HM MGB 663 - Istria Peninsula

The HM MGB 663 sits upright at 34 metres, a proper old gunboat that makes for a cracking dive. We love the way it’s settled on the seabed, almost as if it’s still on patrol, just a bit… sleepy. Dropping down, you’ll first notice the outline of the stern, remarkably intact, with the deck guns still pointing skyward, coated in thick layers of yellow and purple sponges. It’s not a huge wreck, but there’s plenty to explore. We always enjoy poking around the wheelhouse, now home to clouds of tiny glassfish, their silver scales flickering in your torch beam. Look closely for scorpionfish camouflaged on the hull plates, and we often spot conger eels peeking from beneath twisted metal. The bow section has seen better days, showing clear signs of the mine blast, but even here, anemones cling to every surface. We’d suggest saving this one for a calm day, as the visibility can drop with a swell, and aim for a morning dive before any boat traffic kicks up the particulates. It’s a dive that suits those who appreciate a bit of history with their marine life, a quiet exploration of a moment frozen in time.

Location
Istria Peninsula, Croatia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
44.916668, 12.916667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
34m

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 HM MGB 663

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 HM MGB 663

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