Location:
Situated in the Orkney Islands off the northern tip of Scotland, Scapa Flow is a sheltered natural harbor steeped in maritime history, and home to one of the world’s greatest collections of historic shipwrecks.
 
Why it’s a top dive destination:
Scapa Flow is a wreck diver’s dream. The cold, clear waters protect a fleet of sunken World War I German warships, scuttled in 1919, now resting intact on the seabed. Divers can explore massive battleships, cruisers, and destroyers covered in anemones and soft corals — a surreal blend of history and marine life.
 
Highlights:
Seven German High Seas Fleet wrecks
Depths ranging from 12 to 45 meters
Artificial reefs alive with plumose anemones and fish
Excellent visibility during colder months
 
Fun Fact:
The wrecks of Scapa Flow were deliberately scuttled by their own crews to prevent capture after World War I; making it the largest self-sinking event in naval history.