One of the most unusual wreck dives in the Cyclades, the ARADO AR 196 wreck offers divers the opportunity to explore the remains of a World War II German seaplane resting in shallow, crystal-clear waters off Heraklia.
Accessible to divers of all certification levels, this dive combines history, marine life, and underwater photography in a beautiful sheltered bay.
Dive Overview
In 1982, local fisherman Sarantis Oikonomou made an unexpected discovery while fishing aboard his trawler Robinson. His nets became entangled with a German ARADO AR 196 seaplane lying at a depth of approximately 90 meters.
To free his fishing gear and prevent future entanglements, he relocated the aircraft to the sheltered bay of Alimia on the western side of Heraklia, where it was placed at a depth of around 11 meters.
Today, the wreck is one of the island’s most popular dive attractions and can even be observed by snorkelers from the surface.
Entry & Conditions
The wreck is located in Alimia Bay, on the western coast of Heraklia, and is accessible only by boat.
The bay is generally sheltered from strong winds and currents, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Before entering the water, ensure your boat avoids anchoring on the nearby Posidonia seagrass meadows. During the summer months, the bay receives significant recreational boat traffic, making the use of a DSMB or dive flag both mandatory and highly recommended.
Entry is performed directly from the boat.
What You’ll See
The aircraft has unfortunately suffered decades of deterioration and souvenir hunting, leaving mainly its skeletal structure and engine resting on the seabed among Posidonia seagrass.
Despite the damage, the outline of the aircraft remains clearly recognizable and offers a fascinating glimpse into a piece of World War II aviation history.
The shallow depth allows plenty of bottom time, making the site ideal for underwater photography and careful exploration.
The surrounding bay also hosts a variety of Mediterranean marine life, with schools of fish frequently swimming around the wreck structure.
Important Considerations
- Boat access only
- Use a dive flag or DSMB due to boat traffic
- Avoid anchoring on Posidonia seagrass meadows
- Do not touch sharp metal surfaces
- Full wetsuits are recommended for divers with limited buoyancy control
Depth Profile
The wreck rests at approximately 11 meters depth.
Tips for Divers
- Excellent dive for Open Water divers and beginners
- Bring a camera; the shallow depth provides excellent natural light
- Spend time examining the engine and structural remains
- Ideal site for combining scuba diving and snorkeling activities
- Maintain good buoyancy to avoid damaging the seagrass ecosystem
Why This Dive Stands Out
Few dive sites in Greece allow divers to explore a World War II aircraft at such an accessible depth. Combined with the calm waters and beautiful surroundings of Alimia Bay, the ARADO AR 196 offers a unique blend of history, marine life, and easy diving.
Historical research regarding the wreck was conducted by the team behind aviationarchaeology.gr
