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Wreck of Noordpool

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.