Wreck of Teeswood - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the HMS Gloucester off Crete is less about the deep blue and more about history coming to life. We’re talking about a proper warship, a light cruiser from 1937, now resting on the seabed. This isn’t one of those wrecks picked clean; it’s largely intact, holding onto its secrets. You’ll find yourself finning over massive gun turrets, still pointing silently, and tracing the outline of her deck. We love that feeling of scale, understanding the sheer size of her as you drift past. The Mediterranean has a way with wrecks, and the Gloucester is no exception. While you won't spot pelagics here, the encrusting corals and sponges have started their slow, colourful takeover. Look closely and you'll often see moray eels peering from shadowy compartments, and schools of damselfish flitting through open hatches. This dive is definitely for wreck enthusiasts and history buffs; it’s a contemplative experience, less about vibrant reef colour and more about exploring a tangible piece of the past. The visibility here can be good, often 15-20 metres, making for some dramatic views of the whole vessel.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.883614, -2.897281
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Copinsay

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 Teeswood

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 Teeswood

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