FREIDIG - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Freidig is a proper deep dive, sitting upright at 54m in Scapa Flow, and honestly, it’s one of our favourites for a technical trip. Dropping down, the visibility in the Flow can be hit or miss, but on a good day, the dark shape of the ship materialises with an almost eerie suddenness. We love the way she still feels like a working vessel, even after all these years. Her cargo of coal is spilled out around her, a dark carpet on the seabed, and we’ve spent hours exploring her superstructure, the triple expansion engine still impressive in the engine room. The site suits experienced wreck divers comfortable with deco. You’ll find plenty of plumose anemones clinging to the metalwork, their white tentacles waving gently in the slight current, and often, we spot conger eels poking their heads from the darker recesses. Dive early in the day, if you can, before any boat traffic stirs up the silty bottom too much. The bow and stern sections are particularly photogenic, with the natural light filtering down through the green water. It’s a somber, beautiful dive that always leaves us thinking.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.866220, -5.001327
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Marine Protected Area: Solan Bank Reef

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 FREIDIG

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 FREIDIG

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 is the typical depth range for diving at FREIDIG?
The FREIDIG wreck is situated at a typical depth of 54 meters. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for divers with advanced certifications and experience in deep diving.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can be expected when diving FREIDIG?
When diving the FREIDIG, you can expect to explore a compelling steam ship vessel, which foundered in 1944. As a wreck, it serves as an artificial reef, potentially attracting a variety of marine life over time, though specific species are not detailed in our current records. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the FREIDIG dive site for different experience levels?
The FREIDIG dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This indicates it is best suited for divers who possess experience beyond basic certification, especially considering its depth of 54 meters.
What is the best time of year or day to dive at FREIDIG for optimal conditions?
Our current data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive the FREIDIG for optimal conditions. For the most current information on seasonal variations and daily conditions, we recommend checking with local dive centers in Scapa Flow or visiting our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific certifications or experience levels required to dive at FREIDIG?
Due to the FREIDIG's depth of 54 meters and its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive, specific certifications like deep diver specialty are highly recommended. Divers should have considerable experience with deep diving and wreck diving techniques.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the FREIDIG dive site?
Our available data does not provide specific details on the typical current conditions or visibility at the FREIDIG dive site. These environmental factors can fluctuate significantly based on local weather patterns and tidal movements in Scapa Flow.