Hippocampus Diving Center
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10 km away as the crow flies
Pula · Croatia · Mediterranean
Max. depth · 39 mDraga Wreck, Pula: A submerged sand dredge
Descend to the Draga, a 25-meter sand dredge lying upright between 34 and 37 metres, providing refuge for eels, scorpionfish, and catsharks in its structure.
What makes this site special
- 25-meter long stone-built cargo wreck
- Resting upright between 34 and 37 meters
- Consistent very good visibility
- Home to eels and scorpionfish
- Lobsters and crabs hide in its structure
- Catsharks patrol the wreck's perimeter
- Extensive pennatula colonies on the wreck
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Draga about the site
The Draga wreck lies southwest of Pula, a grounded work vessel once used for sand extraction, now an artificial reef. This cargo vessel, constructed of stone, measures 25 meters in length and 6 meters in width. It sits upright on the seabed, its structure largely intact despite its sinking in the 1960s due to a breach in its bow from rough weather and overloading. The wreck is close enough to shore for a relatively short boat ride, making it an accessible deep dive.
The dive profile descends directly to the wreck, which rests at a minimum depth of 34 meters, with its deepest parts extending to 37 meters. As you approach the wreck from above, you'll first discern the outline of the vessel, before its full form becomes clear. The ambient light at this depth shifts, creating an atmospheric setting ideal for wreck exploration. Navigating the wreck's exterior, you can follow its full length and width, appreciating the engineering of this former working boat.
Life around the Draga is abundant, drawn to the cover and substrate the wreck provides. You will encounter resident marine species throughout your dive. Eels frequently inhabit the nooks and crannies of the wreck, while scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) camouflage themselves against the structure, waiting for prey. Lobsters and crabs scuttle within the darker recesses, and it’s not uncommon to spot catsharks (Scyliorhinus canicula) patrolling the perimeter of the wreck, especially in quieter sections.
Beyond the larger inhabitants, the Draga is also home to vast colonies of pennatula, or sea pens, which sway gently in any slight current surrounding the wreck. These colonial organisms add a vibrant, textured layer to the otherwise industrial structure, creating a stark contrast and enhancing the visual interest of the site. Observing how these different species interact with and colonize the wreck provides a continuous narrative throughout the dive, highlighting the transformation from working vessel to living reef.
Diving conditions
The Draga wreck is accessible to Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) certified divers and above, due to its depth range of 34 to 37 meters. Visibility at the site is consistently very good, offering clear views of the wreck and its inhabitants. There is generally no significant current, allowing for relaxed exploration of the site.
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Frequently asked questions about DRAGA
What certification do you need to dive DRAGA?
You need Advanced Open Water Diver certification or above for DRAGA. The wreck lies at a depth that makes this a deep dive, with the vessel resting upright on the seabed. You descend directly to the wreck and explore its exterior at depths ranging from thirty-four to thirty-seven meters.
How deep is DRAGA, and what should you expect at that depth?
DRAGA rests upright between thirty-four and thirty-seven meters, with its deepest parts reaching thirty-seven meters. As you descend directly to the wreck, its outline appears before the full vessel becomes clear. Ambient light changes at this depth, creating an atmospheric setting for exploring the largely intact cargo vessel.
What are the currents and visibility like at DRAGA?
At DRAGA, visibility is consistently very good, giving you clear views of the wreck and the marine life living on it. There is generally no significant current, so you can explore the site in relaxed conditions. Sea pens sway in any slight current around the wreck.
What marine life can you see on DRAGA?
You can find eels in the wreck’s nooks and crannies, while scorpionfish camouflage themselves against its structure. Lobsters and crabs shelter in darker recesses, and catsharks patrol the perimeter. Extensive colonies of pennatula cover the wreck, adding texture as the former stone cargo vessel functions as an artificial reef.
