Two dives at Karaburun & Sazan
from €110
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The PO wreck: the Italian hospital ship sunk off Vlorë
For an Italian diver this dive is special: the PO was a Royal Italian Navy hospital ship, sunk in March 1941 off Vlorë. Today it rests intact between 16 and 33 metres, covered in marine life: 139 metres of history that almost no dive site tells.
Direct booking with local operators: no hidden fees, free cancellation up to 48h before.
At a glance
TypeWreck dive, by boat
Depth16-33 metres
CertificationOpen Water minimum (Advanced recommended)
The wreckPO hospital ship, 139 m, sunk 1941
Pricefrom €110 (2 dives, gear included)
SeasonMay-October
The dive is from the dive centre's boat, descending the mooring line directly onto the wreck's deck. The upper part (16-22 m) is within Open Water range; Advanced divers descend to the lower deck at 30-33 metres. On good-visibility days the ship's silhouette appears from the first metres of descent.
The PO lies inside the marine park area: groups are small and trips limited. The same day often includes a second dive at the Haxhi Ali or Cathedral caves. Those wanting a more unusual wreck can ask about the MIG-21 sunk at Dhërmi as an artificial reef.
What's included
- 2 boat dives (wreck + second site)
- Marine park dive guide
- Full equipment if needed
- Tanks and weights
What's NOT included
- Dive computer (rental €10, mandatory if you don't have one)
- Lunch between dives
- Transfer from Vlorë
What to bring
- Certification card and logbook
- Valid medical certificate
- Torch to look inside the wreck's openings
- Computer if you have one
Who it's for (and who it's not)
Certified divers (Open Water+). Not for beginners: if you're not certified, try-scuba or snorkeling are the right entry points.
Weather & cancellation
The wreck is in open water: in rough seas it moves to the sheltered alternative site or is rescheduled. No refund lost: the date moves or everything is returned.
Frequently asked questions
Can you penetrate inside the wreck?
No: for safety and site protection the dive is external. But you look inside through openings and portholes, and the external structure is already a spectacle.
I haven't dived in 2 years: can I come?
Yes, but let us know: before the wreck we do a check dive in easy water to get you back in shape (included if you tell us in advance).
Why can't I find it on international dive sites?
Because the Albanian marine park is still off the international portals' radar: few authorised centres, no marketing. That's exactly the beauty of it.