Scuba Diving in MIG-21 wreck

Scuba Diving in MIG-21 Wreck: An Authentic Albanian Underwater Adventure

If you’re craving something more than just lounging on a beach in Albania, this scuba experience might just be your ticket to a truly memorable trip. For around $75 per person, you’ll spend about an hour exploring the famous MIG-21 fighter plane wreck at Drymades Beach—just a quick swim from the shore. Led by knowledgeable guides like Paola, this private adventure is perfect for divers with prior experience looking for a new highlight on the Ionian coast.

What we love most about this tour is how accessible and visually stunning it is. The wreck lies at just 9 meters deep, making it easy to explore without needing advanced technical skills. Plus, the crystal-clear waters—with visibility reaching up to 50 meters—offer fantastic opportunities for underwater photography, especially around the colorful marine life that makes the wreck their home. On the downside, it’s seasonal, running only from April through October, so plan your trip accordingly.

This tour suits those who already know how to handle a tank and are eager to add a little history and marine life to their Albanian experience. Whether you’re an avid diver or someone looking to try your first underwater adventure, you’ll find that this activity combines adventure, education, and stunning scenery in one easy-to-access location.

Key Points

• Accessible Depth: The wreck is only 9 meters deep, making it suitable for experienced divers and those comfortable with open water.
• All Equipment Included: No need to worry about gear; everything is provided along with a safety briefing.
• Private Activity: Your group will be the only ones on this adventure, ensuring personalized attention.
• Seasonal Availability: Runs from April to October, so plan your trip within this window.
• Excellent Visibility: Up to 50 meters, perfect for photography and spotting marine life.
• Suitable for Kids: Starting from age 10, provided they are comfortable swimmers and have prior experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Location

Your adventure begins at the Albania Adventure Diving Center on Drymades Beach, a renowned spot for both snorkelers and divers. Situated just a few meters from the shoreline, the center’s proximity makes for a relaxed start, with no long transport times to get into the water. The meeting point is easy to find at Rruga Perivolo 9422, Dhërmi, and the center operates daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving you plenty of flexibility to choose your preferred time.

What to Expect During the Tour

The experience is structured into roughly 30 minutes of instruction followed by 30 minutes of actual underwater exploration. The safety briefing and equipment setup are thorough, ensuring even beginners (who meet the age requirement of 10 years and up) feel confident before stepping into the water. The private tour means your guide will focus solely on your group, making it a safer and more personalized adventure.

Once in the water, you’ll see the wreck of a MIG-21 fighter plane, a relic from Albania’s communist era. It rests at about 9 meters deep, which is shallow enough to explore comfortably while still feeling like a true underwater expedition. The wreck is now covered with marine flora and fauna, transforming it into a natural reef teeming with Sea Bass, Grouper, Moray eels, Lobsters, Crawfish, and Sea Snails depending on the season.

Marine Life and Photography Opportunities

Drymades Beach is famous for its exceptional water clarity—often reaching 50 meters of visibility. This makes it ideal for underwater photography, and we’ve seen reviews where visitors rave about how many great shots they managed to capture. The colorful marine environment makes every moment picture-worthy, with lively fish darting among the wreck and sea anemones adding splashes of color.

According to reviews, guides like Paola are friendly and professional, taking care to help even first-time snorkelers or divers get comfortable. They’re also known for taking photos of their guests—a nice touch for keeping memories of your Albanian underwater adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is best suited for experienced divers because the wreck is at 8 meters depth, which might be too challenging or uncomfortable for complete beginners or those not comfortable swimming at that depth. It’s also recommended for anyone interested in underwater photography or looking for a unique experience off the beaten path. Families with children aged 10 or older, who are already comfortable swimmers, can also enjoy this.

The Value of the Experience

At $74.91, the cost includes all scuba equipment and safety talks, which makes it a good value considering the exclusive, private nature of the tour. The fact that you get to see a historical wreck in such pristine conditions and capture stunning photos adds to its appeal. Plus, since the activity is private, you’ll avoid crowded group tours, making the experience more relaxed and tailored to your pace.

Considerations and Tips

While the activity offers plenty of positives, keep in mind it’s seasonal. If you visit outside the April-October window, you won’t be able to do this particular dive. Also, transportation to the meeting point is not included, so plan accordingly if you’re staying further afield. Travelers should be comfortable swimming in open water and have prior experience, especially since the wreck is at a depth that might be challenging for absolute beginners.

Why We Recommend It

This tour is ideal for divers with prior experience who want to see a piece of Albania’s history underwater while enjoying excellent visibility and marine life. It’s especially attractive for photographers eager to capture vivid, underwater scenes with minimal crowds. The personalized guidance and friendly staff make it a safe choice for those already comfortable handling scuba gear.

If you’re looking to combine adventure with cultural intrigue—plus a splash of nostalgia—this is a rare opportunity to see a wartime relic in its current marine habitat. It’s a great way to add a bit of history and underwater beauty to your Albanian holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, children starting at age 10 can participate, provided they are comfortable swimmers and have prior experience. The activity is private, allowing guides to tailor instructions to younger guests.

Do I need my own gear?
No, all scuba equipment is included in the price. The guides provide and set up everything, ensuring safety and convenience.

How deep is the wreck?
The MIG-21 wreck rests at approximately 9 meters deep, making it accessible for most experienced divers and those comfortable with open water.

Can I take photos during the dive?
Absolutely. The clear waters and vibrant marine life make for excellent photo opportunities, and guides are known for helping guests capture their underwater moments.

What is the best time of year to do this tour?
The activity runs from April to October. Outside of these months, the tour is unavailable, mainly due to weather and water conditions.

Is it a group or private tour?
It’s a private activity, so only your group will go into the water, allowing a more relaxed and personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Since equipment is provided, just bring your swimwear, a towel, and a sense of adventure. It’s also wise to bring a waterproof camera if you want to capture the underwater scenery.

Final Thoughts

If adventure, history, and photography sound appealing, this scuba tour of the MIG-21 wreck at Drymades Beach offers a distinctive experience in Albania. The combination of colorful marine life, historical intrigue, and excellent visibility makes it stand out from typical beach days. With friendly guides, a private setting, and all equipment supplied, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy the underwater wonders of the Ionian coast.

This experience is perfect for divers with some prior experience, looking to explore a piece of history beneath the waves, or photographers eager for incredible underwater shots. If you’re traveling with kids over 10 who meet the criteria, it can be a fun family adventure too. Just remember, it’s seasonal and requires a bit of planning—so mark your calendar for the right months.

In the end, this trip offers more than just a swim; it’s a chance to see Albania from a different perspective, combining history, marine life, and the thrill of underwater exploration in one compact, private package.