Wreck of Finlande - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Finlande*, a former German battleship, lies deep in Scapa Flow, another casualty of the scuttling. We love this dive for its sheer scale and the palpable history clinging to every rivet. Descending, you’re enveloped by the murky green of the Flow, the wreck slowly materialising, a colossal silhouette against the diffuse light. The bridge section is particularly impressive, rising like a ghostly citadel, often festooned with feathery white dead man's fingers. Inside, the light shafts filtering through portholes create an eerie, cathedral-like atmosphere. You'll find schools of saithe darting through the open holds, and sometimes a curious grey seal might make a fleeting appearance. Exploring the engine rooms, we often spot enormous plumose anemones, their tentacles waving gently in the faint current. It's a dive for those comfortable with overhead environments and deeper depths, best tackled on a slack tide for the clearest, most comfortable exploration. The *Finlande* truly transports you back in time, a silent monument to a bygone era.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.505802, -1.774695
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Bullers of Buchan 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 Finlande

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 Finlande

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