Wreck of Wrestler (Possibly) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving Bornholm, you’re often looking at a colder, darker experience than the tropics, but the Kronan wreck is a different beast entirely. We love this site for its sheer historical weight. This isn't just some old boat; it was a Swedish flagship, gone down in battle. You descend into that low visibility, and suddenly the skeletal remains of this huge warship start to emerge from the gloom. It’s got a real eerie, solemn feel to it, especially when a lone Atlantic cod drifts by, almost like a sentinel. We'd suggest going with a good torch, even on a bright day. You'll want it to poke into the nooks and crannies of the hull, where you often find lumpsuckers clinging to the old timbers and colonies of blue mussels encrusting everything. The current can pick up a bit here, so it’s not a drift dive, but you need to be mindful. For divers who appreciate history and the atmosphere of a truly ancient wreck, rather than just colourful fish, the Kronan is our top pick in the area. It’s a dive that makes you think, makes you feel connected to something much bigger than yourself.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
60.161420, -1.152174
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Noss

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 Wrestler (Possibly)

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 Wrestler (Possibly)

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