

Best for intermediate divers, 12-27m, boat entry, moderate current.
The SMS Karlsruhe is a German Imperial Navy light cruiser scuttled in 1919. Lying on her side, the wreck sits at depths between 12 and 27 metres, with an average depth of 25 metres. Divers access the site via boat, with dives typically lasting 40 minutes. Visibility ranges from 10 to 20 metres, allowing for views of the hull and superstructure. Due to moderate currents and cold water temperatures between 8 and 13 degrees Celsius, a drysuit is essential. The site presents hazards including entanglement risks, potential down currents, and nitrogen narcosis at depth. Divers must plan carefully around narrow tidal windows to ensure slack water.
58.88952, -3.18707
Tidal windows in Scapa Flow are narrow, so plan your dive time carefully with your charter skipper to catch slack water over the wreck. A drysuit and thick undersuit are non-negotiable year-round given the temperatures.
Dives are run from Stromness charter boats.
Recorded at this site
Depth
12-27m
Visibility
10-20m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
8-13°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
The wreck lies at depths between 12 and 27 metres, with an average depth of 25 metres.
No, this site is rated for intermediate divers and requires advanced certification due to the depth, currents, and potential for entanglement.
Access is by boat only. Divers should arrange a boat charter to reach the site.
Water temperatures are cold year-round, typically ranging from 8 to 13 degrees Celsius. A drysuit and thick undersuit are required.
Divers should be cautious of entanglement risks, moderate currents, potential down currents, boat traffic, and the effects of nitrogen narcosis at depth.
Diving at SMS Karlsruhe in Stromness requires the following certifications: Advanced. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at SMS Karlsruhe in Stromness. Water temperatures range from 8°C to 13°C.
The best months to visit SMS Karlsruhe in Stromness are May, June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.