Wreck of Frau Anna Katharina - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Frau Anna Katharina is a Scapa Flow classic, a solid dive that often gets overlooked in favour of the bigger German High Seas Fleet wrecks. We love it for its accessibility and just how much you can explore here without feeling rushed. This Blockship, scuttled in 1915, now lies neatly upright, its bow often piercing the surface at low tide, which makes for a dramatic entry. Drop down and you're immediately into the superstructure, with plenty of swim-throughs and large cargo holds to poke around in. Light filters in, illuminating huge plumose anemones that carpet the bulkheads, their white tentacles swaying gently in the slight current. Look closer and you'll spot scuttling crabs and blennies peeking from crevices. It’s a fantastic site for photographers and those who appreciate the history, but equally rewarding for divers who just want a relaxed rummage around a well-preserved wreck. Our tip: go at slack tide for the best visibility; the Flow can get a bit soupy at other times.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.144880, -2.062779
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Nigg Bay

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 Frau Anna Katharina

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 Frau Anna Katharina

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