Split-Dalmatia County dive sites

The B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber shot down during the strategic bombing campaign against Axis oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania, during 1944. The aircraft made an emergency water landing south of Vis Island after sustaining anti-aircraft damage on its return to bases in southern Italy. The crew were rescued by Yugoslav partisans who controlled Vis at the time. The aircraft sank intact to the sandy bottom at around 42 metres where it has remained remarkably well preserved due to the cold, clear Adriatic waters and the remoteness of the site.

The wreck rests at approximately 42 metres, requiring Advanced Open Water certification at minimum, though most operators recommend Deep Diver speciality or equivalent experience at depths beyond 30 metres. The dive is conducted on enriched air nitrox to extend bottom time, which is limited to around 15 to 20 minutes at this depth. Conditions are generally calm with mild currents, but the depth demands good buoyancy control and efficient air consumption. Croatian authorities strictly regulate access to protect this historic site.

The optimal season runs from late May through September when water temperatures reach 20 to 25 degrees Celsius at the surface and visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres. July and August offer the warmest conditions and calmest seas, though these are also the busiest months for tourism on Vis. June and September provide excellent diving with fewer crowds. Winter diving is possible but water temperatures drop to 13 degrees and weather windows for boat access are less predictable.