Kleiner Parkplatz Erlenbach Schipfe - Istria Peninsula

The HMS Scylla, deliberately sunk in Whitsand Bay back in 2004, was the UK’s first artificial reef. We love it because it’s a brilliant example of a ship truly giving back, providing habitat and a fantastic dive for all sorts of divers. Dropping down, you’ll find her upright and largely intact, settling nicely into the seabed. We always recommend heading to the bridge first; it's a great orientation point. From there, you can explore the engine room, the wardroom, and the living quarters. The sheer scale is impressive, even after nearly two decades on the bottom. We’ve watched the marine life here explode over the years. Look out for huge schools of whiting swirling around the mast, and we’ve seen some enormous common cuttlefish here too, often tucked into recesses. Pink Sea Fans cling to the upper decks, swaying gently. On a good visibility day, when the sun penetrates the surface, the light plays through the holds, making for some dramatic photo opportunities. It's an accessible wreck for those with some experience, but also offers deeper penetrations for technical divers. Just be mindful of the currents; they can pick up, so plan your dive around slack water.

Location
Istria Peninsula, Croatia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
47.294030, 8.598121
Type
wreck

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 Kleiner Parkplatz Erlenbach Schipfe

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 Kleiner Parkplatz Erlenbach Schipfe

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