Scapa Flow
A natural deep-water harbor enclosed by the islands, a British naval base in both world wars. In 1919 the interned German High Seas Fleet scuttled itself here, and it is now a world-famous wreck-diving site.
Scapa Flow is a large inland sea enclosed by the Orkney Islands. After World War I, the interned German High Seas Fleet scuttled itself here in 1919. Three battleships and four light cruisers still lie on the seabed, attracting divers from around the world. HMS Royal Oak, sunk in 1939, is a war grave, and diving is prohibited there. Visitors who do not dive can take the ferry from Houton to Hoy to cross the bay, or join a sightseeing boat or an underwater camera cruise. The best viewpoints are Scapa Beach and Graemsay.
Opening hours
Open all day; diving only via licensed local dive boats
Nearby sights
- Scapa Distillery
- Highland Park Distillery
- The Orkney Museum
- St Magnus Cathedral
- Bishop's and Earl's Palaces
- Kirkwall Old Town & Harbour
- Hackness Martello Tower
- Churchill Barriers