Francesca da Rimini - Kornati Islands

The Francesca da Rimini feels like stepping into a time capsule, a real window into wartime Adriatic. We love that it's a relatively shallow wreck, starting around 40 metres and dropping to 55 at the stern, making it accessible for competent divers without demanding extreme depths. You can still make out the superstructure, the deck gun, and the cargo holds, often with schools of sardine or anchovy swirling around the remains. It's a sombre place, sure, but the way the red snapping shrimp have colonised every crevice, clicking away, and the silver-cheeked toadfish peer out from dark corners, really brings it to life. We'd suggest going in the late morning, when the sun is higher; the light filtering through the water and hitting the wreck adds to the atmosphere. Conditions can vary, so check with local operators about currents before heading out. It’s our favourite Kornati wreck for a reason: the history is palpable, and the marine life, though not 'world-class' in the tropical sense, has made this steel hulk their own.

Location
Kornati Islands, Croatia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.721820, 15.674544
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Kakanski kanal

Best Time to Dive in Kornati Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Kornati Islands occur in August, averaging 25.6°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 14.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 15.3°C
  • February: 14.3°C
  • March: 14.1°C
  • April: 14.7°C
  • May: 17.6°C
  • June: 21.8°C
  • July: 24.7°C
  • August: 25.6°C
  • September: 24.0°C
  • October: 21.4°C
  • November: 19.5°C
  • December: 17.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Kornati Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Francesca da Rimini

Marine Life in Kornati Islands

Home to 91 recorded species including 64 reef fish, 10 sharks & rays, 6 octopus & squid, 3 crabs & lobsters, 3 other, 3 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Francesca da Rimini

Based on average water temperature of 19.2°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°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