ARNISH - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Arguably our favourite dive on the Churchill Barriers, the *Arinish* is a cracker, especially if you’re into the smaller, more personal wrecks. At just 9 metres, it’s a brilliant second dive or a relaxed long soak. We love that it’s right next to the barrier, meaning shore access is straightforward – just park up and kit up. You’re looking at a 37-meter steamship, the ex-Dagmar, built in 1869 and sunk in ’23. She’s surprisingly intact for her age, with that single boiler and compound engine still very much evident, giving the wreck a real sense of its working life. What you get here is a proper shallow historical wreck dive. We’d suggest heading out at high tide for the best visibility, but even with a bit of a ripple, the details are clear. You can trace her length easily, spotting the machinery and the shape of the hull. The wreck has become a home for so much life: you’ll find plump wrasse nosing around the plates, spider crabs tucked into crevices, and sometimes a cheeky conger eel peering out from under a beam. It’s a great site for photographers who want to get up close with both the history and the resident marine life without fighting currents or depth.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.190100, -6.380622
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Wreck History - ARNISH

Year Sunk
1923
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Resting in the famed wreck-diving haven of Scapa Flow, the Arnis is a relic from the golden age of steam. Built in 1869 as the Dagmar, this hardy steamship served for over 50 years before sinking in October 1923. The specific circumstances of its loss are not well-documented, adding a layer of mystery to its story. It lies in just 9 metres of water, making it an excellent and accessible dive for all levels of experience.

Diving the Arnis is like stepping back in time. Despite over a century beneath the waves, its key features are often still recognisable. Divers can expect to find the single boiler and the remains of its 35-horsepower compound steam engine, the very heart of this Victorian-era vessel. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times and excellent light on clear days, illuminating the hull sections and machinery now colonised by the vibrant marine life of the Orkney Isles.

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 ARNISH

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 ARNISH

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