Airplane - Vis & Biševo

The Airplane wreck near Vis is one of those sites we always come back to. Not because it’s a deep, challenging dive, but because it’s just… easy, and charming. Dropping down to 20 metres, you find the plane surprisingly intact, a B-17 Flying Fortress that ditched back in 1944. You can see the cockpit, the gun turrets, even some of the instrument panels if you look closely. It’s a proper piece of history right there on the seabed. We love exploring the fuselage, watching the schools of damselfish flit in and out of the openings where the wings once joined. There are often conger eels poking their heads out from darker corners, and nudibranchs grazing on the metal. The visibility here is usually excellent, so the light plays beautifully through the wreck, giving it a slightly eerie, peaceful feel. It’s perfect for new wreck divers, or anyone who just wants a relaxing dive with a cool story. Our top tip: go early to have it all to yourself, it can get busy.

Location
Vis & Biševo, Croatia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.511600, 15.958100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m
Difficulty
Beginner

Wreck History - Airplane

Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
unknown

The waters surrounding the Croatian island of Vis are a graveyard of World War II history, and this airplane wreck is a poignant reminder of that turbulent era. During the war, Vis served as a crucial Allied airbase, and many damaged bombers returning from missions over Europe attempted to land here. This wreck is believed to be one of the casualties of that conflict, though its specific identity remains unconfirmed.

Lying at a manageable depth of 20 meters, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the past without requiring advanced technical training. What remains of the aircraft is scattered across the seabed, slowly being reclaimed by the Adriatic's marine ecosystem. Divers can explore the remnants of the fuselage and wings, imagining the final moments of its flight. It is a somber yet beautiful dive, connecting you to a significant moment in world history.

Marine Protected Area: Uvala Stivančica

Nearby Dive Sites in Vis & Biševo

Nearest Dive Centres to Airplane

Marine Life in Vis & Biševo

Home to 144 recorded species including 97 reef fish, 16 sharks & rays, 6 octopus & squid, 5 other, 5 seagrass & algae, 3 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species