Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101724 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Cairn Glen is one of our favourite dives in Scapa Flow for a reason: it’s just so explorable. This isn’t one of the scuttled German fleet, but a much earlier victim, torpedoed in 1918. She lies on her starboard side, relatively intact, which means plenty of penetration opportunities for the qualified. We love dropping into the engine room, a tight squeeze but worth it to see the machinery still in place, covered in a fuzzy blanket of Devonshire cup corals. You’ll find an impressive bow section too, standing proud and coated in anemones and dead man's fingers. Visibility varies, as it always does in Scapa, but even on a murkier day, the sheer scale of the wreck, and the way the light filters through gaps in the plating, is something special. Look out for the resident wrasse and pollock darting between the frames. It’s a dive that rewards multiple visits, revealing new details each time. Best suited for those comfortable with overhead environments and keen on history.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.700840, -2.352456
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Gamrie and Pennan 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 101724

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 101724

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