H I KROYER - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The H.I. Kroyer in Scapa Flow isn't about tropical fish or blazing colours. No, this site is about scale and history, a proper plunge into Scapa’s cold, dark embrace. We love it because it’s a big, upright freighter, sitting deep on the seabed. You descend into a green gloom, and slowly, the superstructure materialises – immense and imposing. Our favourite part has to be the bridge. You can poke your head in, imagine the last moments, the ship slowly settling. Outside, the decks are riddled with holes, making for some interesting swim-throughs if you're comfortable with overhead environments. Keep an eye out for the resident wrasse and crabs tucked into every nook. They've made this wreck their home. The holds are cavernous, perfect for a torch beam to illuminate the vast emptiness. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, the sheer size of the Kroyer is something else. This dive is for those who appreciate the quiet majesty of a deep wreck, those who like to take their time exploring, rather than chasing after pelagics.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.977330, -4.201441
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Marine Protected Area: Sule Skerry and Sule Stack

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 H I KROYER

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 H I KROYER

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