Wreck of Archangel - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Gondolier, one of Scapa Flow’s smaller, more intimate wrecks, feels like diving into a time capsule. She’s a Blockship, scuttled intentionally in 1940 to protect the naval anchorage, and it shows in her character. We love how relatively intact she remains, resting in about 15 metres, making her accessible for a longer bottom time. Descending onto the Gondolier, you quickly appreciate her scale. The bow points south, and you can swim right through the holds, which are now draped in Dead Man's Fingers and plumose anemones. Look for the cuckoo skates often tucked into the crevices, and we’ve even spotted small dogfish nosing around the deck plates. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop shaft leads away, hinting at her former life. The visibility here can be surprisingly good on a calm day, especially with a flood tide, giving the wreck a greenish, ethereal glow. It’s not the imposing size of the German High Seas Fleet wrecks, but the Gondolier offers a wonderfully detailed, exploratory dive for anyone interested in Scapa Flow’s wartime history and the marine life that now calls it home.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.249996, -2.003795
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Foveran Links

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 Archangel

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 Archangel

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