Wreck of Gratitude - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Gratitude, a German steamer scuttled in 1919, rests upright in Scapa Flow's cold embrace. It’s not one of the big boys, the cruisers everyone flocks to, but we love it for its manageable size and the sense of history that clings to every rivet. Descend the shot line, and you’re greeted by the ghostly outline of its hull, often shrouded in a green twilight, even on a sunny day. Inside, the engine room is a highlight, surprisingly intact, with gauges and levers still discernible. Keep an eye out for conger eels peeking from dark corners and the vibrant plumose anemones that coat the bulkheads, a stark contrast to the muted steel. Penetration is relatively straightforward for divers comfortable in overhead environments, but bring a good torch – it gets dark in there. We’ve found the best visibility here often comes on an incoming tide, sweeping away some of Scapa’s usual murk. It’s a site that rewards a slow, deliberate dive, letting the story of the ship unfold around you.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.926580, -5.618537
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 Gratitude

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 Gratitude

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