Wreck of Tennessee - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the *Ronda* in Scapa Flow, you’re not just exploring a wreck, you're stepping into history. This German steamer, sunk in 1939, sits upright, her structure still remarkably intact. We love how the huge cargo holds gape open, inviting penetration, but even a circuit around the deck offers plenty of interest. Look for the massive propeller, often silhouetted against the ambient light filtering through the green water. Visibility can swing wildly here. On a good day, you'll feel the scale of the wreck, watching schools of juvenile pollack stream through the davits. Other times, it's an intimate, hands-on exploration, tracing the outline of portholes encrusted with dead man's fingers. The *Ronda* is a fantastic introduction to Scapa Flow for those wanting a deep wreck experience without the notorious currents of some of the bigger blockships. We’d suggest a dive light even on a bright day to really pick out the details – the coiled ropes, the collapsed mast, and the abundant plumose anemones clinging to every surface. Keep an eye out for the common sea stars slowly traversing the hull plates.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.930706, -2.708605
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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee

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