APOLONIA - Balearic Islands

The Apolonia is an old trawler, and for us, it's a solid Balearic Islands wreck dive. It sits upright, pretty much intact, at a manageable 20 meters, which makes it accessible for most certified divers. We love that you can still make out the fishing gear scattered around the deck, a real sense of its working life before it went down. Inside, the wheelhouse is a highlight; it’s open enough to poke your head in and get a feel for the control centre, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large moray eels tucked into the corners there. Around the hull, expect schools of barracuda circling, and the occasional dentex drifting by. It’s not the biggest wreck you'll ever dive, but it's got character, and the way the Mediterranean light filters through the structure is genuinely beautiful. We'd suggest going in the late morning, around 10 or 11 am, for the best light penetration. This site really suits divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, without the need for technical skills.

Location
Balearic Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
39.802776, 4.280556
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Wreck History - APOLONIA

Year Sunk
1982
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Apolonia was a Greek freighter whose final voyage came to an abrupt end in 1982. While navigating the waters of the Balearic Islands near Formentera, the vessel struck the notorious reef of Es Mal Pas. Laden with a heavy cargo of marble, the ship was mortally wounded and quickly sank, settling on the sandy bottom at a depth of around 20 metres. Due to its position, it was classified as a dangerous wreck, a potential hazard to other vessels navigating the same passage.

For divers, this 'danger' translates into a thrilling exploration. The wreck is broken into several large sections, allowing for easy penetration and a fascinating look at the ship's inner workings. The scattered cargo of marble blocks can still be seen around the site, a testament to its final journey. The Apolonia is now thoroughly encrusted with marine life, attracting damselfish, moray eels, and groupers who have made the twisted metal and stone cargo their home. Its moderate depth and the clear Mediterranean waters make it a popular and accessible site for wreck enthusiasts visiting the islands.

Marine Protected Area: Illa de l'Aire

Best Time to Dive in Balearic Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Balearic Islands occur in August, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 14.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 15.3°C
  • February: 14.8°C
  • March: 15.2°C
  • April: 16.4°C
  • May: 19.3°C
  • June: 22.5°C
  • July: 26.2°C
  • August: 27.4°C
  • September: 25.9°C
  • October: 23.4°C
  • November: 19.6°C
  • December: 16.5°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Balearic Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to APOLONIA

Marine Life in Balearic Islands

Home to 150 recorded species including 110 reef fish, 11 octopus & squid, 11 sharks & rays, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 crabs & lobsters, 3 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for APOLONIA

Based on average water temperature of 20.2°C, currents 12 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