Wreck of Tabarka - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Irresistible wreck, sitting upright on the seabed, isn’t just a hunk of metal; it’s a time capsule. We love how the Mediterranean has softened its sharp edges over the decades, inviting a surprising amount of life to call it home. This Formidable-class battleship, sunk in 1915, is incredibly intact, offering a genuine sense of its grand scale. Drop down and you’ll find yourself hovering over enormous gun turrets, still pointing silently. The deck guns are still visible, and we’ve often spent a good chunk of a dive just imagining the ship in its prime. Look closer, and you’ll spot soft brittlestars draped like delicate lace over the steel plating, and cowfish, often in pairs, peeking from crevices. It’s a site that really suits divers who appreciate history and enjoy the quiet exploration of a substantial wreck, rather than just zooming past a jumble of twisted metal. The visibility here is usually excellent, making it easier to take in the sheer size of the Irresistible.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.926350, -3.314961
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Hoy and West Mainland

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 Tabarka

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 Tabarka

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