KORALL - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Korall, a trawler resting upright at 16 metres, gives you a different flavour of Scapa Flow diving. She’s not one of the grand German warships, but that’s precisely why we love her. Instead of vast, dark holds, you get a wreck with incredible character, perfect for a longer bottom time and really getting to know your surroundings. Drop onto her deck and you’ll find the wheelhouse still largely intact, a rare sight in these waters. Peer through the windows into the bridge. You can even navigate down into the engine room, if you're comfortable with a bit of overhead. We always take our time here, letting our eyes adjust to the soft light filtering through the portholes, exploring every nook. The Korall is absolutely draped in life. Dead man's fingers cover almost every surface, creating a ghostly, white garden. We’ve seen conger eels poking out from pipes, and often find inquisitive wrasse nosing around the deck machinery. For photographers, it’s a brilliant site – the light penetration is good, and the details of the wreck, combined with the colourful invertebrate growth, make for some striking shots. It’s an accessible wreck, ideal for anyone who wants a proper rummage without the deeper depths or complex penetrations of the bigger ships.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.623768, -3.651491
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Sandside Bay

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 KORALL

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 KORALL

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 typical depth range for diving at KORALL, and are there areas suitable for beginner divers?
The data indicates a depth of 0m for the KORALL dive site. However, with an assigned difficulty of intermediate, it suggests that while parts may be shallow, the overall dive experience might not be ideal for absolute beginners. Divers should be prepared for conditions typical of intermediate-level dives.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at KORALL?
Information regarding specific marine life and coral formations at the KORALL dive site is not available in our current database. Divers interested in general marine life in the United Kingdom can explore our wildlife database for common species found in the region.
How challenging is diving at KORALL, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving at KORALL is classified as intermediate in difficulty. This means it is generally suitable for divers with some experience, but not typically recommended for absolute beginners. Divers should possess the necessary skills and confidence for intermediate-level wreck diving in Scapa Flow.
What is the best time of year to dive at KORALL for optimal visibility and conditions?
Our current data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions at the KORALL dive site. For general guidance on diving seasons in the United Kingdom, you may consult our when-to-dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended to dive at KORALL?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed, given the intermediate difficulty and the dive type being a wreck, an Advanced Open Water certification or a Wreck Diver specialty certification would be highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the skills and knowledge to safely explore sites like the KORALL wreck.
What are the typical current conditions at KORALL, and how do they affect the diving experience?
Information regarding typical current conditions at the KORALL dive site is not available in the provided data. Divers planning a trip to Scapa Flow should always check local conditions and consult with dive operators for the most up-to-date information before diving.