FREYA (PART OF)(POSSIBLY) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Freya is one of those Scapa Flow wrecks that really demands your attention, especially if you’ve already explored the bigger German fleet. She’s a fishing vessel, capsized and sunk in 1959 after taking a battering from three massive waves – you can almost feel the struggle down there. At 46 metres, she’s a deeper dive, so bring your A-game and proper cold water gear; the visibility can drop to a few metres on a poor day, but when it’s good, she’s fantastic. We love the way she sits on her side, almost as if she’s resting, with her intact davits and winch gear still clearly visible. What you’ll find is a wreck draped in anemones and dead man's fingers, a real explosion of colour against the dark steel. Look out for the resident wrasse patrolling the decks and curious velvet swimming crabs scuttling over the hull. It’s not about penetration here, but rather appreciating the shape and history of a working vessel reclaimed by the sea. This site really suits experienced cold-water divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, away from the usual crowds.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.348316, -3.106483
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
46m

Marine Protected Area: Long Berry 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 FREYA (PART OF)(POSSIBLY)

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 FREYA (PART OF)(POSSIBLY)

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