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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths offered by KOTOS Adventures in Roatan, and what are the maximum depths for recreational divers?
The provided data context does not contain information regarding KOTOS Adventures in Roatan or the typical diving depths they offer. The available data describes the COTOVIA (PROBABLY) wreck in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, which has a depth of 36m. Therefore, I cannot provide details on depths for KOTOS Adventures.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter on dives with KOTOS Adventures in Roatan?
Information about marine life and underwater topography for KOTOS Adventures in Roatan is not present in the provided data. The context describes the COTOVIA (PROBABLY) wreck, a steam ship vessel, in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom. Without specific data for Roatan, I cannot detail the marine life or topography there.
How challenging are the dive sites KOTOS Adventures visits in Roatan, and are they suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The provided data does not offer any details about the challenge level of dive sites visited by KOTOS Adventures in Roatan. The only difficulty rating available is for the COTOVIA (PROBABLY) wreck in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, which is classified as "intermediate". Therefore, I cannot assess suitability for beginner or advanced divers with KOTOS Adventures.
What is considered the best time of year to dive with KOTOS Adventures in Roatan for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data context does not include information about the best time of year to dive with KOTOS Adventures in Roatan. The data focuses solely on the COTOVIA (PROBABLY) wreck in United Kingdom and does not offer seasonal insights for Roatan. For general information on optimal diving times, you might explore DivePlnr's "When to Dive" section.
What scuba diving certifications are necessary to join dives with KOTOS Adventures in Roatan, especially for deeper or more advanced sites?
Details regarding necessary scuba diving certifications for KOTOS Adventures in Roatan are not available in the provided data. The context only describes the COTOVIA (PROBABLY) wreck, an "intermediate" difficulty dive site in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom. Therefore, I cannot specify certification requirements for KOTOS Adventures.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions at the dive sites KOTOS Adventures explores around Roatan?
The provided data context does not contain any information regarding typical water temperatures, visibility, or current conditions for dive sites explored by KOTOS Adventures around Roatan. The available data pertains exclusively to the COTOVIA (PROBABLY) wreck in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom. As such, I cannot provide these specific environmental details for Roatan.