LAKE NEUCHATTE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Lake Neuchatte, one of Scapa Flow's blockships, offers something a bit different from the deeper German fleet. We love it because it’s shallow, accessible, and feels like a proper piece of history you can touch. At only five metres, it’s an ideal second dive or a fantastic spot for newer wreck divers to get comfortable. Diving the Lake Neuchatte, you’ll find yourself finning over a steel hull draped in kelp. The structure is broken, revealing ribs and frames that create shadowy swim-throughs. Look for the large propeller, often bustling with blennies and small crabs. Dogfish are common here, often found resting among the wreckage, and if you’re lucky, you might spot an inquisitive grey seal popping by for a look. We always suggest going at slack water; the currents can pick up, making it less enjoyable. It’s a great site for photographers too, with that shallow ambient light really bringing out the greens and browns of the kelp. While it’s no German battleship, the Lake Neuchatte tells its own story of Scapa Flow, offering an intimate wreck experience.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.889580, -2.899953
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Copinsay

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 LAKE NEUCHATTE

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 LAKE NEUCHATTE

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