Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Hoy

    Wreck of SMS Hindenburg

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Hoy

    Why dive here

    With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - Wreck of SMS Hindenburg offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Scapa Flow. Just saying the name conjures images of history etched in steel. And the SMS Hindenburg? She’s our pick of the battlecruisers here, a true standout. Dropping down, the sheer scale hits you first. This isn't just a wreck; it's a monument, lying upside down, her massive hull plates creating enormous, dark canyons. We love picking our way through the open hatches, exploring the cavernous interior spaces. Light filters in, painting the scene in shifting shades of green and grey, illuminating the giant props that still dominate the stern. The marine life isn't about vibrant coral, but it’s impressive in its own way. Big Atlantic cod glide through the gloom, often startling you as they emerge from a shadowed corner. Dog whelks cling to every surface, and the hairy sea-mat forms thick, shaggy carpets over the metal. Look closely and you'll spot butterfish darting in and out of crevices. Visibility can be a mixed bag; it’s never Caribbean blue, but on a good day, you can see the full majesty of her length. The currents can be brisk, so check the tides. This dive is for those who appreciate history, scale, and the unique, rugged beauty of cold-water wreck diving.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

    Today06:4017:2010h 40m daylightGolden hour 16:24

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of SMS Hindenburg

    Wreck of SMS Hindenburg Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Wreck of SMS Hindenburg, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    13°C

    55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C

    Air Temperature

    10°C

    50°F

    Wind Speed

    9.26 m/s

    18.0 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1005.3 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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