Wreck of Artemis - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Scapa Flow is littered with history, but the *Artemis* offers a different kind of thrill compared to the colossal German fleet. We love this site because it’s a proper dive, feeling much more intimate. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is how intact she is – not just a pile of plates. You can still make out the superstructure, the bow pointing into the gloom, and the stern section. It’s got that ghostly vibe, but she’s also a vibrant home for critters. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs crawling over the metalwork, their bright colours a stark contrast to the rust. Ling often peer out from shadowy corners, and we’ve even spotted inquisitive conger eels making their homes in the deeper sections. Our favourite part has to be exploring the open cargo holds, where sunlight, even on a cloudy Orkney day, filters down in hazy shafts, illuminating schools of saithe that dance around the beams. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration, perfect for divers who appreciate the story behind the steel and don't mind the chill of the North Atlantic. Just be mindful of the current, it can pick up here, especially around the tides.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.693134, -2.778354
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cullen to Stake Ness Coast

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 Artemis

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 Artemis

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