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# Scapa Flow
- URL: https://www.techdiving.com.au/scapa-flow/
- Published: 2026-09-30T05:42:33.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-30T05:42:33.000Z
- Description: The German High Seas Fleet scuttled itself in this Orkney anchorage in 1919. The remaining battleships and cruisers are among the best-known cold-water wreck dives in the world.
- Author: Tech Diving AU
- Tags: Locations, Wreck, #Import 2026-09-30 15:24

Site facts

Location

Orkney, Scotland

Type

Wreck

Depth

Battleships about 35–47 m; cruisers shallower

Water

About 8–13 °C

Access

Mostly by dive boat from Stromness

Typical gas

Nitrox or trimix; CCR common

Several wrecks are protected as scheduled monuments, and HMS Royal Oak is a war grave where diving is prohibited.

At the end of the First World War, the German High Seas Fleet was interned at Scapa Flow, a natural harbour in Orkney. On 21 June 1919, its commander ordered the ships scuttled. Most were later salvaged, but seven major ships remain on the seabed.

## What's left

Three battleships remain: the *König*, *Markgraf* and *Kronprinz Wilhelm*. They lie upside down or on their sides at depths of around 35 to 47 metres. Four light cruisers, the *Cöln*, *Dresden*, *Brummer* and *Karlsruhe*, lie in shallower water and are more intact in parts.

The flow also holds blockships, sunk to protect the anchorage, and other wrecks from both world wars.

## Conditions

Scapa Flow is cold, often dark and can be tidal. Visibility varies from excellent to poor. A drysuit, good undergarments and a heated vest are common. The battleship depths are well suited to trimix or rebreathers, which help with narcosis and gas density in cold, demanding conditions.

## Protected wrecks

The remaining German wrecks are scheduled monuments. Divers can visit them, but disturbing or removing anything is prohibited. HMS *Royal Oak*, sunk by a U-boat in 1939 with heavy loss of life, is a designated war grave. Diving on it is not permitted without special authorisation.

## Planning notes

- Most divers use one of the established dive boats from Stromness, which have deep knowledge of the wrecks.
- Plan for cold and for long decompressions in cold water.
- The large, collapsing structures of the battleships make penetration risky. Get local advice on current conditions.
- Orkney's weather can cancel dives. Allow spare days.