KEMAL KA - Istria Peninsula

The Kemal Ka, she’s a beauty, and one of our favourite wreck dives in Istria. She was a tanker, went down in '94 after an explosion at anchor, and now she sits upright at a modest 17 meters. Perfect for a long, relaxed dive. We love that you can spend ages just finning around her deck, spotting the details. The bow is particularly striking, still very much intact, and the stern offers some nice penetration opportunities if you’re comfortable with overhead environments. Her superstructure is largely gone, but the hull itself is a canvas of life. Shoals of small fish dart in and out of the plating. Look closely and you'll often find scorpionfish camouflaged on the metal, or moray eels peering from crevices. Visibility here can be excellent, making it easy to appreciate the full outline of the 63-meter vessel. A great spot for divers looking for a substantial, historical wreck without needing deep diving certification or battling strong currents.

Location
Istria Peninsula, Croatia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
44.617332, 12.383166
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

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 KEMAL KA

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 KEMAL KA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth divers can reach at the Kemal Ka dive site?
Divers at the Kemal Ka dive site can reach a maximum depth of 17 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive for many certified divers, offering a great opportunity to explore its features.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can be seen when diving at Kemal Ka?
The primary underwater feature at Kemal Ka is a fascinating wreck - a 63.4m x 10.1m tanker vessel that sank in 1994. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. You can learn more about common marine life in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Kemal Ka dive site, and is it suitable for divers of all experience levels?
The Kemal Ka dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it is not suitable for absolute beginners, but experienced open water divers with some wreck diving experience should find it manageable. Divers should ensure they are comfortable with the depth and conditions typical for intermediate sites.
What are the typical water currents and visibility conditions at the Kemal Ka dive site?
The provided data does not specify typical water currents or visibility conditions for the Kemal Ka dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators in Istria, Croatia for the most up-to-date information on these conditions.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Kemal Ka, especially considering its depth and conditions?
Given the Kemal Ka dive site's maximum depth of 17 meters and its intermediate difficulty, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for the depth. However, due to it being a wreck dive, additional training such as a Wreck Diver specialty certification is highly recommended to safely explore the site and understand potential hazards.
When is the best time of year to dive at the Kemal Ka dive site in Kaş, Turkey, for optimal conditions?
The Kemal Ka dive site is located in the Istria Peninsula, Croatia, not Kaş, Turkey. The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at this particular site. For general information on seasonal diving, you can visit our When to Dive section, but for specific conditions at Kemal Ka, it's best to consult local dive centers in Croatia.