PAGANINI - Budva & Bar

Paganini is a proper piece of history down there, a passenger steamer from the late 20s. We dive a lot of wrecks, and this one has a real story, sunk in 1940 carrying troops, a tragic end for so many. The wreck sits upright at 37 metres, stern damage evident from the fire that took her down. You can spend a whole dive just circling the main deck, imagining the chaos. We love exploring the fore and aft sections; the holds are fairly open, giving you a glimpse into what was once a bustling ship. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the superstructure, illuminating schools of small schooling fish. Keep an eye out for resident scorpionfish camouflaged on the deck plates – they’re masters of disguise. This wreck suits divers comfortable at depth who appreciate a dive with a poignant narrative. It’s less about vibrant corals and more about the sombre beauty of a well-preserved piece of maritime past. We’d suggest going in late morning; the sun angle really helps penetrate the deeper sections.

Location

Budva & Bar, Montenegro, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

41.345900, 19.371850

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

37m