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