Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101721 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Wreck of the *Dragon* in Scapa Flow, it’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who’ve earned their stripes, it’s a proper dive. We’re talking about a German destroyer, a victim of the 1919 scuttling, now resting on her starboard side. Drop down, and the first thing you notice is the sheer scale. She’s broken in places, but the outline is still clear, the bow and stern offering plenty to explore. Our favourite part has to be finning along the deck, where the old gun mounts are still visible, draped in kelp. Look closely, and you’ll spot Devonshire cup corals, bright orange against the grey steel, and conger eels peering from dark recesses. Visibility here can be temperamental, so we always aim for slack water on a rising tide – it generally gives you the best chance to take in the whole scene. This is a dive that rewards patient exploration and good buoyancy control. It’s cold water, so a drysuit is non-negotiable, and a good torch is essential for peering into the deeper sections. It’s a dive that really makes you feel the history.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.749450, -2.223027
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Southern Trench

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 Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101721

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 Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101721

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