Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 102157 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Scapa Flow wrecks are a league of their own, and while the battleships get all the glory, the Reginald offers a more intimate, eerie dive. This Blockship, scuttled back in 1915 to protect the Flow, now rests on its side, a jagged silhouette against the green light. We love slipping down the shotline, feeling the chill water close in, and seeing the dark outline of the hull emerge. It’s a proper exploration dive, with the bow and stern sections still fairly intact. You can weave between the exposed ribs of the hull, feeling the strong current tug you gently through. The ship’s interior is largely collapsed, but the sense of its original purpose is palpable. Our favourite part is the proliferation of life that’s made it home – not the big flashy stuff, but the smaller, more resilient creatures. Think beadlet anemones clinging to every surface, lumpsuckers hiding in crevices, and clouds of small fish darting through the rusted metal. Visibility here can vary wildly, so aim for slack water on a rising tide for the clearest conditions. It's a dive for those who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of a wreck reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.553333, -2.596402
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Papa Westray

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 102157

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 102157

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