ALMERIA

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Copinsay

Why dive here

With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ALMERIA offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 8°C.

Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded

Water8°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 5m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

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.

Typical ALMERIA Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 8°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Today04:5219:3814h 46m daylightGolden hour 18:43

ALMERIA Wreck History

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.