LANGENS - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Langens, a fishing trawler sunk by a mine in 1941, offers a different flavour of Scapa diving. At a shallow 24 metres, she’s a great introduction to wreck diving in the Flow, especially if you’re still getting comfortable with the cold water and the often-darker visibility. We find her particularly rewarding on a sunny day, when the light penetrates deep, illuminating the trawler’s bow and stern sections, which are still remarkably intact. Inside, the wheelhouse is gone, but the engine room is accessible, a tight squeeze, but worth the look for the scattered remnants of her working life. Keep an eye out for the resident wrasse and blennies that flit through the structure; the Langens is a busy little habitat. We’d suggest a late afternoon dive here, as the angling light really enhances the atmosphere. It’s not one of the big German fleet, no, but the Langens has a quiet charm that we really appreciate.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.616272, -3.518174
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m

Marine Protected Area: North Caithness Cliffs

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 LANGENS

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 LANGENS

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