COTOVIA (PROBABLY) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

We love a bit of mystery, and the Cotovia (Probably) delivers. This isn’t a perfectly preserved wreck, but that’s its charm. Dropping onto the deck at 36 metres, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of the cargo holds, often silhouetted by the ambient light filtering down. The ship’s bow points roughly east, and we usually start there, checking out the anchor chains before heading aft. Visibility here can range from "gin clear" to "proper Scapa Flow soup," but even on murkier days, the outlines of the three massive boilers are impressive. Look for the triple expansion engine, a classic Scapa Flow feature, now home to clouds of saithe and the occasional inquisitive ling peeking out from behind a valve. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, overcast day; the diffused light really brings out the eerie, historical feel of the place. It's a proper expedition dive, best for those who appreciate the quiet grandeur of a historical wreck, rather than a brightly lit reef.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.969433, -2.636617
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Marine Protected Area: Copinsay

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 COTOVIA (PROBABLY)

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 COTOVIA (PROBABLY)

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