Wreck of Prudentia - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The RMS Rhone is justifiably famous, and we rate it as one of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean. We love a wreck with a good story, and the Rhone, sunk in an 1867 hurricane, has history etched into every plate. You descend onto the bow section first, often with a gentle current pushing you along, past the huge propeller and the intact stern. Look for the barracuda that often hang out near the propeller, just watching you go by. The real magic, though, is how she’s been colonised. We’ve seen octopuses tucked into crevices, their eyes following your every move, and schools of snapper swirling through the exposed ribs of the midsection. The swim-throughs are fantastic, particularly the engine room where the light filters in from above, illuminating sponges and corals that have made it home. We’d suggest going early in the morning; the light is better for photography, and you often get the site to yourself before the day boats arrive. It’s a dive that rewards multiple visits, each time revealing a new detail, a different resident.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.847305, -3.132696
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Switha

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 Prudentia

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 Prudentia

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