Wreck of Noordpool - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Noordpool is one of Scapa Flow’s lesser-dived beauties, often overshadowed by the larger German battleships. But for us, that’s part of its charm. This 1910 steam trawler, sunk by a mine in 1915, rests upright and largely intact at around 20 metres. We love dropping down onto her deck, the bow still remarkably pointed and proud, facing the gloomy green water. What you get here is a real sense of history, a working boat caught in a bigger conflict. Head aft and you’ll find the engine room surprisingly open, allowing easy penetration for those with the right training. Schools of juvenile cod swirl around the superstructure, darting in and out of the rusted plating. Look closely, and you’ll spot colourful anemones clinging to every surface, some of the biggest we’ve seen in the Flow. Visibility can be variable, so we'd suggest picking a slack tide for the best experience. It’s a cracker for photographers and anyone wanting a more intimate wreck dive.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.699060, -2.125813
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Rosehearty to Fraserburgh Coast

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 Noordpool

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 Noordpool

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