wreck

Log This Dive

HMS Vanguard

Diving the HMS Vanguard in Scapa Flow, you’re not just exploring a wreck, you’re touching a piece of history. We’ve always found that sense of connection profoundly moving here. Dropping down, you feel the chill of the North Atlantic, a cool embrace that sharpens your focus. This isn't a brightly lit coral reef; it's a deep, dramatic dive, often with visibility that demands you stick close and appreciate the details. The Vanguard lies broken, testament to the catastrophic internal explosion that sank her in 1917. We love navigating the sections of her hull, particularly the huge gun turrets, which are still discernible amidst the collapsed steel. They are massive, truly immense. Look for the bull rout tucked into crevices, their camouflaged bodies almost part of the rust, and the vibrant orange of sulphur sponges coating some of the plates. It’s a somber but awe-inspiring place, best suited for experienced cold-water wreck divers who appreciate the historical weight as much as the structure itself. The atmosphere is quiet, reverent. It’s a dive that stays with you long after you surface.