Wreck of Thames - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Tabarka, lying at around 24 metres, always feels like a proper Scapa Flow dive. She was one of the last ships scuttled in the Grand Fleet, sinking quickly in 1919 and settling on her starboard side. We love that you can really penetrate this wreck, with easy access into the engine room through the torpedo blast hole. Inside, it’s dark, but the light filtering from above plays off the growth, making the girders and machinery feel alive. The kelp outside waves with the current, creating these dramatic shadows. Look for the Alder's Necklace Shells clinging to the metalwork and those common spiny lobsters tucked into any crevice. The resident Atlantic cod are often massive, gliding around like they own the place. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water; the currents here can be a bit frisky, making entries and exits a bit of a wrestle. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, letting you soak in both the history and the marine life that has made it home.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.891636, -2.903251
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 Thames

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 Thames

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