Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101722 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the *Viola* in Scapa Flow, you’re not just exploring a wreck, you're touching a piece of history. This trawler, scuttled during the famous fleet sinking, lies relatively intact, offering a fantastic penetration dive for those with the right training. We love dropping into the stern, navigating through the holds, feeling the chill of the steel on your fingertips. It’s dark in there, properly dark, so good lights are non-negotiable. Outside, the wreck is completely encrusted. We’ve seen huge crumb-of-bread sponges clinging to the hull and dulse waving in the gentle flow. Lobsters peek out from every crevice, and butterfish dart between the plates. Keep an eye out for the odd common dragonet camouflaged on the deck too. The *Viola* isn't about tropical colours, it's about the sheer atmosphere and the quiet hum of history, a real Scapa Flow classic.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.724155, -2.081243
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Rosehearty to Fraserburgh Coast

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 101722

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 101722

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