Wreck of Ben Aigen
Protected Area
Rubha Hunish
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - Wreck of Ben Aigen offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for Wreck of Ben Aigen
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Ben Aigen
Wreck of Ben Aigen Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Ben Aigen, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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