Scapa Flow
58°52.8'N 003°06.0'W · Stromness (Orkney) (5nm)
5–12m
Depth
Good
Holding
100m
Alarm radius
Low
Crowd level
Scapa Flow is one of the world's great natural anchorages — a 120 square mile sheltered bay enclosed by the Orkney island chain, used by the British Grand Fleet in both World Wars. In June 1919, the German High Seas Fleet (74 ships) was scuttled here by its commander Rear-Admiral Ludwig von Reuter — the largest mass scuttling in naval history. Seven wrecks (5 battleships/battlecruisers and 2 destroyers) still lie on the seabed and are among the world's best wreck dive sites. The scale, history and dramatic Orcadian landscape make Scapa Flow an unforgettable destination. Stromness (5nm) provides full facilities. Approach via Hoy Sound requires careful tidal planning.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Scapa Bay — anchorage off Scapa village
Good5–12m · Alarm: 100m
Anchor in 5–10m (CD) in Scapa Bay on the south side of the Orkney Mainland. Mud and sand bottom — good holding. Scapa Flow is a vast, relatively sheltered area of water enclosed by Orkney islands (Hoy, South Ronaldsay, Burray). Tidal streams within the Flow are modest (1–2 kt) but the entrances (Hoy Sound, Scapa Flow eastern channels) have strong tidal streams. The German fleet wrecks are marked on charts — anchoring near them is prohibited in designated areas.
Longhope Bay (Hoy) — more sheltered alternative
Excellent4–8m · Alarm: 90m
More sheltered anchorage on the south side of Hoy island. Mud bottom with excellent holding. Accessible via the Pentland Firth or from Scapa Flow via Longhope Sound. Quieter than Scapa Bay.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
100m radius for the open bay in 5–12m (CD). Tidal range at Scapa is 3.0–3.5m springs — actual depths at HW are 8–15.5m. Ensure sufficient rode (minimum 8:1 at maximum HW depth). The vast size of Scapa Flow means fetch distances of up to 15nm are possible in N and S winds.
Recommended radius: 100m
Hazards & Warnings
- !Pentland Firth approach — 8–16 kt tidal streams at springs; ONLY approach via Hoy Sound at slack water; consult Admiralty NP 209 (Orkney Tidal Streams Atlas)
- !Hoy Sound tidal stream reaches 6 knots at springs — enter/exit at slack water only (approximately HW and LW Scrabster)
- !WW1 German fleet wreck exclusion zones — see Admiralty Chart 35 for positions; anchoring within these zones is prohibited
- !Strong tidal streams in the eastern channels (Hoxa Sound, Cantick Head) — all entries require tidal planning
- !Tidal range 3.0–3.5m springs — depths given to CD; plan scope for HW depths
- !Orkney weather deteriorates rapidly — N and NW depressions track across Orkney with little warning
Skipper's Tips
- ✓Approach via Hoy Sound (from the west) at slack water — use Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas NP 209 and calculate carefully; this is not an approach to rush
- ✓Stromness (5nm north of Scapa) is the main reprovisioning port — fuel, water, provisions, excellent pubs and restaurants
- ✓The Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm (east of Scapa Flow) is a remarkable and moving sight — built by Italian POWs in WW2; worth the short detour
- ✓Wreck diving in Scapa Flow requires an Orkney Harbours permit and local dive guide — the wrecks are exceptional
- ✓The Old Man of Hoy (a 137m sea stack, visible from the Flow) can be sailed around in settled conditions — spectacular
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free
- Restrictions:
- Anchoring prohibited in designated exclusion zones around WW1 German fleet wrecks (war graves under Protection of Military Remains Act 1986). Wreck positions and exclusion zones marked on Admiralty Chart 35. Do not anchor near the wrecks. Diving permits required from Orkney Harbours for wreck diving (orkneyharbours.com).
Sleep Safely at Scapa Flow
Set your anchor alarm to 100m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
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