Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Kildale - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Stygian, a 1943 S-class submarine, isn't just a dive site; it’s a time capsule. Dropping down, you really feel the history of the place. We love the way the hull’s silhouette takes shape, a stark contrast to the usual Similan granite boulders. Inside, the torpedo tubes are still visible, and you can imagine the crew in those cramped quarters. Schools of fusiliers often swirl around the conning tower, so thick they almost block out the light, a real sensory overload. Our favourite part is lingering near the bow, watching the resident giant morays peek out from crevices that used to be watertight compartments. The wreck's integrity, even after all these years, is remarkable. It’s a dive for those who appreciate both history and the way the ocean reclaims man-made structures. Best dived mid-morning to catch the light shafting through the open sections, illuminating the colourful soft corals that now carpet the metal.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.738420, -1.761496
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cairnbulg to St Combs Coast

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 Kildale

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 Kildale

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