JOHANNA THORDEN - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Johanna Thorden, for us, is a Scapa Flow sleeper. Everyone talks about the German High Seas Fleet, and rightly so, but this 1936 motor vessel, sunk in a storm just a year after launch, has a quiet charm all its own. At a shallow 15 metres, it's a perfect dive to get your eye in, or for a longer bottom time without racking up deco. We love nosing around the engine room, which is still impressively intact, and the bow section has a real sense of scale as you glide over it. The real draw here, though, is the light. On a sunny day, with the sun filtering through the shallower parts of the superstructure, it's almost ethereal. Schools of saithe drift past, and we’ve seen some hefty conger eels tucked into crevices. The wreck is well broken, but enough remains to give you a true sense of its original form, and the marine growth, particularly the anemones, has really taken hold. It’s not the imposing steel mountain of some of the bigger wrecks, but it offers a genuinely peaceful and absorbing exploration.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.734600, -3.073950
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Pentland Firth Islands

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 JOHANNA THORDEN

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 JOHANNA THORDEN

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Johanna Thorden dive site?
The Johanna Thorden dive site has a maximum depth of 15 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive for many certified divers looking to explore the historic waters of Scapa Flow.
What kind of marine life and wreckage can divers expect to see at the Johanna Thorden?
Divers exploring the Johanna Thorden can expect to encounter the remains of a 110.3m x 15.5m motor vessel, which sank in 1937. Key features include its 10-cylinder, two-stroke oil engine and single shaft machinery. While specific marine life details are not provided in the current data, wrecks in Scapa Flow often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species.
How difficult is the Johanna Thorden dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Johanna Thorden is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to this rating, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certification for wreck diving at this level.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving the Johanna Thorden?
Information regarding the typical current conditions and visibility for diving the Johanna Thorden is not available in the provided data context. Divers planning a trip to Scapa Flow should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions.
What are the recommended certifications for diving the Johanna Thorden shipwreck?
Given that the Johanna Thorden is an intermediate level wreck dive, divers are typically recommended to hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification. A specialized wreck diving certification would also be highly beneficial for safely exploring this historic site in Scapa Flow.
When is the best time of year to dive the Johanna Thorden for optimal conditions?
The provided data context does not specify the best time of year to dive the Johanna Thorden for optimal conditions. For seasonal recommendations and local insights on diving in Scapa Flow, it is advisable to check the when to dive section or consult with local dive centers.