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Guide to Wrecks and Diving Sites on the Island of Vis
Guide to Wrecks and Diving Sites on the Island of Vis
The island of Vis holds a central place among Croatia’s diving destinations, offering exceptional diversity within a relatively small area. Beneath the surface of its clear sea lies a wondrous world of natural formations – reefs, rocky walls, caves, and underwater cliffs covered with vibrant marine life.
Due to its location, Vis has been inextricably linked to maritime development in the Adriatic for three millennia. This is reflected in its underwater heritage – from ancient shipwrecks and iron steamers from the 19th and 20th centuries to aircraft and military vessels from World War II.
Below is a selection of the most fascinating underwater sites around the island.
The content about the underwater treasures of Vis is adapted from the official brochure of the Tourist Board of the Town of Vis, available in EN and HR.
Diving sites on Vis described below
Wrecks and Diving Sites
Wrecks and Diving Sites
1. Steamship Teti
This Italian cargo steamer, built in 1883 in the USA, ran aground near the islet of Mali Barjak close to Komiža. After damaging its hull, it could not escape the rocks, broke apart during winter storms, and sank. It is suitable for beginners, as it lies at a shallow depth and is well preserved.
Date of sinking: May 23, 1930
Cause: storm
Depth: 12–32 m
Category: beginners (1*, 2*)
2. Steamship Vassilios T.
A large cargo steamer that was transporting coal from Swansea to Venice. It sank after running aground at Cape Stupišće. The hull sustained significant damage, possibly even intentional, as there are suspicions of insurance fraud.
Date of sinking: March 19, 1939
Cause: navigation error
Depth: 20–50 m
Category: advanced and technical divers (2*, 3*, >40 m)
3. Nova pošta
This site is known for its unusual rock formations and cave structures. The caves are passable, with walls covered in sponges and corals. Light entering through openings creates fascinating visual effects.
Depth: 15–35 m
Visibility: 15–25 m
Category: beginners (1*)
4. Cape Stupišće
Rocky channels and natural formations create safe hiding places and mysterious underwater passages. Fragments of ancient pottery can also be found.
Depth: 5–25 m
Visibility: 20–30 m
Category: beginners (1*)
5. Fishing vessel Fortunal
This wooden fishing boat sank almost vertically along a wall after colliding with the cape. The site is known for excellent visibility and clear underwater orientation.
Date of sinking: April 10, 1997
Cause: human error (the helmsman fell asleep)
Depth: 50–52 m
Category: technical divers (>40 m)
6. Brig Wreck near the Islet of Grebeni
Wreck of an armed two-masted ship from the 18th/19th century, lying by an underwater wall south of Grebeni. Cannons and anchors are still visible on the sandy seabed.
Date of sinking: end of the 18th or beginning of the 19th century
Cause: unknown (storm or navigation error)
Depth: 51–55 m
Category: technical divers (>40 m)
7. Tugboat Ursus
This Italian Navy tug sank after an attack by the British submarine Rorqual. A deck gun is visible, and the hull is covered with marine life.
Date of sinking: January 31, 1941
Cause: naval battle
Depth: 42–55 m
Category: technical divers (>40 m)
8. Outer Reef of Cape Stupišće
This site features a wall descending at varying angles. The area is known for stronger currents and colonies of soft corals.
Depth: 6–35 m
Visibility: 25–35 m
Category: all levels (1*, 2*, 3*)
9. Inner Reef of Cape Stupišće
A reef located in the Komiža Bay, featuring characteristic canyons and underwater formations. Cracks and small caves are common.
Depth: 10–25 m
Visibility: 15–25 m
Category: all levels (1*, 2*, 3*)
10. Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
An American heavy bomber that ended up on the seafloor near Cape Polivalo after an unsuccessful emergency landing. It is well preserved, with the fuselage and control surfaces intact.
Date of sinking: November 6, 1944
Cause: sea landing due to fuel shortage
Depth: 71 m
Category: technical divers (>40 m)
11. B-24 Liberator Tulsamerican
The last produced bomber of this type. It sank near the islet of Paržanj. Parts of the fuselage, cockpit, and engines are still visible.
Date of sinking: December 17, 1944
Cause: emergency landing
Depth: 39 m
Category: advanced divers (3*)
12. Ancient Wreck near Krava Reef
A Greek merchant ship that sank with a cargo of amphorae. Remains of pottery are visible, overgrown with underwater vegetation.
Date of sinking: 4th century BC
Cause: storm
Depth: 25–35 m
Category: 2*
13. Volići
An area with steep walls, rich underwater formations, and the possibility of a circular dive around the reef.
Depth: 5–40 m
Visibility: 15–25 m
Category: all levels (1*, 2*, 3*)
14. Green Cave
A semi-submerged cave on the island of Ravnik, famous for the green glow created by sunlight filtering through an opening in the ceiling.
Depth: 5–10 m
Visibility: 20–30 m
Category: beginners (1*)
15. Steamship Brioni
A postwar steamer used for transporting cargo and passengers. It sank near the islet of Ravnik. Parts of the hull are densely overgrown with marine life.
Date of sinking: February 2, 1930
Cause: poor visibility and navigation error
Depth: 40–55 m
Category: 3*, technical divers (>40 m)
16. Ancient Wreck near the Islet of Host
Roman ships carrying amphorae. Visible remains include pottery, kitchenware, and a grain mill.
Date of sinking: 2nd–1st century BC
Cause: storm
Depth: 15–30 m
Category: 1*, 2*
17. Cape Polivalo
A rocky cape with steep underwater walls and larger passages. A well-known area featuring natural caves and swim-throughs.
Depth: 15–50 m
Visibility: 15–25 m
Category: all levels (1*, 2*, 3*)
Authorized Diving Centers
Authorized Diving Centers
In the town of Vis:
ANMA Diving Center (www.anma.hr)
Nautica Vis Diving Center (divingvis.com)
In Komiža:
Diving Center B-24 (www.diving-croatia.hr)
Issa Diving Center (www.scubadiving.hr)
Manta Diving Center (www.crodive.info)
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