Wreck of Glen Albyn - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Glen Albyn. What a ship. We love it because it’s one of the few German High Seas Fleet scuttled wrecks sitting upright in Scapa Flow, making it a fantastic dive for really getting a feel for the vessel. Dropping down, you’ll find it mostly intact, a ghostly steel skeleton draped in kelp and sea anemones. We always start our dives at the bow, heading aft along the main deck, keeping an eye out for the massive prop shaft tunnel and the twin propellers still in place. Exploring the hold sections, you're enveloped in a soft, green light filtering through the water, illuminating the resident wrasse and pollock darting between the metal beams. It’s got a real atmosphere, a sense of history that few wrecks possess. The best time to dive it is on a slack tide, naturally, but if you hit it just right, the visibility can stretch to 15 metres, giving you incredible views of the whole ship. Our favourite bit? Peeking into the engine room, a cathedral of corroded machinery where conger eels often lurk. This dive is perfect for advanced open water divers who appreciate a well-preserved piece of maritime history and don't mind the chill of Northern waters.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.864124, -5.681061
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Wester Ross

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 Glen Albyn

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 Glen Albyn

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