COPELAND - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Copeland is a wreck that really delivers, especially for those of us who appreciate a proper historical dive. She’s an iron steamer from 1874, sitting upright at 30 metres, which makes her a great option when the main Scapa Flow German fleet wrecks are a bit busy or if you're looking for something a little different. We love the way the Copeland has settled; her structure is mostly intact, offering plenty to explore. You can still make out the bow and stern, and it’s possible to penetrate carefully into some of the cargo holds, though we’d always suggest a good guide for any overhead environment in these conditions. The iron plates are draped in plumose anemones, like thick, white carpets, and you'll often find conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating. It’s a dark dive, as most Scapa dives are, but flicking your torch beam across the anemones and the occasional squat lobster nestled in the nooks makes it feel incredibly vibrant. Visibility here can swing a bit, but on a good day, you get a real sense of her scale as you descend through the green light. A fantastic dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.696800, -3.125372
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Marine Protected Area: Pentland Firth Islands

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 COPELAND

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 COPELAND

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 diving depths at the Copeland dive sites, including jetties and rigs?
The primary dive site, the Copeland wreck, is found at a typical diving depth of 30 meters. Our current data specifically details this historic steamship, sunk in 1888, and does not include information on other features like jetties or rigs in the area.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Copeland dive sites?
Divers at the Copeland site will primarily explore the impressive underwater feature of the wreck itself. This 68.6m x 8.9m iron steamship, built in 1874, offers a fascinating structure to investigate. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local marine species over time.
How difficult are the Copeland dive sites for scuba divers, considering factors like currents and entry points?
The Copeland wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While specific details on currents and entry points are not provided in our data, an intermediate rating suggests divers should be comfortable with some level of challenge.
When is the best time of day or year to dive the Copeland jetties and rigs for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the Copeland wreck does not specify the best time of day or year for optimal conditions and visibility. Additionally, information regarding jetties and rigs at this site is not available. For general guidance on dive planning, you might consult our When to Dive resources.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Copeland's various dive sites?
Given the Copeland wreck's depth of 30 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck explorations.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions encountered when diving at the Copeland dive sites?
Our available data for the Copeland wreck does not include specific information on typical current or visibility conditions. Divers should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date and accurate conditions prior to their dive.