Wreck of Nitedal - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Scapa Flow is littered with history, but the Nitedal, a German merchant ship scuttled in 1919, always stands out for us. It sits upright and reasonably intact, with plenty of big penetration opportunities if you’re properly trained and equipped. We love dropping down onto the huge cargo holds, often finding them packed with plumose anemones, their feathery tentacles swaying in the gentle surge. Keep an eye out for inquisitive wrasse darting in and out of the plating; they’re often bolder here than on other wrecks. The stern is our favourite spot, where the propeller still offers a stark silhouette against the green light. Visibility can swing dramatically, so picking your day is key. Aim for slack water around high tide for the best conditions; it makes navigating the deeper sections around 20-30 metres much more enjoyable. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration, perfect for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of history with their marine life.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.549026, -4.389646
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Invernaver

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 Nitedal

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 Nitedal

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