APOLLO - Istria Peninsula

The Apollo wreck, resting just off the Istrian coast, is a lovely little dive, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. At a mere 7 metres, it’s a brilliant choice for newer divers or anyone wanting a long, easy bottom time. We love drifting over the main hull structure, which is surprisingly intact for a wreck declared "dangerous." You’ll often find schools of damselfish darting in and out of the rusted metal, and the occasional grumpy scorpionfish tucked away. It’s a motor vessel, and while the superstructure is long gone, the basic outline is still clear. We'd suggest taking your time to explore the nooks and crannies where the light catches the metallic sheen of chromis. The site isn't about grand penetration, it's more about the slow discovery of life that has claimed the wreck. For photographers, the ambient light at this depth is fantastic, especially around midday. Just keep an eye out for pleasure boats passing overhead in the summer. It’s not a deep, dramatic wreck, but it has a quiet charm that keeps us coming back.

Location
Istria Peninsula, Croatia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
45.216667, 12.316667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - APOLLO

Vessel Type
warship
Cause
mine

Resting in the crystal-clear, shallow waters off Croatia's Istria Peninsula, the Apollo is an accessible wreck with a wartime past. Believed to be a German fast landing craft (Marinefährprahm) from the Second World War, her service in the Adriatic came to an abrupt end when she struck a naval mine. The powerful explosion tore the vessel apart, sending it to the seabed in just 7 meters of water. Due to its shallow depth and proximity to navigation routes, it is officially classified as a 'Dangerous Wreck'.

For divers, the Apollo offers a fascinating and easy exploration, perfect for novices or as a relaxed second dive. The wreck lies in two main sections on a sandy bottom, allowing for a leisurely swim around and through its broken hull. The shallow depth ensures excellent natural light, illuminating the structure and the abundant marine life that has taken up residence. It's an ideal site for underwater photography and provides a tangible connection to the turbulent WWII history of the Adriatic Sea.

Best Time to Dive in Istria Peninsula

The warmest water temperatures in Istria Peninsula occur in August, averaging 26.1°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 11.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 13.5°C
  • February: 11.9°C
  • March: 11.8°C
  • April: 13.4°C
  • May: 17.0°C
  • June: 22.4°C
  • July: 25.6°C
  • August: 26.1°C
  • September: 23.6°C
  • October: 20.3°C
  • November: 17.8°C
  • December: 15.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Istria Peninsula

Nearest Dive Centres to APOLLO

Marine Life in Istria Peninsula

Home to 48 recorded species including 28 reef fish, 7 sharks & rays, 3 other, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 octopus & squid, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for APOLLO

Based on average water temperature of 18.3°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 18°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories