wreck

Log This Dive

CLIO II

Clio II isn’t one of Scapa Flow’s blockbuster German fleet wrecks, and that’s precisely why we love it. This blockship, scuttled in 1915, rests in a mere 10 metres of water, making it a perfect second dive or a relaxed day out when the weather’s a bit frisky. You won't find an intact hull here; the Clio is a glorious jumble of plates, ribs, and machinery spread across the seabed. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer volume of life. The metalwork is completely encrusted with plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the subtle flow. Shoals of saithe dart through the gaps, curious but always keeping their distance. We particularly enjoy poking around the exposed boiler, which rises a couple of metres from the bottom, a vibrant reef in its own right. Look for the nudibranchs grazing on the hydroids, tiny pops of colour against the rusted steel. This site is fantastic for photographers or those who just want to potter about, enjoying the gentle pace and surprising amount of biodiversity. It’s a gentle reminder that even the most broken wrecks can be incredibly beautiful.