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Wreck John Gilmore

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.