DRESDEN - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Dresden. Now, this is a wreck we always look forward to diving in Scapa Flow. Lying on her port side at 27 metres, she’s a big beast, 151 metres of German light cruiser from the Great War. You descend into that cool, green Orkney water and she just materialises, a huge dark shape. The sheer scale is what hits you first. We love exploring the forward section, poking around the bow where the anchor chains spill out. You can often spot conger eels in the deeper crevices, their heads peering out. The plating is starting to peel back in places, creating these fantastic hideouts for squat lobsters and crabs. It’s not about bright colours here; it’s about the atmosphere, the history, and the way the light filters through the structure. Our favourite part is finding the deck guns, still pointing skyward from her port side, now encrusted with soft corals. It's a dive that really suits those who appreciate historical wrecks and the sense of immersion they provide. A good torch is essential; it brings out the details and illuminates the deeper parts of the penetration points, though we’d suggest leaving serious penetration to those with specialist training.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.882670, -3.141343
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

Marine Protected Area: Waulkmill

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 DRESDEN

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 DRESDEN

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