KIRUNA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The KIRUNA sits upright in about 22 metres of water, a dark, looming shape on the seabed of Scapa Flow. We'd always suggest diving this one on a slack tide, otherwise, the current can really whip you around the bow. She went down in 1945, and even after all these years, the sheer scale of her is impressive. We love tracing the deck, seeing the massive cargo holds open like cavernous mouths. Look out for the resident conger eels, they’re often found coiled up in the nooks and crannies. The superstructure is a playground for light penetration, especially on a brighter day when shafts of green light cut through the gloom. For divers who appreciate history and enjoy exploring a substantial, intact wreck, the KIRUNA is a real standout. It’s a proper dive into a piece of wartime maritime history, draped in the greens and browns of Orkney’s seabed.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.682938, -2.918271
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Marine Protected Area: John o' Groats

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 KIRUNA

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 KIRUNA

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