Wreck of SMS König - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Express isn’t some tropical sun-drenched wreck. This is classic Pacific Northwest diving, so pull on that drysuit and prepare for an adventure. We love the chill it gives you, descending into the cool, green depths to find a piece of history. This E-class destroyer, lost in 1934, is now a seriously moody dive. We’ve found the bow section often holds the biggest surprises, with huge schools of shiner perch swirling through the superstructure, sometimes so thick you feel like you’re swimming through liquid silver. Keep an eye out for big skates tucked into crevices, their flat bodies almost perfectly camouflaged against the aged metal. The stern section is more broken up, but it's where we've encountered some impressive red rock crabs, all scuttling angles and aggressive claws. Visibility can swing dramatically, from a murky haze to a surprisingly clear 10 metres, especially if you catch it after a few days of calm weather. Our best advice? Go with a local operator who knows the tides – strong currents can make this a challenging dive, but they also bring in the bigger visitors. We’ve seen common seals cruising the perimeter and even heard rumours of orcas passing through, though we haven't been that lucky ourselves. This isn't a dive for casual beginners; it's for those who appreciate history and the raw beauty of cold-water wrecks.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.886738, -3.153494
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 König

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 König

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