Nanos, wreck - Istria Peninsula

The Nanos wreck, deep off the Istrian coast, is a proper technical dive. We’re talking 61 metres, so bring your doubles and your deco gas. This isn't a beginner's playground, but for those with the training, it’s a seriously rewarding trip down memory lane. The Nanos was a cargo ship, sunk during World War II, and she sits upright on the seabed, remarkably intact. Dropping down, the bow comes into view first, rising eerily from the gloom. We love seeing the deck guns still in place, covered in a thick carpet of yellow sponges and gorgonians. There are plenty of swim-throughs into the cargo holds, but watch your buoyancy and fin kicks – stirred up silt can blind you in seconds. Look out for conger eels peering from the darker corners and schools of juvenile fish darting around the superstructure. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the propeller is still attached, encrusted with anemones. It’s a powerful feeling to see something so perfectly preserved, a true time capsule at the edge of the continental shelf. Go early to avoid any boat traffic if you can, and always dive with an experienced guide who knows the site.

Location
Istria Peninsula, Croatia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
44.882600, 14.572200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
61m
Difficulty
Expert

Marine Protected Area: Kvarnerski otoci

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 Nanos, wreck

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 Nanos, wreck

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