Wreck of Premier - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the HMS Sunfish always feels like stepping back in time, and for us, that’s its real draw. This 1936 S-class submarine lies broken in two, a result of a tragic friendly fire incident in 1944. Dropping down, you hit the bow section first, often greeted by schools of pollock swirling in the midwater. We particularly love poking around the conning tower area; it’s fairly intact, offering some interesting swim-throughs if you're comfortable with overhead environments. The stern section, a short swim away, is more mangled but just as atmospheric. Everywhere you look, the wreck is covered in a thick carpet of sea stars and anemones, with four-bearded rockling often tucked into crevices. Visibility here can be a bit of a gamble, typical for the North Sea, but on a good day, the sheer scale of the Sunfish is impressive. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a current, offering a tangible link to a bygone era.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.216473, -1.858617
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Foveran Links

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 Premier

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 Premier

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