SMS Karlsruhe
Conditions & tides
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Marine forecast via Copernicus Marine. Score is a rule-based guide from swell/wind vs. the site's exposure — always dive your own assessment.
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About this site
SMS Karlsruhe is a German light cruiser lying in Scapa Flow, Orkney, built in Hamburg in 1916 and displacing 5,500 tons. The wreck reaches a maximum depth of 26.5 m, with the shallowest point over her port side at around 14 m, making her one of the shallower dives among the Scapa Flow fleet wrecks.
The Karlsruhe has been heavily salvaged over the years, leaving only her stern section fully intact. Despite this, the wreck retains a recognisable ship shape throughout, and features including gun turrets, piping, armour plating, and capstans remain visible across the site. The wreck is covered in marine growth and home to many fish.
The relatively shallow depth and preserved features make Karlsruhe a rewarding dive, particularly for those seeking a manageable bottom depth alongside genuine historical detail from the scuttled German fleet.
Marine life here
Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.
European Edible Sea UrchinEchinus esculentusReported here · unconfirmed
Common Sea StarAsterias rubensReported here · unconfirmed
Plumose AnemoneMetridium senileReported here · unconfirmed
Dead Man's FingersAlcyonium digitatumReported here · unconfirmed
Edible CrabCancer pagurusReported here · unconfirmed
Velvet Swimming CrabNecora puberReported here · unconfirmed
Rose Sun StarCrossaster papposusReported here · unconfirmed
Rosy Feather StarAntedon bifidaReported here · unconfirmed
Common Brittle StarOphiothrix fragilisReported here · unconfirmed
Devonshire Cup CoralCaryophyllia (Caryophyllia) smithiiReported here · unconfirmed
Durable tips from divers — access, hazards, marine life, facilities. For day-of conditions, use the report tool in the conditions card above.
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