Wreck of SMS Baden - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Llandovery Castle isn't just a wreck; it's a piece of history, deep and demanding, and for us, that’s precisely its appeal. Dropping onto the deck of this Canadian hospital ship, sunk by a U-boat in 1918, is always a profound experience. You’ll feel the chill even through a thick drysuit as you descend into the green gloom, the enormity of the vessel slowly revealing itself. We love tracing the outline of her superstructure, imagining the lives onboard. The wreck itself is home to some incredible life. We've often spotted elegant cuttlefish tucked into crevices and always keep an eye out for the resident anglerfish, masters of camouflage. The deeper sections attract larger cod and schools of blue whiting, sometimes so dense they momentarily block your view of the wreck. This isn't a dive for beginners; strong currents are common, and the depth requires careful planning and experience with decompression. But if you're prepared for a serious dive, the Llandovery Castle delivers a haunting, unforgettable journey into the past.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.924570, -3.105916
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Waulkmill

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 SMS Baden

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 SMS Baden

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