SMS Dresden - Scapa Flow, Orkney

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.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.878548, -3.183975
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Hoy

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 SMS Dresden

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 SMS Dresden

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