her a perfect second dive or a relaxed exploration when the weather keeps you out of the deeper Flow. You’ll find the Almeria broken up, her steel plates creating a fascinating jumble of twisted metal and open spaces. It’s like an underwater playground, with plenty of swim-throughs and sheltered nooks perfect for spotting the resident ballan wrasse and blennies. Look closely, and you’ll often find dogfish resting in the sand nearby. We always suggest diving her on a slack tide; the visibility really opens up then, letting you appreciate the scale of the wreckage and the way the light filters through the broken hull. It’s a gentle introduction to Scapa’s wrecks, delivering plenty of character for its shallow depth.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.882120, -2.899208
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ALMERIA

Year Sunk
1915
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
4,614 GRT

The SS Almeria was a civilian steamship whose fate became entwined with the grand naval strategy of World War I. Built in 1888, the steel-hulled vessel was purchased by the British Admiralty not for combat, but for a crucial defensive role. In the early days of the war, the vast natural harbor of Scapa Flow, home to the Royal Navy's Grand Fleet, was vulnerable to raids by German U-boats. To block the smaller, more treacherous channels, the Admiralty began sinking old merchant ships, creating a network of underwater barriers.

On February 20, 1915, the Almeria became one of these 'blockships,' deliberately scuttled in Burra Sound. Today, the wreck lies in very shallow water, with parts breaking the surface at low tide. While the powerful Orkney currents have flattened and torn the hull apart over the last century, it provides a fascinating dive, particularly for those new to Scapa Flow. Divers can explore the ship's massive boilers and twisted steel plates, which are now covered in kelp and home to a variety of fish and crustaceans. It's a tangible piece of WWI history, sacrificed to protect the mighty warships that once anchored nearby.

Marine Protected Area: Copinsay

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 ALMERIA

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 ALMERIA

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