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