Wreck of Sunnyvale - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Wreck of Sunnyvale sits in Scapa Flow, another piece of that incredible wartime graveyard. We love this site because it’s surprisingly intact, offering a real sense of the ship’s original purpose. Drop down and you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of it, with sections of the hull still proudly upright, giving you plenty of vertical exploration. We always make a point of heading into the larger holds; they’re dark, cool, and often filled with schools of juvenile cod darting between the rusty girders, and sometimes a ling or two lurking in the deeper shadows. The deck fittings, winches, and even some of the superstructure are still recognisable, encrusted with anemones and soft corals that glow faintly in the torchlight. This isn't a drift dive; it’s a detailed exploration, best suited for divers who appreciate history and enjoy poking around the nooks and crannies. Surface conditions can be choppy, as is typical for Orkney, so a steady boat and an experienced skipper are essential for an enjoyable dive here.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.607914, -5.020341
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cape Wrath

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 Sunnyvale

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 Sunnyvale

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