Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Dane N - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Dane N, or whatever she truly is, holds a quiet, melancholic power. We love how the history here whispers around you as you descend into the green embrace of Scapa Flow. It’s a proper wreck dive, not a reef with a bit of metal, and the bow section, particularly, feels like a forgotten sentinel. Visibility can swing dramatically, so pick your day, but when it’s good, you can make out the scale, the way the structure is slowly giving itself back to the sea. Exploring the Dane N is less about penetration and more about appreciating the elegant decay of a bygone era. We always spend time just hovering, watching the lobsters scuttling in the shadows and the squat lobsters clinging to the girders. Look for the wolf fish, too; they often lurk in the deeper nooks. This isn't a dive for coral fanatics, but if you appreciate the cold-water beauty of kelp framing a piece of history, and the way crabs and anemones make new homes on old steel, then you’ll find this wreck utterly captivating. It's a dive that suits those who appreciate historical context as much as marine life.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
60.571940, -0.513436
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Funzie

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 Dane N

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 Dane N

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