Wreck of U-27 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the wreck at Iria Cape is a proper journey back in time. We love this site not just for the wreck itself, but for the sheer atmosphere of discovery it offers. You descend onto what feels like a ghost ship, a merchant vessel from the 5th century BC, resting on a sandy seabed. It's not a ship shape wreck with masts standing tall, but rather a sprawling field of amphorae – hundreds, maybe thousands of them – still in perfect rows, just as they were loaded. The real joy here is the exploration, tracing the outline of the cargo. We’ve spent whole dives just trying to map out the original decks with our eyes. Light filters down, illuminating the distinct shapes of the amphorae, some still half-buried, others completely exposed. Look closely; you’ll spot Worm Sea Cucumbers stretched out amongst the pottery, and the occasional Silver-cheeked Toadfish peering from a broken jar. It’s a gentle dive, generally with mild currents, making it ideal for anyone who appreciates history as much as marine life. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best light and fewest boats overhead.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.002926, -2.146717
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Auskerry

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 U-27

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 U-27

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