Wreck of SMS S131 (secondary location) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The USS Cisco. Now, this is a wreck we often chat about when someone asks for something a bit different in Bohol. Forget your typical reef dives for a moment. This 1942 Balao-class submarine is a true historical relic, and it feels like diving through a time capsule. We’re talking about a significant piece of history here, not just a rusty hulk. Finding the Cisco is part of the adventure, given its depth. But once you descend, the sheer scale of the submarine reveals itself. The visibility here can vary, but even on an average day, the outline of the sub emerging from the blue is quite dramatic. We love how the wreck isn’t just a static display; it’s become a vibrant, living habitat. Look closely, and you’ll spot dashed-line blennies peeking from crevices, and we’ve even had fleeting encounters with sperm whales in the area, which is always a heart-stopper. Exploring the conning tower and imagining the crew’s final moments really makes this dive resonate. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history as much as marine life, a quiet contemplation among the metal and the soft corals. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the calmest conditions.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.828190, -3.177000
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Switha

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 S131 (secondary location)

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 S131 (secondary location)

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