Orkney Islands dive sites

The SMS Konig lies inverted with her keel at approximately 20 metres and the seabed at around 35 to 40 metres. Swimming around the outside of the hull requires at least an advanced open water certification. Penetration into the superstructure and interior spaces, which are now below the inverted hull, requires wreck penetration or technical diving certification. Most Scapa Flow dive operators require a minimum of 50 logged dives and demonstrable wreck diving experience. A drysuit certification is essential for the cold Orkney waters.

SMS Konig was the lead ship of her class of four dreadnought battleships built for the Imperial German Navy. She fought at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, the largest naval battle of World War I, where she was heavily engaged and took several hits. After the armistice, the German High Seas Fleet was interned at Scapa Flow. On 21 June 1919, Rear Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered the scuttling of the entire fleet rather than allowing the ships to be divided among the Allied nations. SMS Konig sank in the anchorage and has remained there ever since.

Several dive operators based in Stromness and Kirkwall offer daily trips to the Scapa Flow wrecks during the diving season from May to September. Most operators run hardboat charters carrying 10 to 12 divers and visit two wreck sites per day. A week-long diving package is the most popular format, allowing you to dive multiple wrecks including SMS Konig, SMS Markgraf, SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm, and the smaller cruisers. Advance booking is essential as summer slots fill months ahead. Accommodation is available in Stromness, Kirkwall, and several guesthouses around the Flow.