Wreck of SMS Friedrich der Grosse - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Johnstone Reef. Alright, let's talk about it. The currents here? They rip, plain and simple. We’re talking drift diving, and you really need to be on your game, but it's precisely that flow that brings in the good stuff. We love dropping in on an ebb tide, letting it carry us past walls draped in vibrant plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying like fields of wheat. Look closely and you’ll spot fat red sea urchins nestled amongst them, and the occasional snake prickleback peeking out from a crevice. This isn't a deep dive, usually around 15-20 metres, and the visibility can swing wildly. We've had days where it’s 25 metres of emerald green, and others where it drops to five – that's just the PNW for you. Our favourite memory from Johnstone has to be a pass where a pod of orcas glided past, just out of arm's reach, while we were watching a school of coho salmon swirl past. It’s raw, wild diving, perfect for those who like a bit of a challenge and want to feel truly immersed in the Pacific Northwest's chilly embrace. Come prepared for the cold water, and definitely bring a good dive light; even on sunny days, it gets dim quickly down in the reef’s shadowed nooks.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.897385, -3.182946
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Hoy

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 Friedrich der Grosse

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 Friedrich der Grosse

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