SS Otway - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Dropping onto the HMS Triumph, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of this pre-dreadnought battleship. We’ve always been drawn to wrecks that tell a story, and the Triumph, sunk in 1917, whispers tales of a bygone era with every twisted plate and gaping porthole. It’s not a site for poking into tiny crevices, but rather for appreciating the grand structure that lies here, a veritable ghost ship in the blue. The decks are largely gone, dissolved by time and salt, but the immense gun turrets, each a silent sentinel, are our favourite feature. They are colossal, adorned with gorgonians and sponges that give them a strangely regal air. Look for the common brittlestars clinging to everything, their delicate arms waving in the gentle surge. Inside, where the hull remains largely intact, the light dims, creating an atmospheric dive that feels truly exploratory. We'd suggest getting here early in the morning, before any thermoclines set in, for the best visibility. This site is a truly standout dive in the Aegean, perfect for those who appreciate history as much as the marine life that now calls it home.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.900000, -6.466667
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: North Rona and Sula Sgeir

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 SS Otway

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 SS Otway

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