NEPTUNIA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

For us, the Neptunia is a proper dive, a deep plunge into Scapa Flow's history that demands respect. This German merchant ship, sunk in 1919, rests upright at 60 metres, and the sheer scale of it hits you the moment you descend. We love seeing the bow loom out of the gloom, usually a muted green light filtering down, and the stern rises impressively towards shallower depths. The hold is our favourite part, though. Dropping inside, it’s a vast cavern. You’ll find light shafts piercing the darkness from the deck openings above, illuminating the occasional squat lobster or a schooling pollack that has made it home. We’d suggest focusing on the aft section and the superstructure; the bridge area is especially photogenic with its encrusting anemones and sponges. Visibility can vary wildly here, but on a good day, the sense of immersion in maritime history is total. This isn't a dive for the faint of heart or the inexperienced; the depth and potential for current mean you need to be on your game, but the reward is a genuinely captivating wreck experience.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.771812, -3.236278
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: Switha

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 NEPTUNIA

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 NEPTUNIA

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