The Mediterranean is a dream destination for lovers of snorkelling and wreck diving. As you sail along the Croatian coast and beyond, you will find numerous shipwrecks resting in shallow waters, each offering a unique underwater adventure. These wrecks are not only fascinating remnants of history, but also an absolute must-see for every maritime adventurer. So, don't miss out on these underwater treasures during your sailing voyage!

Snorkelling, whether off the deck of a yacht or from the shoreline, involves a set of fundamental principles. Adhering to these will enhance your underwater exploration experiences, bringing the sunken history of the sea to life.

According to dive instructor Michal Marek, "snorkelling is a fantastic way to explore the underwater world, but it is important to remember that safety should always come first. Make sure you have the necessary snorkelling equipment , including a mask, snorkel and fins. Put your gear on properly to ensure comfort and ease of movement." 

If you're travelling to seaside resorts, it's no problem to buy the basic gear for snorkelling at almost every stand. But we don't recommend it. It is far better to go to a sport, specialist shop or even better to a dive centre. The decisive factors are size, quality of material (especially in the case of masks and snorkels) and, above all, comfort, which you will usually not get without advice and experience. There is nothing less comfortable than a leaky mask or snorkel, and tough fins that squeeze your feet.

Snorkelling is not just a bit of fun — there are actually proper snorkelling techniques that will teach you how to clean your snorkel and mask, balance the pressure in your ears and sinuses, or discover how to use your fins effectively. These skills will also increase your comfort and, more importantly, your enjoyment of snorkelling.

As with scuba diving, you should always snorkel with a partner. This will help ensure safety and provide assistance if needed.

Be aware of the currents, not just on the surface but underneath too. You can pick up some local knowledge on this, or ask locals or lifeguards. Always check the current conditions before you dive in — strong currents can make it hard to get around and can be risky. We recommend sticking to calm or moderate currents when you're exploring wrecks.

It is important to follow certain guidelines for safe snorkelling. These include respecting the marine environment and understanding the potential dangers. Before you go snorkelling, assess water conditions, including visibility, current strength and weather. Avoid snorkelling if the sea's rough, or there's a storm, or the visibility is poor.

Know your limits. Snorkel in a way that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed and within your skill level. Do not venture too far from the boat or beyond your ability as this can lead to exhaustion and disorientation.

Respect the marine life and observe it from a respectful distance. Do not touch or disturb creatures, including coral, as some can be harmful. Remember that you are a visitor in their natural habitat.

Once you've got all this down and you're committed to following the rules, you're ready to take the plunge. Exploring wrecks is a unique experience.

Apart from Croatia, there are plenty of shipwrecks to explore in places like Malta, a haven for wreck diving, Cyprus, Greece and other countries. Greece, in particular, offers wrecks that form part of underwater ruins, giving us a chance to delve deeper into history.

The shipwrecks have been organized by country below.

Snorkelling while sailing in Greece has one unique experience, and that is snorkelling amidst ancient ruins. This provides a rare chance to come literally within touching distance of history. 

Although there are not many shallow wrecks in Greece, the ones that exist are mostly reachable only by divers. However, a few can still be discovered.

One of the shallow wrecks, which lies at a depth of only 4 to 12 metres, is located just off Naples in Laconia, in the southeast part of the Peloponnese. A mere 100 metres from the coast rests the sunken Turkish cargo ship Kaptan Ismail Hakki, her stern facing the land and bow pointing out to sea.

The ship sank on January 30, 1978, weighed down by hundreds of tons of raw materials for the steel industry. If you decide to snorkel at this site, be sure to bring an underwater camera. The white sand surrounding the wreck and the shallow depth combine to create perfect conditions for underwater photography. This spot is so accessible and easy to navigate, it makes for an ideal snorkelling location even for a family outing.

The seaside village of Diakofti on the island of Kythéra hosts a highly popular snorkelling spot, the semi-submerged Russian freighter Nordland. The ship ran aground on the islet of Prasonisi on August 29, 2000, due to the intoxication of its crew. The accident caused the engine room to flood and resulted in a fuel leak that polluted the adjacent coastline.

Now, the ship sits submerged, with its stern at a depth of roughly 30 metres and the bow entirely exposed above water. This shipwreck has become one of Kythera's top tourist attractions and has earned a reputation as a favoured site for both diving and snorkelling. It regularly attracts local and foreign divers, including diving school groups.

The Liberty is one of the most iconic shipwrecks in Greece, particularly because its bow can be easily explored with just a snorkel and a mask. This World War II cargo ship, constructed in the United States, now lies submerged just off Vathi Bay on the small Dodecanese island of Pserimos.

Portions of the wreck are visible from afar as they break the water's surface, including the cranes and a part of the bow. Anchoring here and exploring the 69-metre wreck in detail is relatively straightforward. However, examining the deepest sections would require scuba diving as the wreck extends to a depth of 24 metres. The ship capsized on its port side in January 1997 after the captain lost control.

Situated near the Greek island of Alonissos, the Alonissos Wreck is an archaeological site, offering a treasure trove of ancient Greek amphorae. While the main wreck is nestled at a depth of approximately 20 metres, the scattered amphorae can be spotted when snorkelling at around 10 metres. This provides snorkellers with the unique opportunity to closely observe and photograph these ancient artefacts, giving a fascinating insight into the maritime history of the region.

Also known as the Classic Wreck at Alonissos, this shipwreck from the Classical Greek period was laden with an estimated 3000-4000 amphorae, along with an assortment of valuable objects including black-glazed cups, plates, and bronze vessels. Excavations at the site commenced in 1992, and there are current plans to establish an underwater museum in the area surrounding the shipwreck.

The Zenobia wreck, resting near Larnaca, Cyprus, is a renowned site predominantly for divers, but also provides an enticing opportunity for snorkelling. Regularly landing a place amongst the world's top 10 wrecks, it is a site not to be missed.

Sunk in June 1980, this Swedish ferry now resides on its port side, with its sunken depth ranging between 19 and 42 metres. The Zenobia's imposing size — a lengthy 172 metres — makes it readily visible even to snorkellers. It's further fascinating for having plunged with over 100 cars and lorries on board. Subsequent investigations revealed a software glitch in the computerised pumping system, which had been errantly flooding the side tanks. Today, the underwater ferry serves as a sanctuary for an array of marine species. The wreck teems with intriguing sights from the exterior, such as two massive propellers, exterior trucks, chimneys, a bridge, a canteen, a bow section and accommodation areas.

The shallower sections of this colossal wreck are easily navigable for snorkellers, while freedivers can dare to delve deeper. Sailing above the submerged parts, snorkellers can catch a peek of the immense hull and observe the vibrant marine life that swarms around the ferry wreck.

For more proficient snorkellers and freedivers, the Lady Thetis wreck, sunk at a depth of 19 metres, is definitely worth an exploration. Initially, it was the large passenger ship REIHER, operating out of Hamburg. This wreck is located close to the even deeper wreck of Constandis (24 m), which is out of reach for casual snorkellers. But, you'll still find abundant marine life nearer to the surface. Two coral reefs have emerged around these wrecks, now safeguarded, transforming the formerly barren sandy seabed into a bustling marine habitat. Here you can spot schools of fish, barracudas, sea breams, moray eels, turtles, mullets and many more.

Other Cypriot wrecks, like the Liberty, Alexandria, HMS Cricket, and Nemesis III, are favoured diving sites, attracting scuba divers, including those with technical diving skills.

Malta is a well known haven for shipwreck enthusiasts, and especially for scuba divers of all levels. However, it is also possible to explore some of the wrecks from the surface or by holding your breath breath. This is why Malta is a frequent destination for freedivers.

This small fishing boat derives its name from its location at the renowned Blue Hole dive spot on Gozo Island. But its presence wasn't a result of a mishap; the vessel was intentionally submerged to form an artificial reef. Situated roughly 10 metres deep, the Blue Hole Wreck is a straightforward snorkelling target. Its closeness to the impressive Blue Hole structure further enhances the snorkelling experience here.

The P29 patrol boat, originally a German minesweeper, is an easily accessible snorkelling destination in Malta. After being intentionally scuttled in 2007, the wreck now rests merely 12 metres underwater. Snorkellers can meander around the deck, peek into the wheelhouse, and watch the myriad marine life that has made the wreck their home.

This wreck is a favourite among those visiting Malta. It's nestled in St. Elmo's Bay, just beneath the capital city of Valletta. Once a destroyer, this ship met its end in a 1942 bombing raid and now rests at a depth of 14 metres. It's a hotspot for divers, particularly those with a taste for history, as it holds intriguing artifacts such as original shell casings bearing engraved dates. Due to its shallow depth and proximity to the shore, it's a great spot for beginner snorkellers to explore.

The wreck stretches 115 metres in length and 11 metres in width, and bears the name of the warriors from New Zealand's Maori tribes. Initially, the ship sunk in the middle of the bay, presenting a hazard to other vessels. As a result, it was lifted and moved out of the bay in 1945, during which the ship split in two. Consequently, only the bow of the ship remains today, resting in St. Elmo's Bay on the city's other side.

Calabria in particular offers a paradise of wrecks in Italy, some of which are accessible for easy snorkelling.

Located in the waters off Santa Caterina dello Jonio, the wreckage of an Italian merchant ship presents an inviting opportunity for snorkellers. With its resting depth ranging from just 6 to 12 metres and a sandy seabed underneath, it is partly accessible. The ship, now divided into two separate sections laying a short distance apart, has developed its own bustling ecosystem. Dense schools of damselfish and small blue fish dance around the wreck, alongside large red parma and various other fish groups. With just basic snorkelling skills, you can immerse yourself in this thriving underwater world.

Off the coast of Brancaleone, in the waters of Calabria, lies another captivating wreck waiting to be explored. The remnants of the merchant ship Città di Bergamo rest on a sandy seabed, offering a diving depth ranging from 6 to 18 metres. Divided into two parts, the hull of the ship is now empty, as explosives were used to retrieve the cargo. The wreck is teeming with abundant underwater life, including vibrant striped red mullet (Mullus barbatus), lively schools of daman (Chromis chromis), and elegant cardinalfish (Apogon imberbis).

In the shallow waters against the sandy backdrop of the Guardavalle coast, we can also find the wreck of a Swedish ship, locally known as Kingstown or Kingdom. It is approximately 72m long and sank under the name Marineta when adverse weather conditions and navigation challenges prevented it from sailing from Turkey to La Nouvelle on 5th January 1993. With a cargo of boilers on board, the engine room was initially flooded, leading to the ship's sinking north of Punta Stilo. The wreck is divided into two parts: the stern rests on its side around 100m from the main wreckage, while the bow is in a floating position, facing the coast. The depth of the wreck ranges from 3 to 10 metres, providing an easily accessible site for snorkelling and freediving.

Don Pedro (Playa de las Coloradas, Lanzarote)

The cargo ship sank here in 1975 and rests at a depth of 12-15 metres. It offers easy access for snorkelling, and sailing on Lanzarote is possible all year round.

Wreck of the Argo (Bar)

This cargo ship sank in 1943 and lies at a depth of 15-20 metres. Snorkelling is possible and sailing to Bar is possible from May to September.

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Motor boat Vrtnica (Portorož)

The sunken ship is located at a depth of 8-12 metres. Snorkelling is suitable and sailing to Portoroz is possible from May to September.

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Wrecks serve as both artificial and naturally occurring reefs, attracting a diverse range of marine life. The surrounding flora and fauna create a unique and vibrant ecosystem that is truly captivating to explore. So, what can you expect to encounter in this fascinating underwater world?

Corals and sponges: Wrecks provide an ideal substrate for the growth of corals and various species of sponges. These organisms adorn the wreck structure with vibrant colors and textures, creating a visually stunning sight while attracting smaller marine creatures.
Fish and invertebrates: Wrecks offer shelter and a reliable food source for a variety of fish species. Snorkelers may come across a multitude of colorful tropical fish, including damselfish and snappers. In addition, invertebrates like octopus, cuttlefish, and starfish can often be spotted in these underwater habitats.
Algae and seagrass: Around wrecks, you may encounter different species of algae and even entire meadows of seagrass. These plant forms serve as vital resources for diverse marine organisms, contributing to the overall ecosystem by providing habitat and food sources. It's important to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom, as many animals also call it home.
Pelagic species: Depending on the wreck's location and depth, you may have the opportunity to observe pelagic fish species such as barracuda, tuna, or even dolphins swimming near the surface, adding an exhilarating touch to your snorkeling experience.