Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 102251 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Elton, a German auxiliary cruiser, sits mostly upright at around 18-24 metres, offering a fantastic Scapa Flow dive for those looking to explore a proper wreck without the deeper technical challenges of some of the battleships. We love the swim-throughs here, particularly the engine room access. It’s a tight squeeze in places, but the rewards are worth it – you can still make out the machinery, draped in a thick carpet of plumose anemones, their tentacles swaying gently in the mild current. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, sunlight filters down, illuminating the schools of saithe that hover just above the deck. Look closely, and you’ll spot lumpsuckers clinging to the metalwork, perfectly camouflaged. We always find plenty of common brittlestars tucked into crevices. This wreck is perfect for divers comfortable with overhead environments and keen to get a real feel for history, not just a fleeting glimpse. Our advice: go on a rising tide for the best chance of decent visibility.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.859110, -3.110243
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Switha

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 102251

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 102251

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