Plongée à Scapa Flow — United Kingdom

Scapa Flow is the world's greatest wreck diving destination, housing the scuttled remains of the German High Seas Fleet from World War I. Seven massive warships — battleships and light cruisers — lie in 45 to 150 feet of cold, dark Orkney water, their hulls encrusted with anemones and kelp. The historical significance is immense, and the scale of these wrecks dwarfs anything in tropical waters. This is pilgrimage diving for wreck enthusiasts.

Score
53.7
Visibilité
5–15m
Température
6–13°C
Meilleurs mois
May, June, July
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World Class
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Scapa Flow
United KingdomEurope
53.7

SCORE

58.8838°N

-3.0859°E

Scapa Flow is the world's greatest wreck diving destination, housing the scuttled remains of the German High Seas Fleet from World War I. Seven massive warships — battleships and light cruisers — lie in 45 to 150 feet of cold, dark Orkney water, their hulls encrusted with anemones and kelp. The historical significance is immense, and the scale of these wrecks dwarfs anything in tropical waters. This is pilgrimage diving for wreck enthusiasts.

WWI German Fleet Wreck Mecca

Visibility5–15 m
Temperature6–13°C
Max Depth46 m
Currentstrong
2-Tank Dive$120
Best MonthsMay, June, July, August
CertificationAdvanced Open WaterAdvanced

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML35.0CH10.0VIS35.0SV55.0TMP18.0DA65.0OP82.0TS62.0GT52.0VAL62.0CRD88.0SP82.0

Marine Life

35.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
30
Megafauna Encounters
25
Reef Fish Abundance
28
Macro Life
45
Endemic Species
35
Marine Life Diversity
35.0
Coral & Reef Health
10.0
Visibility & Conditions
35.0
Dive Site Variety
55.0
Water Temperature
18.0
Depth & Access
65.0
Operator Quality
82.0
Topside Experience
62.0
Getting There
52.0
Value & Cost
62.0
Crowding
88.0
Social Proof
82.0

Dive Types

wreckdeeptechnical

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Skara Brae Neolithic village (UNESCO)Ring of Brodgar standing stonesItalian Chapel visitOrkney Brewery tourOld Man of Hoy hike

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Skara Brae (UNESCO)
  • Ring of Brodgar (UNESCO)
  • Italian Chapel
  • Maeshowe chambered cairn (UNESCO)

Non-Diver Score

5/10

Limited topside — plan ahead for non-diving partners.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber10 km — Orkney Hyperbaric Facility, Balfour Hospital, Kirkwall
Nearest Hospital10 km

Chamber on Orkney; hospital in Kirkwall; air ambulance to Aberdeen for advanced care; cold water diving

Skill LevelAdvanced
Current Strengthstrong

Top Operators

Scapa Scuba

BSAC

4.8
210 reviewsNITROX

Diving Cellar

PADI

4.6
180 reviewsNITROX

MV Halton

BSAC

4.5
120 reviewsNITROX