

Best for advanced divers, 19-45m, boat entry, moderate current.
The SMS Markgraf is a scuttled German First World War battleship lying on its side in Scapa Flow. This wreck site features depths ranging from 19 to 45 metres, with an average depth of 35 metres. Divers can explore the hull, gun turrets, and superstructure. Access is by boat only, and the site is suitable for advanced divers due to the overhead environment and potential for entanglement. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 metres. Water temperatures remain cold throughout the year, between 8 and 13 degrees Celsius, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Moderate currents are present, and planning dives around slack water is recommended.
58.89193, -3.16527
Plan your dive around slack water, as even moderate tidal current through the Flow makes working the wreck significantly harder and increases gas consumption. Air fills and guided tours are available locally, and a guide with site-specific knowledge of the Markgraf's layout is worth considering given the entanglement risks and complex overhead environment.
Access is by boat dive.
Recorded at this site
Depth
19-45m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
8-13°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
60 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
The wreck lies at depths between 19 and 45 metres, with an average depth of 35 metres.
No, this site is intended for advanced divers due to the overhead environment and entanglement risks associated with the wreck structure.
Access to the site is by boat only.
Divers must manage risks related to the overhead environment and potential entanglement. Cold water temperatures also require appropriate thermal protection.
Yes, air fills and guided tours are available locally. Using a guide with specific knowledge of the wreck layout is recommended.
Diving at SMS Markgraf in Orkney Isles requires the following certifications: Advanced, Wreck. Always dive within your training limits.
The best months to visit SMS Markgraf in Orkney Isles are May, June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Expect moderate currents at SMS Markgraf in Orkney Isles. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at SMS Markgraf in Orkney Isles typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.