The aircraft wreck in Balun Bay is documented and may be dived only under strict rules. Visitors encounter archaeological heritage—not a freely accessible adventure playground.
The wreck lies off Žirje
The Croatian Conservation Institute describes the find as a Junkers Ju 87 from the Second World War. The wreck was discovered in 2014 in Balun Bay near the island of Žirje.
Its exact location is deliberately not published here. Protection and controlled access take priority over a list of coordinates.
Its condition was systematically recorded in 2016
Specialists inspected the wreck and produced photographs, video footage, an orthophoto and a three-dimensional model.
This documentation creates a comparative baseline. Damage, displacement and marine growth can then be assessed more accurately later.
It is cultural heritage, not an ordinary dive site
The Ministry of Culture includes the zone in its 2024–2029 programme for underwater activities at protected cultural properties.
That status means visits may take place only within a regulated system involving authorised operators and permits.
A maximum of ten permits is provided for
The ministry's programme provides for no more than ten permits for the zone. This is not a daily visitor limit and does not guarantee that an operator will always be available.
Anyone wishing to dive needs a currently authorised operator and must also meet all personal diving requirements.
Touching and penetration remain prohibited
Divers may not touch or enter the aircraft remains. Even removing the smallest fragment would damage the context of the find.
Good buoyancy, distance and compliance with the guide's instructions protect both the wreck and the divers.
Many details deliberately remain open
The verified primary sources do not provide a reliable crash narrative, crew biography or exact aircraft variant. Those details are therefore not embellished.
Calling the site secret or undiscovered would also be wrong: it has been professionally documented and officially protected for years.
Making a dive a respectful visit
Book only through authorised operators, touch nothing, do not enter openings, and follow instructions on the group and route.
Underwater heritage survives when the next visitor sees the same archaeological context. Photographs are souvenir enough; fragments stay in place.
Evidence
Sources & date
Sources support the facts. Planning notes and recommendations are Golden Beach editorial assessments.
Time-sensitive information may change. Please check the linked primary source before travelling.
