ARISTOTELES - Dubrovnik & South Coast

Aristoteles, a 115-metre motor vessel, ran aground back in 1977. She’s since become one of our favourite shallow wrecks in the Dubrovnik area. You’re looking at a max depth of 2 metres here, so forget the tanks and grab your mask and snorkel. We love how accessible she is, even for kids who are confident in the water. This is a true shipwreck playground. The Aristoteles lies broken in two, with her bow and stern sections forming distinct islands for exploring. You can spend hours swimming through the cargo holds, poking your head into the old accommodation blocks, and imagining the ship’s final moments. Sunlight filters down, illuminating schools of small silversides darting between the decaying metal. Look closely, and you’ll spot blennies tucked into crevices and anemones waving gently on the plates. It’s a fascinating glimpse into history and marine life.

Location
Dubrovnik & South Coast, Croatia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.961834, 17.208500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ARISTOTELES

Year Sunk
1977
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
2,476 GRT

The MV Aristoteles was a Greek cargo ship built in 1952 in Lübeck, Germany. For 25 years, she faithfully served her owners, transporting goods throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. In November 1977, she was undertaking a short coastal journey from Ploče to Bar in what was then Yugoslavia.

On November 11th, the vessel's journey came to an abrupt end when she ran hard aground on the rocky shores of Olipa, a small, uninhabited island near the stunning coastline of Dubrovnik. The relentless forces of the sea and the unyielding shore proved too much for the vessel's hull, and she was declared a total loss, left to be broken apart by the elements in the shallow Adriatic waters.

Because the Aristoteles wrecked in just 2 meters of water, she is not a traditional scuba dive. Instead, her scattered remains offer a fascinating site for snorkelers, freedivers, and kayakers exploring the beautiful Elaphiti Islands. The wreckage is heavily broken up after decades of exposure to waves, with sections of steel plating and machinery strewn across the seabed, now encrusted with marine life. It serves as a stark, easily accessible reminder of the power of the sea just off the Croatian coast.

Marine Protected Area: Badija i otoci oko Korčule

Nearby Dive Sites in Dubrovnik & South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to ARISTOTELES

Marine Life in Dubrovnik & South Coast

Home to 100 recorded species including 60 reef fish, 15 sharks & rays, 6 hard corals, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 other, 3 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the ARISTOTELES dive site in Halkidiki, specifically around the underwater wine cellars or ancient column?
The ARISTOTELES dive site, located off the coast of Dubrovnik & South Coast, Croatia, has a typical depth of 2 meters. The provided data does not mention Halkidiki, underwater wine cellars, or ancient columns associated with this specific wreck. It is a shallow wreck dive suitable for exploring the remains of the motor vessel.
What kind of marine life and unique underwater features, such as the seahorse colony or ancient artifacts, can divers expect to see at the ARISTOTELES dive site?
The ARISTOTELES dive site is primarily known as a wreck dive, featuring the remains of a 115.6m x 16.1m motor vessel that sank in 1977. The provided data does not specify details about marine life, seahorse colonies, or ancient artifacts at this particular site. Divers can expect to explore the hull and superstructure of this significant wreck. For general information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the ARISTOTELES dive site in Halkidiki, and is it considered suitable for beginner or Open Water certified divers?
The ARISTOTELES dive site, situated in Croatia, is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. With a depth of just 2 meters, it can be suitable for divers with an Open Water certification who are comfortable with intermediate conditions. Always assess your personal comfort and skill level before diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at the ARISTOTELES dive site in Halkidiki for optimal water temperatures, visibility, and marine life encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal water temperatures, visibility, or specific marine life encounters at the ARISTOTELES dive site is not available in the provided data. The site is located in Dubrovnik & South Coast, Croatia, not Halkidiki. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended to explore the ARISTOTELES dive site in Halkidiki?
The provided data for the ARISTOTELES dive site does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended. Given its intermediate difficulty and shallow depth of 2 meters, an Open Water certification is generally sufficient for such sites. The site is located in Croatia, not Halkidiki.
What are the typical current conditions and underwater visibility like at the ARISTOTELES dive site in Halkidiki?
The provided data does not include specific information about the typical current conditions or underwater visibility at the ARISTOTELES dive site. This wreck is located in Dubrovnik & South Coast, Croatia, not Halkidiki. Divers should always check local conditions with a dive operator before planning their dive.