BAKLAN - Alonissos Marine Park

Baklan isn't your typical Mediterranean wreck. At a mere 2m deep, it’s less a dive and more a snorkel, but don't let the shallowness fool you. This isn't just some old boat; it’s an 84-meter Bulgarian fishing trawler, sunk in 1991, and its sheer size so close to the surface is genuinely impressive. We love tracing the outline of the deck, seeing the huge winches and trawling gear that still sit where they did when she went down. The mast breaks the surface, a stark reminder of the vessel’s past life. Sunlight streams through the openings, creating these beautiful, shifting patterns over the metal. It's a fantastic spot for photographers, especially early in the morning before any wind picks up and ruffles the surface. You'll often find schools of damselfish flitting through the superstructure, and the odd octopus peeking out from a darkened corner. It's a unique experience, allowing you to really take your time and appreciate the scale of a ship this big, without the pressure of a deep dive. Perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, or even just a quick dip after a boat trip.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.958830, 23.532667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - BAKLAN

Year Sunk
1991
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
fire

Built in 1967 at the Chernomorskiy Shipyard in Nikolayev, Ukraine, the 'BAKLAN' was a robust fishing vessel serving the Bulgarian Ocean Fishing fleet. Its career came to an abrupt and fiery end on December 1, 1991, while operating in the Aegean. A severe fire broke out in the engine room, and despite efforts to control it, the vessel was lost and sank within the pristine waters that would later become the Alonissos Marine Park.

Resting in just 2 meters of water, the 'BAKLAN' has transformed from an industrial vessel into a vibrant artificial reef. Its shallow grave makes it an ideal site for divers of all levels, as well as snorkelers. The clear Greek waters and abundant sunlight illuminate the wreckage, which is now encrusted with marine growth and provides shelter for a variety of fish and invertebrates. The wreck offers a unique opportunity to witness the power of nature's reclamation within a protected marine sanctuary, making it a popular and fascinating site.

Marine Protected Area: NISIDES SARONIKOU KOLPOU KAI THALASSIA PERIOCHI

Best Time to Dive in Alonissos Marine Park

The warmest water temperatures in Alonissos Marine Park occur in August, averaging 27.2°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 13.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 14.5°C
  • February: 13.9°C
  • March: 14.2°C
  • April: 15.4°C
  • May: 18.7°C
  • June: 23.5°C
  • July: 26.5°C
  • August: 27.2°C
  • September: 25.3°C
  • October: 22.8°C
  • November: 19.9°C
  • December: 16.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Alonissos Marine Park

Nearest Dive Centres to BAKLAN

Marine Life in Alonissos Marine Park

Home to 16 recorded species including 3 whales & dolphins, 3 reef fish, 2 other, 2 hard corals, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BAKLAN

Based on average water temperature of 19.9°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 20°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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical maximum depth for diving at the BAKLAN dive site?
The BAKLAN dive site has a typical maximum depth of 2 meters. This makes it an exceptionally shallow wreck dive, ideal for divers looking for accessible equipment and a unique experience.
What specific marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the BAKLAN dive site?
The BAKLAN dive site is primarily known for its historical underwater feature: a large fishing vessel wreck. This impressive wreck, measuring 84.4m x 14m, was built in 1967 and sunk on December 1, 1991, after a fire in its engine room. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided context, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time; you can learn more about common species in our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level of the BAKLAN dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The BAKLAN dive site is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. Due to this classification, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate training and experience for intermediate-level wreck diving.
When is the best time of year to dive at the BAKLAN dive site for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at the BAKLAN dive site for optimal conditions or marine encounters. However, for general diving in Alonissos Marine Park, divers typically find favorable conditions during the warmer months. For more information on seasonal diving, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving at the BAKLAN dive site?
Given the BAKLAN dive site's intermediate difficulty and classification as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should hold certifications appropriate for such conditions. While specific certifications are not listed, advanced open water or wreck diving specialties are highly recommended to safely explore this 84.4m long fishing vessel. Always ensure you are adequately trained for the dive conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the BAKLAN dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the BAKLAN dive site. Divers planning to visit this shallow 2-meter wreck in Alonissos Marine Park should consult local dive operators for up-to-date reports on these environmental factors.