CHARLES GOODANEW - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Charles Goodanew* sits deep in Scapa Flow, a real diver's wreck if ever there was one. We love this site for its character. She’s a steamship, sunk in 1917, now resting on her starboard side at 47 metres, and that depth means you’ll want to be on trimix or have solid decompression skills. Dropping down, the bow is often the first thing you pick out of the gloom, silhouetted against the lighter water above. You’ll find her largely intact, a testament to the cold, calm Scapa waters. We usually start our exploration around the stern, where the triple-expansion engine still stands proud. It's heavily encrusted, but the sheer scale of the machinery is impressive. You can poke your head into the hold openings, though penetration here is tight and silty – not for the inexperienced. Look out for the resident conger eels, they’re often tucked into the darker recesses, watching you with that unblinking stare. This wreck feels like history, a quiet, solemn place where time has slowed to a crawl, covered in white plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. It’s a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and enjoy the challenges of deep, cold water wreck exploration.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.674744, -1.776701
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
47m

Marine Protected Area: Loch of Strathbeg

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 CHARLES GOODANEW

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 CHARLES GOODANEW

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