INCONNU - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Inconnu is a site that often gets overlooked in Scapa Flow, probably because it’s a modern fishing vessel amongst the giants of the German fleet. But for us, it's a quiet favourite, especially when the weather rolls in and you need a shallower, more sheltered dive. The wreck lies in two main pieces, separated by a gap of maybe ten metres. You’ll first come across the bow section, still quite intact, with the holds offering some easy penetration for those comfortable ducking inside. Look for the resident wrasse darting in and out of the twisted metal. The stern, where the wheelhouse once stood, is much more broken up – a jumble of plating and ribs. This is where we often find the most life. Crab and lobster tuck themselves into every crevice, and the anenomes here are particularly colourful. It’s not a grand, imposing wreck, but Inconnu has a raw, honest beauty. It tells a story of a working boat, not a warship. We find it’s a brilliant second dive after one of the deeper blockships, or a solid choice for colder days when you want a little less deco. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the light filtering down onto the green-brown metal is really quite atmospheric.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.871243, -3.434869
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Hoy

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 INCONNU

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 INCONNU

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