RMS Oceanic - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Victoria isn't a dive you hear about on every Cyprus itinerary, and that's exactly why we love it. This isn't your average upright wreck; the Victoria lies upside down in a relatively shallow depth, which makes for a completely different kind of exploration. You’re not penetrating a clear deck, instead, you’re swimming alongside the massive hull, peering into the gaps where the ship's structure has begun to collapse. We find it genuinely eerie, but in the best possible way, seeing the huge, inverted propeller shafts and the sheer scale of the battleship looming above you. Visibility here is usually decent, and the light filtering down creates these beautiful, shifting patterns on the hull. We particularly enjoy the swim-throughs formed by the wreckage, always keeping an eye out for moray eels tucked into crevices and the schools of damselfish darting between the metal. It's a wreck dive for those who appreciate history and the slow, inevitable reclamation by the sea. If you're looking for a slightly off-kilter, genuinely atmospheric wreck experience, the Victoria is a solid choice.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
60.117010, -1.980717
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Foula Coast

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 RMS Oceanic

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 RMS Oceanic

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