18m
    Istria Peninsula, Croatia

    MEDICEO

    Best months: Jul–Aug

    Why dive here

    With 46+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, sea turtles and cuttlefish - MEDICEO offers some of Istria Peninsula's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 12-26°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Aug
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Sea Turtles and Cuttlefish · 46+ species recorded
    Water12-26°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 18m

    The Mediceo wreck, just off the Istrian coast, isn't about vibrant corals or big pelagics. It’s about history, big metal, and an eerie silence at 18 metres. This old steamship, sunk in 1945, lies in two substantial pieces, offering a real sense of scale as you glide over the deck plates. We love exploring the stern section; the prop is gone, but the rudder is still there, immense and covered in sponges. What makes Mediceo special for us is how approachable it is. With a maximum depth of 18m, it’s well within recreational limits, perfect for divers wanting a proper wreck experience without the technical demands of deeper sites. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the light filtering down onto the rusted hull feels incredibly atmospheric. Look closely, and you’ll spot scorpionfish tucked into crevices and schools of small fish darting through the cargo holds. Our tip: go early to avoid any boat traffic. The current is usually mild, but a gentle drift over the bow makes for a relaxing dive. It’s a compelling piece of wartime history, now home to the sea's quiet life.

    Typical MEDICEO Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m18m max~50 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:1917:3111h 13m daylightGolden hour 16:51

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MEDICEO

    MEDICEO Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for MEDICEO, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (45.08, 14.15) (21km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    20°C

    68°F · Range: 18.4–22.3°C

    Current Speed

    3.16 cm/s

    Direction: W (288.4°)

    Salinity

    37.74 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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