Resting quietly beneath the clear waters of Ikaria, the Martin Baltimore FW401 offers a fascinating WWII aircraft wreck dive accessible to recreational divers.
Dive Overview
The Martin Baltimore FW401 crashed and sank on April 20th, 1945 after a failed landing attempt near Ikaria during the final months of World War II.
Today, the aircraft rests at recreational depth and has become one of the island’s most interesting wreck dives.
The site combines historical significance, easy shore access, good visibility, and abundant marine life, making it suitable for a wide range of divers.
Entry & Conditions
Access to the site is easy by car.
From the parking area, divers descend a concrete pathway leading directly to the sea.
Entry is performed from the right side of the beach using a small ramp that allows a comfortable water entry with full equipment.
A handrail installed along the ramp provides additional support, as some sections can become slippery.
The beach itself is calm and generally uncrowded, offering excellent conditions both for diving and for relaxing after the dive.
What You’ll See
After entering the water, divers follow an underwater pipe that naturally guides them toward the wreck.
The aircraft appears behind patches of seagrass at approximately 18 meters depth.
Despite the passage of time, the outline of the aircraft remains clearly recognizable, creating an atmospheric WWII wreck experience.
The surrounding area supports abundant marine life, while visibility is often very good, especially during calm conditions.
The combination of historical atmosphere, clear water, and marine biodiversity makes the site particularly enjoyable for underwater photography.
Important Consideration
- Slippery entry area — use caution
- Follow the underwater pipe for navigation
- Protect the wreck and avoid touching fragile sections
- Watch buoyancy around seagrass and aircraft remains
Depth Profile
The wreck rests at approximately 18 meters depth, making it accessible to most recreational divers.
Tips for Divers
- Bring a torch for better visibility inside aircraft openings
- Excellent site for wide-angle photography
- Move carefully around the wreck to avoid disturbing sediment
- Relax on the beach after the dive — the area is usually quiet and peaceful
- Great dive for history enthusiasts and wreck lovers
Why This Dive Stands Out
The Martin Baltimore combines WWII aviation history with clear Aegean waters and easy recreational access, creating one of the most memorable aircraft wreck dives in Ikaria.
Credits: Vasilis Anastasopoulos
