Wreck of Ub-116 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the HMS Curlew in the Lofoten Islands isn't about tropical fish or warm water. This is an immersion into history, a genuinely haunting wreck that we always gravitate back to. The Curlew, a WWI-era light cruiser, met its end in 1940, and the cold Norwegian waters have preserved it remarkably well. We love how the bow points defiantly towards the surface, massive and imposing as you descend into the gloom. Visibility can swing wildly here, from a murky ten metres to a surprisingly clear twenty, so pick your day. Our favourite approach is to drop onto the stern, where you can still trace the lines of the torpedo tubes, now encrusted with sponges and anemones. Look for the resident wolffish peeking from crevices, and the sheer number of Northern Sea Anemones clinging to the metalwork is something else. This wreck isn't for novices; the depth and often stiff currents demand experience, but for those who know their way around a drysuit, it's an incredibly rewarding dive, a proper journey back in time.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.834583, -3.070035
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Switha

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 Ub-116

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 Ub-116

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