Wreck of St Sunniva - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the USS Arizona Memorial isn’t about big pelagics or technicolor reefs. It’s a somber, profound experience, and one we think every diver should try to make if they get the chance. You’re not just exploring a wreck; you’re bearing witness to a moment in history, a steel tomb where over a thousand souls still rest. The visibility here can be tricky, often a bit silty, but that only adds to the atmosphere. We love watching the light play across the dark hull plates, illuminating the ghostly shapes of the superstructure. What you'll see down there isn't just twisted metal. Schools of threadfin and island jack cruise through the open torpedo tubes, and we’ve spotted longnose hawkfish perched on what were once gun turrets, now overgrown with delicate corals. It's a surreal blend of history and nature, a testament to life finding a way even in the most tragic of places. This dive suits thoughtful, respectful divers who appreciate the historical weight of a site as much as the marine life. Our best advice? Go with a dive operator who truly understands the site's significance; their pre-dive briefing makes all the difference.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.996994, -1.158536
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Mousa

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 St Sunniva

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 St Sunniva

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