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A diver with a camera explores the ocean depths beneath a boat.
📷 Pixabay · Pexels

SMS König

3.5 — based on 7 community signals
4.1 6 species 8 contributors

SMS König is a wreck dive in Orkney Islands, Scotland, accessible year-round with recorded marine life observations and community documentation.

⭐ Best for advanced divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Advanced
WreckBoatOnlyAdvancedOnlyCurrentVaries

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
advanced
Marine life
Bottlenose dolphin

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Map

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SMS König location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
15.2 kn
Wave
1.48 m
Water
13.5°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WSW (21%)
Now: WSW (238°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 2.93m

Today: High 03:00 (+0.47m), Low 09:00 (-0.12m)

+1.3 m0 m-1.6 m
▲ 03:00 · +0.47m ▼ 09:00 · -0.12m ▲ 15:00 · +0.5m ▼ 22:00 · -0.26m Now +0.3m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV2.3 · low Air PM2.54 · good 06:50 19:21
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 23.1 2.1 2 7mm
09-20 25.3 2.16 2 9mm
09-21 14.2 1.28 1 2mm
09-22 12.1 0.82 3 1mm
09-23 12.8 1.02 3 1mm
09-24 19.4 1.24 3 2mm
09-25 17.9 1.9 3 1mm

About this spot

SMS König lies off the coast of Orkney Islands near Point of Tuberry in Scotland. This wreck site attracts divers interested in historical shipwrecks and the marine life that inhabits them. The site has generated interest within the diving community, with multiple video records and species observations documented by divers who have visited. The wreck offers a chance to explore a significant historical vessel while observing the local marine ecosystem that has developed around the structure. Orkney's waters are known for their rich biodiversity and challenging conditions. Divers visiting SMS König can expect to encounter various species adapted to northern Scottish waters. Year-round diving is possible at this location, though conditions vary seasonally. The site benefits from a growing record of diver observations and community documentation, making it a well-tracked dive destination. Access is from the Orkney Islands, which have established diving infrastructure and a history of wreck exploration. Before diving, check local conditions, tidal patterns, and weather forecasts. Orkney waters demand proper training and experience. Community video records and species observations from previous divers provide valuable reference material for planning your visit.

📖 Guide: Diving in the United Kingdom: 57 Sites From Wrecks to Seals

Marine life

Bottlenose dolphin

Dive types

WreckBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type G · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 840km · ~193kg · €3

FAQ

When is the best time to dive SMS König?

SMS König can be dived year-round. Conditions vary seasonally in Orkney waters, so check forecasts and tidal schedules before planning. Summer months typically offer calmer seas, while winter brings stronger tides and rougher conditions.

What depth and difficulty level is SMS König?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings are not documented for SMS König. Given its location in Orkney and wreck nature, divers should expect variable conditions typical of Scottish wreck diving. Consult local operators and community records for current conditions.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Six species observations have been recorded at SMS König. Northern Scottish waters host cold-water adapted species. Community video documentation shows the marine life present, providing reference for what you may encounter.

How do I access SMS König?

SMS König is located off Point of Tuberry in Orkney Islands, Scotland. Access is from the Orkney Islands, which have diving infrastructure and boat services. The site is not within a marine protected area. Arrange transport and check local diving services for current access information.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Recently spotted by divers

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See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Diving the wreck of SMS Konig - battleship, Scapa Flow

Rod Macdonald

Scapa Flow diving - SMS König August 2022

RJWsnaps

Diving the wreck of SMS Markgraf - battleship, Scapa Flow

Rod Macdonald
wind peaks Jan-Feb-Oct, calmest May-Aug-Jul, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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