Tabarka (block ship) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Tabarka sits upright, a real leviathan of a blockship in Scapa Flow. We love how the stern rises out of the gloom, just hinting at the rest of her waiting below. This isn't a deep dive, around 18-24 metres depending on the tide, making her accessible for most competent wreck divers. The real draw is that bow section, completely blown off; you can swim through the gap and into the cargo holds, or what’s left of them. Look for the large propeller blades, often draped in dead man's fingers and a surprising number of jewel anemones, glowing pink and orange in your torch beam. Inside, the light filters down, creating these shafts where pollock dart in and out, seemingly oblivious to divers. We always suggest taking your time exploring the holds. Our favourite is spotting the massive plumose anemones, often growing several feet tall, waving gently in the slight surge. The visibility here can vary wildly, sometimes you're lucky and get 10 metres, other days it's a green soup, but even then, the scale of the wreck is impressive as she slowly reveals herself. It’s a classic Scapa dive, robust and full of atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate the history as much as the crabs scurrying amongst the plates.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.926770, -3.313105
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Hoy and West Mainland

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 Tabarka (block ship)

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 Tabarka (block ship)

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