Wreck of Evergreen - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Evergreen, a German auxiliary vessel scuttled in 1946, offers a haunting dive. We like to drop down the bow, which sits in about 25 metres. From there, you can trace the intact railings and superstructure back towards the stern. It’s not a huge wreck, so you can really take your time to explore the nooks and crannies. We particularly love the wheelhouse, still largely intact, and the engine room, which has some surprisingly accessible spaces for properly trained wreck divers. What really sells Evergreen for us, though, is how nature has reclaimed it. The cold, nutrient-rich waters of Scapa Flow mean a constant feast for the anenomes and dead man's fingers clinging to every surface. You'll often find conger eels peering out from open doorways and huge pollack patrolling the decks. It's a proper Scapa Flow wreck – a piece of history that's now a living reef. Best dived on a slack tide, naturally, to avoid those infamous Orkney currents.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.701797, -2.068777
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Rosehearty to Fraserburgh 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 Evergreen

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 Evergreen

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