This dive site features the intriguing wreck of a German seaplane, resting flat on the seabed at a maximum depth of 26 meters. Known as Donnier 26, the plane is somewhat broken, with its left wing distinctively positioned atop the main body, which can initially be disorienting until its structure is understood. The wreck offers a wealth of details scattered both on and around its fuselage, providing a fascinating exploration for divers interested in history and underwater artifacts.
While the primary attraction is the wreck itself, the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Norway support a variety of North Atlantic marine life. Divers can anticipate encountering various fish species such as cod, pollock, and wrasse, alongside crustaceans like crabs and lobsters seeking shelter within the wreck's crevices. Anemones, sponges, and various cold-water soft corals often colonize parts of the plane, adding biological interest to the metallic structure.
The optimal time to visit Donnier 26 and other dive sites in Northern Norway is generally during the summer months, from June to August, when daylight hours are extended and water temperatures are at their highest, potentially offering better visibility. Divers should always be equipped with a dry suit and suitable thermal protection due to the consistently cold water. For freedivers, the 26-meter depth is achievable for experienced individuals, but excellent buoyancy control and awareness of potential entanglement hazards from the broken wreck are paramount for both scuba and freedivers.
