Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Luskentyre Banks and Saltings

    Wreck of Sonderborg

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Luskentyre Banks and Saltings

    Why dive here

    With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - Wreck of Sonderborg offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The **Sonderborg** isn’t the biggest wreck in Scapa Flow, but we think it’s one of the most atmospheric. Dropping onto her bow, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale of the anchors, still in place, covered in white plumose anemones that pulse gently in the current. She lies on her starboard side, relatively intact, and we love navigating the superstructure. Keep an eye out for the big conger eels that have made their homes in the deeper recesses, often peering out from a porthole. This is a fantastic dive for those who appreciate the history of these ships; you can still make out many of her original features, now completely covered in invertebrate life. The engine room is a highlight, and with a good torch, you’ll see walls adorned with jewel anemones. It’s also a manageable depth for those wanting a longer bottom time without getting too cold. We’d suggest a sidemount configuration here to squeeze into a few of the tighter spots further aft.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

    Today06:5317:3610h 43m daylightGolden hour 16:42

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Sonderborg

    Wreck of Sonderborg Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Wreck of Sonderborg, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    13°C

    55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C

    Air Temperature

    10°C

    50°F

    Wind Speed

    9.26 m/s

    18.0 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1005.3 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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