Wreck of Gotfrede (Possibly) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Cairo, off Tabarka, isn't just another wreck dive; it's a deep plunge into history, and we love it for that raw connection. This C-class light cruiser, sunk in 1918, lies broken but still defiant, a true spectacle for those who appreciate wrecks with a story. You're not just looking at metal here; you're feeling the sheer scale of early 20th-century naval power, now softened by time and the sea. Our favourite aspect has to be the play of light through the ruptured deck plates, illuminating schools of fish that dart through the structure. We’ve often seen big Pollock lurking in the deeper, darker sections and it’s a site that always delivers on the unexpected – once, a huge Thornback skate glided right over the bow. The sheer size of the boilers and the gun turrets is humbling, and there's enough penetration for experienced wreck divers to explore the holds, where Norway lobsters peek out from crevices. It suits divers comfortable with deeper profiles and those who appreciate a wreck that truly feels like a time capsule, rather than just a collection of rusty parts.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.107937, -5.312731
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Assynt - Coigach

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 Gotfrede (Possibly)

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 Gotfrede (Possibly)

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