Wreck of Valentine Tank - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Carmania II, an old blockade runner, sits upright in Scapa Flow, and honestly, we think she’s a little underrated. You drop onto her deck at about 18 metres, and it's a genuine thrill to follow the line down to her deeper sections. What we love about this dive is the intact bow, still recognisable, even after all these years at the bottom of the Flow. Her holds are open, gaping black mouths now, but easily penetrable for those with the right training. Keep an eye out for the resident conger eels tucked into every dark crevice – some of them are massive. The metalwork is completely draped in dead man's fingers and colourful anemones, making the whole structure feel more like a reef than a ship. We’d suggest a strong torch, not just for the penetrations but to really make the colours pop in the often murky Scapa Flow conditions. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration, suited for divers comfortable with colder water and overhead environments.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.686672, -3.666383
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Findhorn Bay

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 Valentine Tank

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 Valentine Tank

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