Wreck of Christina - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Christina isn't always the first wreck people talk about in Scapa Flow, but we think she offers a surprisingly intimate dive. Forget the huge battleships for a moment; Christina is a trawler, smaller, more approachable, and incredibly atmospheric. Descending onto her deck, you can almost hear the ghost of fishing nets scraping. We love poking around her wheelhouse, still largely intact, imagining the crew in those final moments. Because she's a smaller vessel, the marine life feels more concentrated. Ling often lurk in the shadowed corners, and the anemones coating her plates are a riot of colour, a stark contrast to the grey steel. On a day with good visibility, the light filtering down can be absolutely magical, illuminating the debris scattered across the seabed around her. We'd suggest diving her on a slack tide, if possible, to really take your time exploring the nooks and crannies without being pushed about. She’s perfect for divers who appreciate the history and the quiet beauty of a less-frequented wreck.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.729650, -3.350242
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Masonshaugh

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 Christina

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 Christina

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