JUNIATA (FORE PART) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Alright, the *Juniata*’s fore part. You’re essentially diving the very top of a German tanker, an often-overlooked little piece of Scapa Flow history. This isn't a deep dive, peaking at a couple of metres, so it's perfect for a second dip or for newer divers keen to see a wreck without the pressure of depth. What we love about this site is how it’s become a part of the foreshore. The bow section is heavily broken, but you can still make out the strong lines of the ship's structure. Look closely and you’ll spot a surprising amount of life: wrasse darting between encrusted plates, squat lobsters tucked into crevices, and colourful anemones clinging to the metalwork. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers looking for interesting textures and marine interactions in shallow, bright water. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, sunny day; the light penetration really brings out the subtle colours of the growth. Just be mindful of boat traffic, as it’s quite close to the shore.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.963800, -2.913000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Waulkmill

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 JUNIATA (FORE PART)

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 JUNIATA (FORE PART)

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