GIRALDA (POSSIBLY) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Giralda* is a fantastic, if deep, foray into Scapa Flow’s often overlooked WWII history. Lying at 59m, this isn’t one for the casual diver, but for those with the training, it’s a truly rewarding visit. We love dropping down onto her, seeing the intact bow emerge from the gloom, often draped in long, swaying kelp. She sits upright, pretty much fully preserved, a real contrast to some of the broken beasts elsewhere in the Flow. You’ll find her triple-expansion engine still very much in place, a fantastic piece of engineering to explore. We always spend a good chunk of time admiring the bridge area, imagining her final moments after being bombed by German aircraft. The wreck has become a home for all sorts of critters – we’ve seen some massive conger eels peering from dark recesses, and the sheer number of plumose anemones carpeting the rails is stunning. Visibility here can be excellent, though a strong current can sometimes sweep through, so pick your slack. Our favourite time to dive her is early summer, when the light penetrates just enough to pick out the detail.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.795320, -2.768450
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
59m

Marine Protected Area: Copinsay

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 GIRALDA (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 GIRALDA (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