Wreck of Kondor - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Kondor. What a moody dive. We’ve always had a soft spot for the German High Seas Fleet wrecks in Scapa Flow, and the Kondor, a minesweeper, really delivers that sense of history. Descending onto her, the structure emerges from the gloom, often cloaked in that beautiful, slightly eerie green light unique to Scapa. You can really get a feel for her lines, the bow and stern still very much intact, despite the decades underwater. Our favourite part is poking around the engine room, always an atmospheric swim-through, especially when a few curious wrasse dart out from the shadows. The deck guns are still there, eerily pointing skyward, now encrusted with anemones and hydroids, a stark reminder of her past purpose. This isn't a dive for blazing colours, but for texture, for history, and for that quiet contemplation of a ship at rest. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water; the currents here can pick up, making the exploration much less enjoyable. It's a dive that suits those who appreciate the story of a wreck as much as the life it now supports.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.037804, -6.308390
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Shiant East Bank

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 Kondor

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 Kondor

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