Wreck of Aase (Possibly) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Forget what you think you know about wreck diving. The *Langenes* in Scapa Flow isn't about tropical fish or sun-drenched reefs. This is a cold water beast, a freighter scuttled in 1919, now an incredible artificial reef. We love it for its sheer scale and the way it’s been absolutely colonised by nature. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the gloom, but your torch soon cuts through, revealing the immense structure. The holds are cavernous, perfect for a slow penetration, though we'd always suggest good wreck training and a guide here. Inside, the light-bulb sea squirts glow, almost otherworldly, while dogfish often snooze on the silty deck. Common sea stars are everywhere, a real carpet of them in places, and we’ve even had fleeting encounters with common seals zipping past. It’s an atmospheric dive, a real journey into history and an outstanding example of how marine life reclaims man-made structures.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.766270, -3.235044
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 Wreck of Aase (Possibly)

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 Wreck of Aase (Possibly)

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