Scapa Flow is in the Orkney Islands, and covers some of the United Kingdom’s best wreck diving sites. During the armistice talks at the close of World War I, the German Navy was sent to Scapa Flow as a gesture of good faith. The ships were only allowed to have skeleton crews for basic maintenance.

At one point the German admiralty feared a British trick to overwhelm the skeleton crews and steal the whole fleet. Upon a prearranged signal, the skeleton crews scuttled their ships by opening the seacocks. The German fleet was later salvaged, with the exception of 7 ships which were too damaged to re-float. These seven World War I wrecks became the core attraction for an area with many excellent wrecks to dive.

Best Diving Destinations in Scotland

Skapa Flow Wrecks

When to Visit Scotland

Year round although summer is much better as the sun is almost directly overhead, allowing for greatest penetration of light to deeper wrecks. The average water temperature is 7.5°C (46°F) in Feb, 9°C (48°F) in May 18°C (65°F) in Aug and 10.5°C (51°F) in Nov.

The visibility is more favourable during the winter months (Dec-Mar). Entrance to Scapa Flow at Burra Sound averages 12-20m (39-66ft) during the summer, visibility on German Fleet reduced to 10m (20-33ft).