Gobernador - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Gobernador, one of Scapa Flow's smaller German fleet wrecks, offers a different kind of dive. It's not about scale, like the mighty Konig or Kronprinz Wilhelm, but about intimacy and history. This Blockade Breaker sits fairly upright, with her bow pointing towards the shore. We love exploring her holds, often finding portholes still in place, peering out into the dim green light. Visibility here can be a bit variable, typical for Scapa, so pick your day. Slack water is key, as the currents can whip through. We’d suggest a dive with a good torch, not just for penetration, but to really bring out the colours on the encrusted metalwork. You'll find plenty of dab lurking on the seabed around the wreck, and a surprising number of beadlet anemones clinging to the hull plates. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the details, the smaller stories within the larger Scapa Flow narrative, rather than just the grand overview. Keep an eye out for the common shore crabs scuttling over the decking, and if you’re lucky, an Orca might just make a pass through the Flow.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.923203, -3.311135

Marine Protected Area: Hoy and West Mainland

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 Gobernador

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 Gobernador

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