Wreck of SMS Prinzregent Luitpold - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Porcupine off Al Hoceima isn't your typical Mediterranean wreck. This O and P-class destroyer, sunk in 1941, feels like a proper deep dive adventure. We’ve found her to be surprisingly intact in places, with the bow section still quite recognisable, giving you a real sense of its former life. Dropping down, the sheer scale of the wreck starts to sink in. We particularly love poking around the midships, where the deck plating has peeled back like a tin can, creating intriguing swim-throughs for those with the right training. You’ll often find schools of axefish hovering in the gloom, and if you’re patient, a loggerhead turtle might cruise past, seemingly unfazed by your presence. The visibility here can be a bit moody, but on a good day, the way the light filters through the structure is genuinely captivating. It’s a site that rewards experienced wreck divers who appreciate history and a good challenge. Definitely not one for your first wreck dive, but if you’re comfortable with deeper profiles and potential currents, she’s a standout.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.883750, -3.192546
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 Prinzregent Luitpold

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 Prinzregent Luitpold

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