Wreck John Gilmore - Istria Peninsula

The Wreck John Gilmore is a personal favourite when we’re diving Istria, a standout for its approachable depth and solid integrity. At 40 meters, it's a comfortable intermediate dive, deep enough to feel like a proper wreck without the heavy deco commitment of some of its neighbours. You’re dropping onto a 60-meter cargo ship, sunk in 1914, and the years have been kind to her. We love the way the deck structure is still so clear; you can easily trace the cargo holds and the sterncastle. Our last visit, the visibility was a good 20 meters, letting us appreciate the scale as we descended. Shoals of small damselfish flitted around the superstructure, and we spotted a grumpy scorpionfish tucked into a gap near the bow. Inside the holds, if you're comfortable with a penetration, you’ll find sections of the wooden deck still surprisingly intact, and the light filtering in creates some lovely atmospheric effects. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of a wreck slowly becoming part of the reef. We always go early to avoid the crowds, as it can get busy in summer.

Location
Istria Peninsula, Croatia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
44.502100, 13.371900
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m
Difficulty
Intermediate

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 Wreck John Gilmore

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 Wreck John Gilmore

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