Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 102982 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Alright, let's talk about the Unnamed Shipwreck, Canmore 102982. We’re deep in Scapa Flow here, which already tells you a lot. This isn't a colourful reef dive, this is a dive into history, a cold, dark, captivating one. Dropping down onto this wreck, you’ll feel the chill hit you first, even through a drysuit, but that quickly gives way to the sheer presence of the thing. It's a proper hulk, metal plates draped in kelp and anenomes, and what we love most is the way the light, even on a bright day, struggles to penetrate the deeper sections. It gives the whole site a wonderfully eerie, almost reverent feel. Look out for the nudibranchs here; they seem to thrive on the metal, adding unexpected pops of colour to the monochrome greys and greens. This isn't one for beginners, the currents around Scapa can be shifty, and the sheer scale demands good buoyancy control. Our pick for this dive is mid-incoming tide; it often brings the best visibility. You’re coming here for the story etched in the steel, for the sheer weight of history, and for the quiet solitude of exploring something long lost.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
60.312798, -0.723778
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: East Mainland Coast, Shetland

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 102982

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 102982

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