Wreck of Cornelia - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the Cornelia in Scapa Flow, you’re not just exploring a wreck, you’re touching a piece of history. This Blockship, deliberately scuttled in 1915 to protect the naval base, lies upright and relatively intact, making it a fantastic dive for those who appreciate the story behind the metal. We love the way the light filters through the structure, illuminating vast schools of saithe that swirl around the bow, a shimmering curtain of silver against the dark steel. Our favourite part has to be finning through the open holds, feeling the chill embrace of the Orkney water, and seeing how the marine life has utterly transformed the vessel. Ling cod lurk in shadowed corners, their mottled skin blending perfectly with the encrusted metal. Look closely and you’ll spot plumose anemones blooming like alien flowers, their white tentacles swaying with the gentle surge. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, peering into every nook and cranny. We’d suggest a good torch, not just for the darker sections, but to really pick out the details – the rivets, the rusticles, and the vibrant colours of the invertebrate life clinging to every surface. This is a dive for the curious, for those who want to feel the weight of history and witness nature's relentless reclamation.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.161250, -5.336462
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Assynt - Coigach

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 Cornelia

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 Cornelia

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