LLANISHEN - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Llanishen isn't one of Scapa's usual German fleet wrecks, and that's precisely why we love her. This British steamship met her end in 1940, bombed by German aircraft, and now lies split in two at 50 metres. Descending, you’ll first hit the stern section, a chaotic jumble of plates and machinery, home to nudibranchs and squat lobsters tucked into every crevice. Our favourite part is navigating the debris field between the stern and bow, where the light fades and the sheer scale of the sinking becomes apparent. The bow section is the more intact of the two. We always head for the anchor chains, draped like thick necklaces, before peering into the open holds. The water here feels heavy, green, and cold, typical of Scapa, but the visibility often pushes 15 metres, giving you time to appreciate the immense structure. This is a dive for experienced deep wreck enthusiasts, comfortable with deco and a bit of overhead penetration if you’re keen to explore the deeper holds. It’s a proper Scapa dive, raw and historical, without the crowds of some of the more famous sites.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.349650, -2.534972
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: Noss Head

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 LLANISHEN

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 LLANISHEN

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