Wreck of Star Of Britain - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the *Star of Britain* in Scapa Flow, you’re not just exploring a wreck, you’re touching a piece of history, almost feeling the chill of that fateful scuttling day. This coal ship, one of the German High Seas Fleet, sits upright, surprisingly intact, with its massive boilers and machinery still quite visible. We love tracing the deck, imagining the crew, and then dropping into the holds, which are often dark and full of atmosphere. Shoals of saithe swirl around the masts, and we’ve often spotted conger eels peeking from the shadows, their eyes tracking your light. It’s a dive that suits those who appreciate maritime history and don’t mind a bit of a current, especially if you want to properly penetrate the deeper sections. If you time your dive with the slack, you’ll have a more relaxed exploration, but even with a gentle push, it’s an incredible experience.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.624140, -1.866717
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Loch Of Strathbeg

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 Star Of Britain

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 Star Of Britain

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