ANDALINA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Andalina* is a beauty, a smaller wreck, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's not worth your time. She sits shallow, just 8 metres, which means light penetrates everywhere, even on a cloudy Orkney day. This isn't a penetration dive, not really; instead, we love just swimming over her ribs, seeing the outline of her hull. We often spot wrasse darting between the metalwork and those incredibly resilient anemones that just cling to everything. What makes *Andalina* special is that she's a fantastic second dive, a relaxed way to warm down after something deeper, or a cracking start to the day if you want to ease in. The shallow depth also means you get long bottom times, perfect for photographers or just for really soaking it all in. We often find ourselves circling her a few times, noticing new details on each pass. She's approachable, friendly, and a brilliant snapshot of Scapa's history without the demands of the bigger blockships.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.193584, -6.378650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - ANDALINA

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
5,233 GRT

The SS Andalina was a British cargo ship built in 1913, destined for a much different fate than her builders intended. With the outbreak of World War II, the vast naval anchorage of Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands needed protection from German U-boats. The Andalina was one of several old merchant vessels requisitioned for a critical mission: to be deliberately sunk as "blockships," forming a permanent barrier across the eastern entrances to the Flow.

On May 31, 1940, the 5,233-ton Andalina was scuttled in Kirk Sound, settling into her final resting place. Today, she lies in very shallow water, with parts of her structure breaking the surface at low tide. The wreck is heavily broken up due to the powerful tidal currents that surge through the sound, which also earned it a "Dangerous Wreck" classification. Divers should only attempt this site at slack water and with experienced local guidance.

Despite the challenging conditions, the Andalina offers a fascinating glimpse into Scapa Flow's wartime history. Her skeletal remains are spread across the seabed, with her boilers and engine block still recognizable among the twisted plates of her hull. The wreckage has transformed into a vibrant micro-ecosystem, providing shelter for crabs, lobsters, and a variety of fish that thrive in the nutrient-rich currents.

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 ANDALINA

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 ANDALINA

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