Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101736 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

We have a soft spot for the Cape Ortegal, and it’s a site we always try to hit when we're in Scapa. This Spanish merchant ship, sunk in 1919, rests upright, making for a truly immersive dive. You descend onto an enormous, intact stern, the plating still showing its form despite the years, and often, a surprising amount of light filters down here, even on a cloudy day. We love navigating the cavernous holds, where you can still make out the remnants of its cargo – coal dust still clinging to the bulkheads. Keep an eye out for the resident dogfish tucked into crevices and the vibrant orange of Devonshire cup corals blooming across the darker sections of the hull. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration, suited for divers comfortable with overhead environments and keen on history.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.396816, -5.467017
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Handa

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 101736

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 101736

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