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SMS Markgraf

SMS Markgraf, a König class battleship from the Imperial German Navy during World War I, now lies as a captivating wreck in the depths of Scapa Flow. Stretching an impressive 175 meters in length, this underwater treasure holds the title of the crown jewel in the area. Submerged in 45 meters of water, the wreck offers an ideal diving experience for both open-circuit and rebreather divers with an Extended Range certification.

Situated in the United Kingdom, specifically in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, the SMS Markgraf wreck invites advanced divers to explore its mystical depths. With a maximum depth of 37 meters and visibility reaching up to 7 meters, this dive promises a thrilling adventure into history and marine life. The wreck's location can be found at Gyre Road, Orphir, Orkney Islands, Scotland, KW17 2RD, United Kingdom.

Diving Conditions Score for SMS Markgraf

5.2
Average

Average conditions, be alert.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for SMS Markgraf

Depth

37m

Visibility

7m

Experience Level

advanced

Weather Conditions for SMS Markgraf

Wave Height

0.42m

Wind Speed

6.1 m/s

Water Temp

12.9°C

Visibility

8.2km

Cloud Cover

100%

Wave Period

6.75s

Air Temperature

13°C

Precipitation

0.8 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for SMS Markgraf
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for SMS Markgraf

Best time to dive: 11:00 with score 7.645185185185185/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.42m, Wind 6.1 m/s.Best night dive time: 5:00 with score 7.189775910364146/10.

Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.

Sunrise at SMS Markgraf: 06:00
Sunset at SMS Markgraf: 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at SMS Markgraf 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
11:00

Score: 7.6/10
Waves: 0.42m (6.75s), Wind: 6.1 m/s

🌞
Safest Overall
9:00

Score: 7.5/10
Waves: 0.44m (6.45s), Wind: 1.4 m/s

🌙
Best Night
5:00

Score: 7.2/10
Waves: 0.5m, Wind: 2.2 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for SMS Markgraf
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at SMS Markgraf

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 Markgraf

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 Markgraf

January
Score: 8.0
December
Score: 7.8
February
Score: 7.7

Ideal Conditions for SMS Markgraf

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

12.8°C / 55.0°F

July

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

11.1m / 36.4ft

September

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

2.0m / 6.6ft

December

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for SMS Markgraf

SMS Markgraf 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.

Scoring Legend:
9-10 (Excellent)
7-8 (Good)
5-6 (Average)
3-4 (Poor)
1-2 (Dangerous)

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jul 7, 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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