Wreck of SMS Moltke - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the HMS Greyhound off Crete isn't your average Mediterranean wreck dive. This isn't just a pile of metal; it's a destroyer, sunk in 1941, and what a story it tells. We love how the hull is broken, with sections scattered, which makes for really interesting exploration. You might spot a barracuda schooling over a gun turret, or a shy octopus tucked into a crevice, but the main draw here is the structure itself. The stern, in particular, is a favourite of ours. It's largely intact and you can still make out the torpedo tubes, which always gives us a shiver. Visibility here can be stunning, often stretching to 30 meters, letting you appreciate the sheer scale of the wreck as you descend. It's a site that rewards multiple dives, each one revealing a new detail. We'd suggest going with a guide who knows the history; it brings the whole experience to life when you know exactly what you're looking at. This isn't a site for beginners; some of the deeper sections and potential currents mean you'll want to be comfortable with your buoyancy. It's a proper wreck dive, full of history and a real sense of adventure.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.872643, -3.187271
Type
wreck

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 Moltke

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 Moltke

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