SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
Scapa Flow, located in the picturesque Orkney Islands in Scotland, is a renowned diving destination that holds a special place in the hearts of wreck enthusiasts. After World War I, the defeat of the German navy led to the scuttling of 74 ships from the Imperial German Navy's High Seas Fleet, creating a captivating underwater landscape.
Among the sunken treasures of Scapa Flow lies the SMS Cöln, resting at a maximum depth of 33 meters and gradually ascending to 22 meters at its shallowest point. Unlike some of the other warships in the area, navigating this wreck is relatively straightforward, making it accessible to divers of different skill levels.
With visibility reaching up to 7 meters, Scapa Flow offers a mesmerizing underwater experience for both beginner and advanced divers. Its close proximity to Orphir, Orkney Islands, Scotland, KW17 2RQ, United Kingdom, makes it a convenient and captivating dive site in the United Kingdom.
Discover the allure of Scapa Flow and immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking underwater scenery that awaits you. Plan your diving adventure at this remarkable site and experience the thrill of exploring these historic shipwrecks.
Among the sunken treasures of Scapa Flow lies the SMS Cöln, resting at a maximum depth of 33 meters and gradually ascending to 22 meters at its shallowest point. Unlike some of the other warships in the area, navigating this wreck is relatively straightforward, making it accessible to divers of different skill levels.
With visibility reaching up to 7 meters, Scapa Flow offers a mesmerizing underwater experience for both beginner and advanced divers. Its close proximity to Orphir, Orkney Islands, Scotland, KW17 2RQ, United Kingdom, makes it a convenient and captivating dive site in the United Kingdom.
Discover the allure of Scapa Flow and immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking underwater scenery that awaits you. Plan your diving adventure at this remarkable site and experience the thrill of exploring these historic shipwrecks.
Diving Conditions Score for SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
6
Above AverageDecent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
Depth
33m
Visibility
7m
Experience Level
beginner
advanced
Weather Conditions for SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
Wave Height
0.6m
Wind Speed
6.5 m/s
Water Temp
12.4°C
Visibility
41.74km
Cloud Cover
77%
Wave Period
6.6s
Air Temperature
12.2°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
Best time to dive: 17:00 with score 7.413133333333334/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.68m, Wind 17.3 m/s.Best night dive time: 20:00 with score 7.155672727272727/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck): 06:00
Sunset at SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck): 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck) are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Best Overall
17:00Score: 7.4/10
Waves: 0.68m (6.25s), Wind: 17.3 m/s
Best Night
20:00Score: 7.2/10
Waves: 0.6m, Wind: 6.5 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)Alpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
Winter
Avg. Score: 7.8/10
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
January
Score: 8.0
December
Score: 7.8
February
Score: 7.7
Ideal Conditions for SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
Water Temp
12.8°C / 55.0°F
July
Visibility
11.1m / 36.4ft
September
Wave Height
2.0m / 6.6ft
December
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck)
SMS Cöln, Scapa Flow (Wreck) shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with July being the warmest month (12.8°C) and December the coldest (0.4°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in December with average wave heights of 2.0m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in December with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). March is usually the driest month with 0.1mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during December to February, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 21, 2026
Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.
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