AORANGI - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Aorangi isn't your deep, imposing Scapa Flow wreck; it's something different, a shallow, accessible piece of history that we absolutely adore. She’s a blockship, deliberately sunk in 1915, though not quite where they intended – she drifted a bit before settling. What you get now is a jumble of hull and superstructure, all at a maximum of five metres. We love how the shallow depth transforms this site. Sunlight filters through, illuminating the metalwork and the incredible growth of anemones and kelp. You’ll weave through beams and plates, feeling the gentle surge, spotting blennies and tiny crabs tucked into every crevice. It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking for interesting light and texture, or for anyone wanting a relaxed dive with a real sense of history without the deco obligations. Our favourite time to visit is on a slack tide, when the water is at its calmest and you can really take your time exploring the nooks. It’s a great introduction to Scapa’s wrecks, or a lovely way to end a day of deeper diving.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.890140, -2.863280
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - AORANGI

Year Sunk
1915
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
4,268 GRT

The RMS Aorangi had a storied career long before she reached Scapa Flow. Built in 1883, she was a pioneering passenger and refrigerated cargo liner, one of the first ships to be fitted with refrigeration, serving routes between Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. By the time of the First World War, the aging liner was purchased by the Admiralty for a very specific and final purpose: to be scuttled as a blockship to protect the eastern entrances to the naval anchorage of Scapa Flow.

In September 1915, the scuttling charges were set, but the Aorangi refused to go quietly. The attempt to sink her in place was botched; she stubbornly stayed afloat, drifting on the tide before finally grounding and sinking in shallow water in the wrong position. This failure, however, created one of Scapa Flow's most popular and accessible dive sites. Lying in just 5 metres of water, her hull often breaks the surface at low tide. She is a perfect wreck for novice divers and snorkelers, offering a fantastic introduction to the history of the Flow, with abundant light and marine life now covering her weathered plates.

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 AORANGI

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 AORANGI

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving at Arorangi in the Cook Islands?
The provided data specifically details the dive site AORANGI located in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, with a depth of 5m. Therefore, we cannot provide information on typical depths for diving at Arorangi in the Cook Islands based on the given context, as the data refers to a different location.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Arorangi dive sites?
Divers at AORANGI can expect to explore a fascinating blockship vessel wreck. This vessel, built in 1883 and sunk on September 4, 1915, is classified as a wreck showing a portion of its hull or superstructure. While the data specifies the wreck itself, details regarding specific marine life are not provided.
How challenging are the dive sites at Arorangi, and what skill level is recommended?
The dive site at AORANGI is rated as 'intermediate' in difficulty. This suggests that divers should possess a foundational level of experience and comfort with wreck diving. It's always recommended to dive within your certification limits and comfort zone.
When is the best time of year to dive at Arorangi for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data for AORANGI does not include information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions. Factors like seasonal weather patterns, water temperature, and visibility can vary, so further local inquiry would be beneficial.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Arorangi?
The AORANGI dive site is classified as 'intermediate' difficulty. However, specific scuba diving certifications required or recommended for this site are not detailed in the provided data. Divers should ensure they have the appropriate training and experience for an intermediate-level dive.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving at Arorangi?
The provided data for AORANGI does not contain specific information regarding typical current conditions or visibility for diving. While the historical description mentions the vessel drifting with the tide during its sinking, this does not reflect current diving conditions. Divers should always check local conditions before planning their dive.