Wreck of SMS Seydlitz - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The SMS Baden is pure Scapa Flow legend. Dropping onto her deck, it's immediately obvious why she’s considered one of the Big Boys. This isn't some dainty little freighter. She’s a Bayern-class battleship, immense, and lying on an even keel, which makes navigation surprisingly straightforward, even on a day when the light isn’t quite punching through. We love the sheer scale of the gun turrets – just colossal. You can poke around the superstructure, peer into the torpedo damage, and really get a sense of the history embedded in the steel. The hull is now a fantastic home for marine life, with plumose anemones carpeting almost every surface, and we’ve often spotted wolf-fish lurking in the darker corners. On a calm day, with a bit of ambient light, it feels almost spiritual down there. Our tip? Dive her on a rising tide for the best visibility, and keep an eye out for the big conger eels in the deeper sections. It’s a dive that demands respect for its history and its depth, but the reward is an unparalleled immersion into one of Scapa’s most iconic wrecks. If you’re into serious wreck diving, the Baden is an absolute must-do.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.869730, -3.182627
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 Seydlitz

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 Seydlitz

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