Wreck of Stassa - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Dropping onto the Stassa in Scapa Flow, there’s an immediate sense of scale. This isn't just a pile of metal; it’s a colossal freighter, lying on her side, completely broken midships. We love how the damage tells a story, the way the plates peel back like a tin can, revealing the guts of the ship. Inside, the holds are dark, silent caverns, perfect for some torch exploration if you're comfortable in overhead environments. It's not about big pelagics here; it's the smaller, more intimate details that make the Stassa special. We often find conger eels peering from every nook and cranny, and the hull is covered in these fantastic jewel anemones, bright oranges and purples against the grey steel. Our favourite approach is to start at the stern, winding our way along the exposed deck, imagining the chaos that unfolded here. The Stassa is a proper penetration dive for those with the right training, but even just exploring the exterior, drifting over the immense hull, offers a profound experience. It's a dive that suits divers who appreciate history, enjoy low-light environments, and aren't afraid of a bit of chill.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.739655, -6.980586
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Northton Bay

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 Stassa

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 Stassa

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