FREESIA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Freesia offers something a little different from Scapa Flow’s grand fleet wrecks. This isn't a scuttled behemoth, but a tough little trawler that sank in a storm in 1919. At 37 metres, she sits upright on the seabed, remarkably intact, with a character all her own. We love finning along her deck, peering into the collapsed wheelhouse, and exploring the holds. The stern, in particular, is a highlight, with the trawl gear still visible and a huge propeller waiting to be admired. It’s an atmospheric dive, with that classic Scapa gloom, but the wreck itself is often swathed in light from above, making for some dramatic photo opportunities. For marine life, we often find conger eels tucked into every nook and cranny, along with the usual crabs and lobsters. The engine room is accessible for those with the right training, but even from the outside, the triple-expansion engine is impressive. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits, each time revealing another detail. We’d suggest diving Freesia on a slack tide to really take your time exploring.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.157810, -3.174150
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
37m

Marine Protected Area: Eynhallow

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 FREESIA

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 FREESIA

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