CORINTHIA (STERN SECTION) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Corinthia’s stern section is a lovely spot for a relaxed dive in Scapa Flow, especially if you’re looking to get away from the bigger, deeper German Fleet wrecks. Lying in just 18 metres, it’s a brilliant choice for extending your bottom time or for less experienced divers wanting to get a feel for wreck penetration. We often find the visibility here to be surprisingly good, especially on an incoming tide when the water is pushing in from the open sea. She’s broken into two main parts, but the stern is our favourite. Dropping down, you quickly pick out the impressive propeller and rudder, often draped in dead man's fingers and feather stars. Slide into the engine room, and you’re enveloped by the darkness, only broken by your torch beam picking out the gauges and pipework. Look closely for the scuttling schools of pollack that dart through the structure, and the occasional inquisitive wrasse peeking from behind a frame. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric dive, letting you truly appreciate the scale of these early steamships without the pressure of deeper water.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.693466, -3.107383
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

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 CORINTHIA (STERN SECTION)

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 CORINTHIA (STERN SECTION)

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 is the maximum depth of the Corinthia (Stern Section) dive site?
The Corinthia (Stern Section) dive site reaches a maximum depth of 18 meters. This depth makes it a fantastic intermediate-level wreck dive, offering plenty to explore within recreational limits.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Corinthia (Stern Section)?
Divers exploring the Corinthia (Stern Section) can expect to encounter the remains of a steam ship vessel, built in 1880 and sunk on June 7, 1903. Key features include its single boiler, compound expansion engine of 184 HP, and single screw. The wreck measures 76.4 meters in length and 9.8 meters in width, offering a substantial structure to explore.
How difficult is the Corinthia (Stern Section) dive, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The Corinthia (Stern Section) dive is rated as intermediate difficulty. While not suitable for all experience levels, particularly novice divers, it is an excellent site for certified divers who have some experience with wreck diving or similar conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive the Corinthia (Stern Section) for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Corinthia (Stern Section) for optimal conditions is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving the Corinthia (Stern Section)?
Given its 18-meter depth and intermediate difficulty rating, a standard Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for the depth limits of the Corinthia (Stern Section). However, for enhanced skills and confidence, especially when exploring wrecks, an Advanced Open Water Diver or a specialized Wreck Diver certification would be highly recommended.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Corinthia (Stern Section) dive site?
Details regarding the typical current and visibility conditions at the Corinthia (Stern Section) dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.