Wreck of Carmania II - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Freesia, a German Sperrbrecher, isn't one of Scapa's colossal scuttled battleships, but we still rate it as a standout dive. She lies on her starboard side, around 25 metres deep, and despite the years underwater, you can still make out her superstructure and the anti-aircraft gun on her bow. We always find the bow gun a bit haunting, given her history. Entry can be tricky, often requiring a boat, but once you’re down, the current is usually manageable. Visibility varies wildly, from a murky five metres to a brilliant 15, so pick your day carefully, ideally on a neap tide. The Freesia is absolutely smothered in life – we’ve seen so many light-bulb sea squirts and feather stars clinging to the metalwork, it’s like a living tapestry. Keep an eye out for curious dab and whiting darting in and out of the twisted metal, and the occasional dogfish tucked into a crevice. This is a brilliant dive for those who appreciate history and the way nature reclaims man-made structures; it’s less about penetration and more about exploring the exterior and the abundant growth.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.952316, -3.335132
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Hoy and West Mainland

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 Carmania II

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 Carmania II

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