Wreck of Gunnaren - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Navarre* in Scapa Flow, she's a proper brute of a wreck, often overlooked for her bigger, more famous neighbours. We love her precisely for that, though. There's a quiet dignity to this auxiliary ship, sunk during the scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet. Dropping down, the bow comes into view first, rising like a dark, solid wall from the silty seabed. The water here always feels cold against your face, even in summer, carrying that distinct mineral scent of the Flow. You can spend a good long time exploring her superstructure, working your way through the holds, imagining the chaos of 1919. Our favourite part is the engine room, easily penetrable if you're comfortable with overhead environments and have good buoyancy. Flash your torch inside and watch the butterfish dart between the gauges and valves, their bodies shimmering in the beam. Look closely, and you'll find plenty of beadlet anemones clinging to the darker metal, their tentacles reaching out. This isn't a wreck for spotting big pelagics, but the sheer scale of the *Navarre* and its historical weight make it a standout for wreck enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate a less crowded experience. We’d suggest diving her on a slack tide for the best visibility, though Scapa Flow always keeps a bit of mystery in its embrace.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.746025, -3.061141
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Pentland Firth Islands

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 Gunnaren

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 Gunnaren

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