EDWARD BONAVENTURA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Okay, so the Edward Bonaventura. Right, this one’s a bit different for Scapa Flow, because we're talking serious history, not just the WWI fleet. It’s an older wreck, a 16th-century sailing vessel, and while the official data lists its depth as 0m, that’s because it’s a site of historical importance, not a dive site in the traditional sense you might swim around. What we mean is, you’re not really diving the Bonaventura. It was lost way back in 1553, returning from a Russian expedition, and its remains are scattered. This isn't a penetration dive, or even a visible hull. Instead, we’re talking about an archaeological site, where bits and pieces have been found over the years. If you’re visiting Scapa Flow, you’re coming for the German High Seas Fleet, the battleships and cruisers that are still largely intact. The Bonaventura is more about the story, the incredible journey it made, and the raw power of the North Sea that claimed it. Our pick for a true Scapa dive is always the SMS Brummer or the Konig, where you can actually descend into history. The Bonaventura is best appreciated from dry land, reading about its epic, ill-fated voyage.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.699738, -2.118323
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Rosehearty to Fraserburgh Coast

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 EDWARD BONAVENTURA

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 EDWARD BONAVENTURA

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