Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101733 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Gambhira offers a different kind of dive in Scapa Flow. While the German High Seas Fleet wrecks get most of the attention, we love the Gambhira for its character, a former tramp steamer now sitting upright at around 24 metres. You can swim through the holds, which are surprisingly open and light-filled, especially on a sunny day. We've seen Atlantic cod drift lazily through the superstructure, and the deck is covered in Devonshire cup corals, creating these bright orange bursts against the dark metal. It’s a site for divers who appreciate the history but also the way nature reclaims these industrial relics. The currents here are generally milder than some other Flow sites, making it a good option if you’re looking for a slightly more relaxed exploration. Keep an eye out for bull rout tucked into crevices; they’re often overlooked but add to the site's charm.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.675415, -1.741454
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Loch of Strathbeg

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 101733

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 101733

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