Wreck of Daniel Cotton - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the Ilmarinen isn't your typical tropical jaunt, and that’s precisely why we love it. This isn't about blinding colours or warm currents; it's about history suspended in time. We've always been drawn to wrecks that tell a story, and the Ilmarinen, a Väinämöinen-class coastal defence ship sunk in 1941, has tales etched into every rivet. Descending into the cool, often murky Baltic, you feel the chill before you even see the dark silhouette. The visibility can be temperamental here, but on a good day, the sheer scale of the ship emerges from the gloom. Our favourite part is navigating the upper decks, where gun emplacements still stand, draped in fishing nets and growth. It’s an eerie experience, the light fading quickly as you drop deeper. Look for the schooling cod and blennies that have made homes in the superstructure. This dive suits those with a deep appreciation for maritime history and a tolerance for colder, darker waters. It’s a profound experience, stark and haunting, a tangible connection to a past conflict.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.595720, -3.046120
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: John o' Groats

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 Daniel Cotton

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 Daniel Cotton

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