Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101805 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Wilston, one of Scapa Flow’s lesser-dived blockships, offers a genuinely moody experience. It’s not about bright colours here, it's about the sheer scale of history and the creatures that have made it home. We love dropping onto the stern, watching the profile of the ship emerge from the gloom. You can easily spend an entire dive exploring the holds, a maze of twisted metal and dark corners, so make sure your torch is fully charged. Visibility can be hit or miss, but even on an average day, the atmosphere is incredible. Keep an eye out for the resident conger eels, often found peeking from pipework, and we’ve spotted wolf-fish lurking in the deeper, darker sections. This is a dive for those who appreciate the quiet drama of a historical wreck, where the marine life adds to, rather than distracts from, the story of the ship. We'd suggest pairing it with a slack tide, which makes navigating the holds much more comfortable.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.802770, -2.488006
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Whitehills to Melrose 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 101805

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 101805

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