Wreck of Baradrangur - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Baradrangur* isn’t one of Scapa’s big German battleships, and for some, that’s exactly its appeal. This blockade runner, sunk in the early days of WWII, sits upright on the seabed, a little over 20 metres down. We love the way its superstructure has collapsed in places, creating these brilliant swim-throughs, tight but manageable, perfect for a bit of torch exploration. You’ll find walls thick with plumose anemones, their white tentacles reaching out like soft, alien flowers in the murkier corners, and often, we spot lobsters tucked into any crevice that offers shelter. Visibility here can be a bit of a mixed bag; we’ve had days of 15 metres and days where it’s felt like diving in pea soup, but even then, the wreck’s compact size means you never feel lost. It’s a fantastic dive for those who appreciate history without the overwhelming scale of the larger Scapa wrecks, giving you a chance to slow down, really examine the details, and perhaps imagine the cargo she was trying to smuggle. Our advice: pick a slack tide for the easiest dive and keep an eye out for inquisitive conger eels.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.674870, -1.984897
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cairnbulg to St Combs 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 Baradrangur

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 Baradrangur

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