SMS König - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The SMS König. Now this is a proper battleship. We’ve done a lot of Scapa Flow wrecks, and while they all have their stories, König just feels different. Descending onto this leviathan, upside down on the seabed, you immediately grasp its immense scale. The stern sections are particularly impressive, with those massive propeller shafts still reaching out, almost daring you to imagine the power they once commanded. The sheer size of König means you can easily spend an entire dive exploring just one section. We often find ourselves drifting along the hull plates, looking for the tell-tale signs of marine life that has made this steel structure home – dog whelks clinging on, transparent gobies darting from crevices. Our favourite part has to be the gun turrets, even inverted, they loom large, offering fantastic swim-throughs if you're comfortable with overhead environments and good at buoyancy. Visibility in Scapa can be hit or miss, but even on a greener day, the wreck's sheer mass ensures an atmospheric dive. Best to aim for a slack tide; the currents here can really motor. This isn't a dive for beginners; it demands respect and good preparation, but for experienced wreck divers, it’s an absolute powerhouse.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.870550, -3.151956
Type
wreck

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 SMS König

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 König

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