Wreck of Nurzec - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Nurzec, a former German torpedo boat, lies upside down in about 24 metres, one of the smaller, often overlooked Scapa Flow wrecks. We love it because it’s so accessible, especially for divers new to cold water wreck diving who still want a proper piece of history. You’ll drop down onto the hull, typically silty, but the real fun starts when you swim around the stern. The props are still there, massive and barnacle-encrusted, a perfect spot for photography. Inside, the wreck is surprisingly open, with easy swim-throughs into what used to be the engine room. Watch for wrasse darting between the girders and the occasional inquisitive conger eel peeking from a dark corner. Visibility can vary, but we’ve had some fantastic dives here in late spring with 10-15 metres, making the whole wreck visible from the surface. We'd suggest pairing it with a drift dive on the nearby block ships if you’re looking for a full day out. It's a great dive for those who appreciate the quieter side of Scapa.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.198772, -2.067835
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Donmouth

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 Nurzec

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 Nurzec

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