Wreck of Zitella - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Dropping onto the Remus is like stepping back into a moment frozen in time. This German destroyer, scuttled in 1919, lies broken but substantial in Scapa Flow’s cool, green embrace. We love how the hull plates, now draped in orange and yellow anemones, create intricate hideaways for curious wrasse and the occasional squat lobster. Exploration here feels genuinely adventurous. You can navigate through sections of the collapsed superstructure, spotting the ghostly outlines of machinery that once powered her. Visibility can be a moody thing in the Flow, often swinging from 5 to 15 metres, but even on gloomier days, the sheer scale of the Remus makes for a compelling dive. Our tip: aim for slack water to really appreciate the finer details and avoid a strenuous fin. Keep an eye out for the resident seals; they often pop by for a curious glance, adding an extra layer of magic to an already atmospheric dive.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.453102, -1.796699
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Bullers of Buchan Coast

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 Zitella

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 Zitella

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