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Two scuba divers with gear exploring the deep blue ocean, captured under natural light.
📷 Sébastien Vincon · Pexels

Baron Gautsch

3.6 — based on 11 community signals
4.1 6 species 6 contributors

Baron Gautsch is a legendary wreck dive in Croatian waters, offering year-round access to a fully submerged historical vessel.

⭐ Best for advanced divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tec-friendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Depth
?–2840 m
Marine life
Bottlenose dolphin

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
Baron Gautsch location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
10.4 kn
Wave
0.18 m
Water
25.9°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: E (32%)
Now: ESE (107°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.76m

Next: High at 09:00 (-0.36m)

+-0.2 m-0.9 m
▲ 09:00 · -0.36m ▲ 11:00 · -0.35m ▲ 13:00 · -0.34m ▼ 00:00 · -0.69m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.35 · mod Air PM2.53 · good 06:48 19:09
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 10.3 0.18 5 2mm
09-20 11 0.2 5 0mm
09-21 12.5 0.4 5 0mm
09-22 12 0.78 5 0mm
09-23 15.9 0.88 5 0mm
09-24 14.4 0.2 5 32mm
09-25 6.6 0.2 4 0mm

About this spot

Baron Gautsch is one of the Adriatic's most iconic wreck dives. The vessel lies fully submerged and intact, making it a destination for divers interested in wreck exploration and maritime history. The wreck attracts divers year-round, though conditions vary seasonally. The structure remains largely preserved, allowing divers to explore its layout and chambers. The site draws interest from wreck enthusiasts and technical divers alike. Its accessibility has made it popular with dive operators throughout the region, and the wreck supports observation of various marine species that have colonized the structure over decades. Visibility and conditions depend on season and weather patterns typical to the Croatian coast. Access is straightforward for organized dive trips. The wreck's historical significance combined with its structural integrity makes it a destination worth planning around. Divers should verify current conditions and any operational guidelines with local operators before booking.

📖 Guide: Diving in Croatia: 68 Sites From Wrecks to Reefs

Marine life

Bottlenose dolphin

Dive types

WreckBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 1265km · ~291kg · €5

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 77/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 6h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 6h east · 4 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Baron Gautsch?

Baron Gautsch is accessible year-round. Conditions vary by season, so check with local operators about visibility and water conditions before planning your trip.

What is the difficulty level and depth?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings depend on which part of the wreck you explore. Consult with your dive operator about your experience level and the sections you plan to visit.

What marine life can I expect to see?

The wreck has been colonized by various marine species over time. Local species observations are documented, and your guide can point out common residents of the structure.

Do I need permits or special access?

The wreck lies outside a Marine Protected Area. Organize your dive through established local operators who manage access and ensure safe exploration of the site.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Titanic of the Adriatic Sea · Dive adventure on the SS Baron Gautsch

Adventure Adam

Wreck Baron Gautsch 2014

Matjaž Bravc
💬 2 top comments
  • 😮😮😮

    @DanuArfi · 👍 0
  • But it s over. Not longer allowed

    @teddystauffer4614 · 👍 0

Baron Gautsch - Titanic of the Adriatic Sea

scubamedia.de
💬 2 top comments
  • I have read "Halte dich dicht an mich und eile ..." (Keep close to me and hurry) An account by one of the survivors of the sinking (Hermann Pfeiffer), written only a few weeks afterward. The survivor lost his wife and the Nanny but managed to safe his little boy. He had to go to WWI soon after, so he wrote down his memories for the child, in case he wouldn't survive the war. It is absolutly heartb

    @i.b.640 · 👍 0
  • Great video, thanks for sharing

    @1HarryH · 👍 3
wind peaks Nov-Jan-Mar, calmest Apr-Aug-Jun, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jul (100/100) Worst: Oct (0/100) Now: Sep (84/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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