Wreck of Italia - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Alexander Nevsky* wreck off Denmark’s North Sea coast is one of those sites that just gets under your skin. We love it because it’s a real piece of history, the kind of place you can almost hear the timbers groaning from that fateful storm in 1868. This was a screw frigate of the Russian Imperial Navy, and while the depth is a bit of a mystery, it’s not a shallow potter. Expect a serious dive. What you'll find down there is an incredible jumble of twisted metal and wood, now completely claimed by the sea. The visibility here can be a bit challenging, typical North Sea stuff, but when it clears, you can make out the scale of the vessel. We’ve seen huge shoals of common shore crabs scuttling over the debris and the remains of the hull provide perfect shelter for blue mussels and acorn barnacles. It's a dive for those who appreciate wrecks with a story, not just perfect visibility. Bring a good torch and a keen eye for detail.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.193830, -6.373881
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Tong Saltings

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 Italia

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 Italia

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