Arado 196 A - Crete

Dropping onto the Arado 196 A, you’re not just seeing a wreck; you’re looking at a piece of wartime history resting on the seabed. This German seaplane, shot down in 1941, feels surprisingly complete for its age. We love how its wings are still largely intact, one canted slightly, giving it a real sense of its final moments. The cockpit, stripped bare of instruments, offers a shadowy peek into where the pilot once sat. Keep an eye out for the resident moray eels that often peek from gaps in the fuselage, and the schooling damselfish that shimmer around the tail section. Our favourite part has to be tracing the outline of the float planes underneath, now coated in a thin layer of sponge and small anemones. It's a straightforward dive, well-suited for those who appreciate historical wrecks without the need for intricate penetration. Go slow, take your time to appreciate the details. The real magic here is the story the plane tells, silently, through the clear Cretan water.

Location
Crete, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.827870, 25.421505
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Arado 196 A

Year Sunk
1943
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
unknown

The Arado Ar 196 was a German reconnaissance seaplane and the standard aircraft of the Kriegsmarine throughout World War II. Launched by catapult from battleships and cruisers, these rugged floatplanes were the eyes of the German fleet, used for patrol, submarine-spotting, and light attack roles. Their distinctive design with a large central float and two smaller underwing stabilizing floats made them a common sight over the oceans and seas of the European theatre.

This particular Arado Ar 196, located off the coast of Crete near Heraklion, is believed to have been shot down by Allied aircraft in 1943 during the German occupation of the island. It crashed into the sea not far from the shore, where it has remained for over 70 years. The exact details of its final mission and the fate of its two-man crew are lost to history, but its metal fuselage remains as a silent witness to the fierce air battles fought over the Mediterranean.

As a dive site, the Arado 196 is a fantastic and accessible piece of history. Lying upside-down on a sandy bottom at a depth of just 12 meters, it is perfect for divers of all levels, including beginners. The engine has separated from the main fuselage, allowing for a clear view of its components. Divers can explore the cockpit, wings, and tail section, which have become a small artificial reef for local marine life. Its shallow depth and typically clear water make it an excellent subject for underwater photography.

Marine Protected Area: MIKRES KYKLADES: IRAKLEIA, SCHOINOUSSA, KOUFONISIA, KEROS, ANTIKERIA KAI THALASSIA ZONI

Best Time to Dive in Crete

The warmest water temperatures in Crete occur in August, averaging 25.1°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 16.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 17.3°C
  • February: 16.4°C
  • March: 16.4°C
  • April: 17.0°C
  • May: 19.2°C
  • June: 22.3°C
  • July: 24.1°C
  • August: 25.1°C
  • September: 24.6°C
  • October: 22.9°C
  • November: 20.9°C
  • December: 18.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Crete

Nearest Dive Centres to Arado 196 A

Marine Life in Crete

Home to 11 recorded species including 5 reef fish, 1 other, 1 sea urchins, 1 worms, 1 seagrass & algae, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Arado 196 A

Based on average water temperature of 20.4°C, currents 5 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