Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Clan Macdonald - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the USS Philadelphia isn’t about huge pelagics or colourful reef fish; it’s about touching history. This isn't just a pile of timbers; it’s an American gunboat from 1776, remarkably preserved in the cold freshwater of Lake Champlain. When you descend, the visibility can stretch, letting you pick out details like the cannon still resting on its mount, or the intact hull planks. We particularly love the bow section, where you can almost picture the crew peering out. Our favourite time to dive it is early morning, before any potential boat traffic kicks up the sediment. The wreck itself has become home to a unique mix of freshwater species. You’ll spot schools of yellow perch darting through the gunports, American eels snaking through the decking, and maybe even a fat sleeper lurking in the darker corners. It’s a quiet, contemplative dive, a genuine privilege for anyone who appreciates maritime history and a very different kind of shipwreck.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.604725, -4.031264
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Whiteness Head

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 shipwreck possibly the Clan Macdonald

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 shipwreck possibly the Clan Macdonald

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