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PONTOON NO 1

Pontoon No. 1 in Scapa Flow isn't one of the grand battleships, but we absolutely love it for a completely different reason. It’s shallow, sitting at a max of 10 metres, making it perfect for a long, relaxed dive, even if you’re newer to cold water wreck diving. You’re essentially exploring a large, metal box, but it’s the sheer density of life that makes it so compelling. The pontoon acts like a giant, artificial reef. Expect to find conger eels peering from every dark crevice, their heads the size of your forearm. We’ve often seen blennies darting in and out of the small holes, completely unfazed by divers. Our favourite discovery here is the sheer number of colourful anemones that encrust the structure – a vibrant contrast to the stark metal. Visibility here can be surprisingly good on a calm day, especially with a bit of sunshine. We’d suggest going at slack water, as even a gentle current can kick up the fine sediment. It's a fantastic site for photographers looking for macro life on a larger structure, or anyone who just wants a chill dive in a historic location without the pressure of deeper, darker wrecks.