Wreck of Sonderborg
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.
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.
Reviews for Wreck of Sonderborg
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)
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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