Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Skomer - Scapa Flow, Orkney

We love the Kiruna for its almost eerie sense of stillness. Dropping down onto her, you’ll find an upright cargo ship, largely intact, resting on a flat, silty bottom. It’s a proper Scapa Flow dive, meaning dark, cold water, but that just adds to the atmosphere. Our favourite part is exploring the holds, which are often home to some surprisingly large cod, lurking in the shadows. Look closely at the superstructure for colourful Devonshire cup corals; they really pop against the muted tones of the steel. This site is brilliant for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the historical feel and don't mind a bit of low visibility. It’s less about big fish action and more about the quiet contemplation of a preserved piece of history, colonised by the resilient life of the North Sea.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.513657, -1.640609
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Bullers of Buchan 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 Skomer

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 Skomer

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