GLENRAVEL - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Glenravel is a proper Scapa Flow wreck, often overlooked for the bigger German Fleet ships, but we think that’s a mistake. She’s a steamship, torpedoed in 1915, sitting upright on her keel at 55 metres. Descending, the first thing you notice is how intact she is, especially the bow, which really holds its shape, creating fantastic shadowed swim-throughs. We love exploring the holds, usually filled with schooling saithe, and the engine room is always a favourite spot – you can still clearly make out the triple-expansion engine. It’s a dark dive, as you’d expect at this depth, but the ambient light filtering through the superstructure gives it a unique, ethereal feel. Our tip? Go with a dive centre that knows the wreck well; they’ll guide you to the less-obvious penetration points. This wreck is definitely one for experienced divers comfortable with deeper dives and overhead environments.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.108017, -2.010039
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Rosehearty to Fraserburgh 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 GLENRAVEL

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 GLENRAVEL

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