Wreck of Ilsenstein
Protected Area
Copinsay
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - Wreck of Ilsenstein offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Ilsenstein, a German steamer scuttled in 1919, lies broken on the seabed in Scapa Flow. It’s a compelling dive, not for its scale but for its atmosphere. We love the way the wreck has fractured, creating dramatic swim-throughs and dark pockets for exploration, perfect for divers who enjoy probing forgotten corners. You'll find sections of hull plating draped in kelp, with small fish like poor cod darting between the rusty beams. Look closely and you'll spot lumpsuckers clinging to the metalwork, their suction cups a marvel to watch. It's a site that rewards careful inspection rather than grand vistas. We think it’s best dived on a calm day, when the visibility helps pick out the details of the decay. It suits divers who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of a wreck reclaiming its own.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Ilsenstein
Wreck of Ilsenstein Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Ilsenstein, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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