Wreck of Bug - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Bug*, or SMS *Brummer* as she was known to her German crew, is a standout among Scapa Flow’s blockships, even if she doesn’t get the headline billing of the bigger battleships. We love the feeling of swimming over her flattened plates, knowing she was deliberately scuttled to defend the harbour. It's a proper cold-water wreck dive, moody and silty, with that distinct Orkney green light filtering down. What makes the *Bug* special is the sheer amount of historical metal, still chunky and recognisable despite the years. You'll find yourself navigating through her contorted superstructure, occasionally spotting a porthole or a bulkhead. The marine life here isn't about colourful corals, but rather the hardy anemones, starfish, and scuttling crabs that have made a home in the shadows. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the quiet, persistent power of the sea claiming its own. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water; the currents here can be surprisingly brisk, sweeping you along a bit faster than you’d like if you get it wrong.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.692806, -2.085534
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Rosehearty to Fraserburgh 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 Bug

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 Bug

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