KAPARIKA - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Kaparika is a proper deep dive, sitting upright in 58 metres of chilly Scottish water. We love a wreck that still looks like a ship, not just a pile of plates, and the Kaparika certainly delivers. She’s largely intact, a testament to the North Sea’s preserving qualities, though you’ll need good bottom time and solid deco planning to truly appreciate her. Dropping down, the gloom gives way to her impressive superstructure, often cloaked in plumose anemones that sway gently in the current. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop shaft runs back to the prop itself, usually surrounded by inquisitive wrasse and the occasional ling. Penetration is possible for the experienced, with access to some of the holds, but we'd suggest focusing on the external features and the surprising amount of life that has colonised the decks. This is a site for the technical diver, no doubt, but the rewards are significant: a genuine piece of maritime history, deep and relatively undisturbed.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.032665, -1.118333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
58m

Marine Protected Area: Turbot Bank

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to KAPARIKA

Marine Life in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Home to 126 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 12 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 10 sharks & rays, 9 crabs & lobsters, 8 other.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Kaparika, and what are the typical dive profiles?
The maximum depth for diving at the Kaparika dive site is 58 meters. As a deep wreck dive, typical profiles will involve careful descent and ascent planning, including decompression stops, to safely explore this steamship vessel. Divers should be prepared for a technical dive profile given the depth.
What kind of marine life and unique underwater features can divers expect to see at Kaparika?
Divers at Kaparika can expect to explore the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel, sunk on May 6, 1917. This substantial wreck measures 71.6m x 10.4m and features one boiler and a triple expansion engine, offering fascinating structural elements to discover. While specific marine life is not detailed in our records, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species over time.
How challenging is diving at Kaparika, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Diving at Kaparika is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is not typically suitable for beginner divers due to its depth of 58 meters and the nature of wreck diving. It is best suited for experienced divers who are comfortable with deeper dives and potentially more challenging conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive at Kaparika for optimal visibility and conditions?
Our current data for the Kaparika dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Scottish East Coast & Borders, we recommend consulting local dive operators or our When to Dive section for broader insights.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Kaparika?
Given the 58-meter depth and intermediate difficulty of the Kaparika wreck, advanced certifications such as Deep Diver and Wreck Diver specialties are highly recommended, if not required by local operators. Technical diving certifications may also be appropriate for safely exploring this deep steamship wreck. Always check with your dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical water currents and general conditions like at the Kaparika dive site?
Our available data for the Kaparika dive site does not detail typical water currents or specific general conditions beyond its depth and intermediate difficulty. As with any deep wreck dive in the United Kingdom, divers should anticipate potentially variable conditions and consult local dive centers for up-to-date information before planning their dive.