wreck

Log This Dive

Hydroplane Wreck

The Hydroplane Wreck, off Istria, really is a standout for us, especially if you’re newer to wreck diving or just fancy a chilled-out afternoon dip. At a comfortable 13 metres, it’s a perfect depth for taking your time. We love drifting over the remains of this old Austro-Hungarian Lohner flying boat, shot down during WWI. It’s mostly broken up, but you can clearly make out engine parts, wing sections, and the hull’s skeletal frame. What makes it special isn't its size, but the way marine life has utterly taken over. Damselfish swarm around the metal ribs, and we’ve spotted moray eels peeking from beneath plates of steel, their eyes glinting. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for nudibranchs, especially the colourful *Hypselodoris picta*. Our favourite is finning slowly around the engine block, imagining the history, while small schools of ornate wrasse dart through the wreckage. It’s a gentle, reflective dive, suits beginners beautifully, and gives you a real feel for how the sea reclaims things. Best dived on a calm day; the visibility really opens up then, letting you see the whole site from above.