ILSENSTEIN - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Ilsenstein is a fantastic entry point for anyone wanting to get their head around Scapa Flow's blockships. At just 8 meters, it’s shallow, which means long bottom times and plenty of light, even on a cloudy Orkney day. We've always found it a great spot for newer divers to practice their wreck skills without the pressure of depth or strong currents often found elsewhere in the Flow. What we love about the Ilsenstein is its distinct shape, still very much a ship, despite being broken into three main sections. You can swim through the gaping hull sections, noting the way the plates have buckled and twisted, creating these incredible, almost architectural swim-throughs. The ship’s ribs are draped in dead man’s fingers, and we've often seen small Pollock darting in and out of the darker nooks. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, especially around the exposed deck plates. It’s a site that really makes you feel the history of Scapa, a silent sentinel now home to crabs and anenomes, and an excellent opportunity to appreciate these less-frequented wrecks.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.882496, -2.899397
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

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 ILSENSTEIN

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 ILSENSTEIN

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