Wreck of Highcliffe - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The ORP Kujawiak is a classic for a reason. We love how accessible this wreck is, sitting on a sandy bottom just off Comino, making it a solid choice when you’ve had enough of caves and want something with a bit of history. Dropping down, you’ll find the destroyer relatively intact, broken into three main sections. You can easily swim through the torpedo tubes and across the deck, imagining the chaos during its wartime demise. Sunlight filters through the water, illuminating schools of lesser argentine that swarm the superstructure, while painted combers dart in and out of the crevices. Look closely, and you’ll spot black gobies peeking from the nooks. It’s a comfortable wreck dive, not too deep, and without the strong currents that sometimes plague other sites, making it perfect for those wanting to explore a genuine piece of history without too much hassle. Our favourite time to visit is late morning; the light is just right to really pick out the detail on the deck gun.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
60.318336, -1.661603
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Papa Stour

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 Highcliffe

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 Highcliffe

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