Kaiser Franz Joseph I, wreck - Budva & Bar

The Kaiser Franz Joseph I isn’t just a wreck; it’s a time capsule, sitting upright and surprisingly intact on the seabed off Bar. We love the way she looms out of the Mediterranean gloom, her stern still surprisingly grand at 27 metres. Dropping down, you’ll first notice the sheer size of her, especially if you get there before other boats. Our favourite part is finning along the deck, where schools of small damselfish flit in and out of the rusted superstructure. Penetration is possible into some of the cargo holds, though we’d suggest good buoyancy and a torch; it gets dark in there quickly. Keep an eye out for the resident moray eels peeking from crevices, and we’ve spotted plenty of scorpionfish camouflaged on the hull plates. Visibility here can sometimes be a bit green, but it adds to the eerie, historical feel rather than detracting from it. This wreck is perfect for intermediate divers keen on a proper exploration, rather than just a quick look-around. It’s a rewarding dive, offering a real sense of history.

Location

Budva & Bar, Montenegro, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

42.407300, 18.524000

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

27m

Difficulty

Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Tivatska solila