Wreck of Kiruna - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Khartoum, a British K-class destroyer sunk in 1939, is a genuinely compelling dive. We love the history here; you’re not just looking at a pile of metal, you’re diving into a tangible piece of naval past. She lies broken into three main sections, splayed out on a sandy bottom, which makes for fantastic exploration. Our favourite part is the stern section, still quite intact, where you can peer into what was once the propeller shaft. You’ll weave through schools of yellowfin goatfish that patrol the deck plates, their fins glinting in the shafts of light filtering down. Keep an eye out for the resident green turtles, often found munching on the algae that carpets the shallower parts of the wreck. Visibility can be excellent, often pushing 20 metres, so you get a real sense of the scale of this warship. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light is softer and the currents tend to be a little less feisty, making for a more relaxed dive experience.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.682934, -2.918321
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: John o' Groats

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 Kiruna

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 Kiruna

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