Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Hoy

    SMS Dresden

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Hoy

    Why dive here

    With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - SMS Dresden offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The SMS Dresden. Now this is a proper wreck dive, one we always circle back to. Lying on her port side at 45 metres, she's surprisingly intact for a light cruiser scuttled in 1919. We love how her huge guns still point defiantly to the surface, encrusted with a thick skin of plumose anemones, their white tentacles waving gently in the current. Dropping down through the gloom, the sheer scale hits you. You can penetrate her, of course, exploring the engine rooms and bridge, but even just finning along her length is an adventure. Look for the schools of pollack that swirl around the masts, and the occasional anglerfish tucked into a shadowy corner, perfectly camouflaged against the rust. Visibility can be hit or miss here, averaging 10-15 metres, so pick your day carefully. Slack water is crucial for a comfortable dive, so check those tide tables. This isn't one for beginners, but for experienced wreck divers, the Dresden is an absolute classic.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

    Today06:4017:2010h 40m daylightGolden hour 16:24

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for SMS Dresden

    SMS Dresden Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for SMS Dresden, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    13°C

    55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C

    Air Temperature

    10°C

    50°F

    Wind Speed

    9.26 m/s

    18.0 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1005.3 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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