Wreck of City Of Osaka - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Scapa Flow is littered with history, but the City of Osaka wreck really stands out for us. It’s a cargo ship, lying on her port side at around 24 meters, and she's surprisingly intact for a vessel sunk during the scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet in 1919. We love how you can still make out the holds, often filled with large shoals of saithe swirling in the gloom, and if you’re lucky, a curious seal might come to investigate your bubbles. Visibility here can be a bit variable, but on a good day, the light filtering through the Orkney green water really highlights the superstructure, now completely encrusted with an amazing tapestry of plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. Our favourite part is the engine room, which is accessible for those with the right training; it feels like stepping back in time, with gauges and machinery still eerily in place. It’s a deep penetration dive, though, so respect the site and your limits. For divers who appreciate history, a bit of an adventure, and aren't afraid of chillier waters, the Osaka is a real treat. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide for the best experience; currents can pick up, making exploration tricky.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.378390, -1.880247
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Collieston to Whinnyfold 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 City Of Osaka

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 City Of Osaka

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