Wreck of Velocipede - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The SMS Nürnberg, a Königsberg-class cruiser, lies mostly on her starboard side in Scapa Flow. We really love the way she’s been colonised by life, transforming from a steel behemoth to an accidental reef. Descending through the green Orkney water, the sheer scale of her suddenly appears, a dark shape against the gloom. Inside, we’ve often found wolf-fish peering from portholes, and the deck guns are thick with Devonshire cup corals, little orange jewels against the grey metal. It’s a dive that combines history with surprisingly robust marine communities, perfect for divers who appreciate the atmospheric pull of a major wreck and don’t mind cooler water. We think the best light tends to be mid-morning, when a little more ambient brightness filters down, making those corals truly pop. Just watch for the currents around slack water, they can be a bit of a push if you time it wrong.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.698280, -5.732564
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Wester Ross

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 Velocipede

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 Velocipede

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