F2 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

F2, the German High Seas Fleet destroyer, is probably our favourite dive in Scapa Flow. There are other wrecks, sure, and some are more intact, but the story of the F2 and the sheer scale of the debris field is what keeps us coming back. Dropping down through the gloom, the first thing you notice is the sound of your own regulator, muffled by the sheer weight of the water. Visibility can be temperamental, but when it’s good, the scattered plates and twisted metal stretch out into the distance, forming a kind of ghostly underwater sculpture garden. We love tracing the distinct bow section, lying separately from the rest, then navigating the expansive jumble of boilers and machinery. Keep an eye out for curious common seals darting in and out of the wreckage; they’re often more interested in you than the other way around. This dive really suits those who appreciate the historical weight of a site as much as the marine life, though you’ll still find plenty of Atlantic cod and plump lobsters tucked into every crevice. We’d suggest going at slack water to avoid strong currents, which can whip through the Flow.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.845490, -3.194552

Marine Protected Area: Hoy

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 F2

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 F2

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