Wreck of Questing - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Questing in Scapa Flow isn't one of the big German battleships, but that's precisely why we love it. This small trawler, scuttled during WWII, offers a refreshingly intimate wreck dive, a real contrast to the sheer scale of the Konig or Kronprinz Wilhelm. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by how intact she is, lying on her port side at around 18 metres. We often spend a good portion of the dive just exploring the stern, pushing our heads into the wheelhouse, imagining the crew on deck. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the light filtering through the Orkney green water gives the wreck a moody, almost ethereal feel. What really makes Questing special for us is the life she supports. We’ve seen conger eels poking out from every nook and cranny, and the deck is carpeted in jewel anemones and dead man’s fingers, glowing under a torch beam. It’s an accessible dive, perfect for those wanting to experience a genuine piece of wartime history without deep decompression obligations. We'd suggest going at slack water, as currents can pick up, making navigation a little trickier around the rigging.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.850420, -3.821808
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Tarbat Ness

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 Questing

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 Questing

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