Wreck of Ben Aigen - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Ben Aigen sits on its side, a dark hulking shadow emerging from the murk. It's one of the German High Seas Fleet scuttled here in 1919, a proper piece of history you can touch. We love how intact it still feels, the sheer scale of it. Descending onto the deck, you’ll see deck guns still angled upwards, a ghostly reminder of a ship waiting for a fight it never had. Inside, the light filters through portholes, illuminating the occasional crab scuttling across a bulkhead or a conger eel peeking from a pipe. Penetrating the cargo holds is a highlight; the cavernous spaces are home to squat lobsters and the occasional friendly blenny. We'd suggest checking the tides carefully; a slack water dive here makes all the difference in visibility and current. This wreck is perfect for experienced divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of chill.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.614170, -6.500810
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Rubha Hunish

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 Ben Aigen

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 Ben Aigen

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