BRINDISI
Protected Area
Park prirode Stari Ulcinj
Why dive here
With 66+ marine species recorded in the area - including sea turtles and cuttlefish - BRINDISI offers some of Budva & Bar's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 14-27°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Brindisi wreck is a real treat, a shallow piece of history just waiting to be explored. We love how accessible it is, sitting at a comfortable 13 metres, perfect for divers who want to take their time and really soak in the atmosphere. This steamship met its end in 1916, a casualty of a mine near San Giovanni di Medua, and over a century later, it’s become an artificial reef bustling with activity. You’ll find the wreck spread out, an intriguing mix of corroded metal and the vibrant growth of marine life. Schools of damselfish shimmer around the fragmented hull, and we’ve often spotted scorpionfish camouflaged against the dark metal, waiting patiently. Look closely inside any openings you can safely peer into – octopuses are frequent residents, often tucked away in a shadowy corner. The historical context, knowing you’re gliding over a piece of World War I, really adds another layer to the experience. It’s a great dive for photographers, especially when the sun is high and filters through the water, illuminating the wreck’s skeletal remains. We’d suggest going early if you can, before any potential boat traffic kicks up the sediment.
Typical BRINDISI Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BRINDISI Wreck History
Year Sunk
1916
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
mine
Tonnage
1,236 GRT
The SS Brindisi was an Italian passenger steamship that plied the waters of the Adriatic. With the outbreak of World War I, she was requisitioned for military service, tasked with the critical role of transporting troops and supplies to support Allied forces in the Balkans.
On January 6, 1916, the Brindisi was on a mission of mercy, carrying supplies and personnel to aid the retreating Serbian army. As she approached the port of San Giovanni di Medua (now Shëngjin, Albania), she entered a naval minefield laid by an Austro-Hungarian submarine. The ship struck a mine, triggering a massive explosion that tore through her hull. The Brindisi sank rapidly, resulting in the tragic loss of over 200 lives.
Lying at a very accessible depth of just 13 meters, the wreck of the Brindisi is now a popular dive site off the Montenegrin coast. The vessel is broken into two distinct sections, a stark testament to the violence of the explosion. Divers can easily explore the scattered remains, including the ship's large boilers and sections of the hull, which are now colonized by marine life. Its shallow depth and poignant history make it a compelling dive for all levels of experience.
Reviews for BRINDISI
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BRINDISI
BRINDISI Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BRINDISI, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (42.45, 18.66) (9km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
22°C
71°F · Range: 18.7–24°C
Air Temperature
17°C
62°F
Wind Speed
3.37 m/s
6.6 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1018.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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