Diving at WWII USSR Submarine SHT-211 (Bulgaria)
Approaching the WWII USSR Submarine Sht-211 wreck requires acknowledging its significant historical context, marking a site where 44 personnel lost their lives. This is a compact, fragmented military wreck, typical of the Black Sea, lying within recreational diving limits. Divers should be prepared for conditions characteristic of a deeper, low-relief wreck, emphasizing careful planning and execution.
Evening condition tracking at WWII USSR Submarine SHT-211 features an air temperature of 25.5°C. We have recorded wave heights measuring 0.3 m during this period. These figures outline the environmental parameters currently present.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Dive Site Overview
A compelling historical dive experience awaits visitors to the Sht-211, a WWII-era Soviet submarine wreck in the Black Sea, accessible from Bulgaria’s Varna area. It's a site that evokes a strong sense of its military past, characterized by a compact hull form and low relief above the seabed.
Resting in two main sections, separated by approximately 150 m (492 ft), the submarine reaches a maximum depth of 24 m (79 ft). Its recreational depth makes the site suitable for Open Water certified divers who have appropriate wreck training. Angel Divers typically organizes boat dives to this location, usually involving hotel pickups around 8:00 AM, a departure from Nessebar, and two planned wreck dives.
After the dives, a meal and a beer are common before returning to Nessebar around 5:00 PM, making it a full-day excursion. Divers will find the atmosphere of a submerged war machine, rather than a vibrant marine showcase.
Light levels diminish rapidly in the Black Sea, so close proximity to the wreck is necessary to discern its details clearly. Bringing proper lighting is essential to fully appreciate the historical aspects of the site.
Conditions are Excellent
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near WWII USSR Submarine SHT-211 show 26° air, 26° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 15 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
For a comfortable and rewarding dive experience at the Sht-211, targeting months with 'Good' dive scores is recommended, typically between March and October. During this period, especially from June to August, air temperatures are at their highest, averaging 21.5°C (71°F) to 25°C (77°F). Wave heights and wind speeds also tend to be lower during these summer months, contributing to more favorable boat conditions. While the surface waters of the Black Sea can be warm, deeper sections of the wreck are notably colder, suggesting that appropriate thermal protection is essential regardless of the season. Rainfall is generally minimal during the peak dive months, contributing to consistent dive days.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Divers typically approach the Sht-211 via a boat dive, initiating a controlled descent directly onto the wreck. As you drop through the water column, the submarine initially appears as a dark outline, requiring closer proximity to fully appreciate its form. Once on the wreck, a circuit of its exterior reveals the submarine's compact hull and low profile above the seabed. Attention to orientation and silt disturbance is crucial here. The site is notable for its two main sections, separated by a distance of 150 m (492 ft). Visibility at the site generally ranges from 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 ft). While surface currents can sometimes be present, conditions at the maximum depth of 24 m (79 ft) usually exhibit no heavy current, providing a stable platform for exploration.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving the Sht-211 wreck requires a minimum certification level of Open Water Diver or equivalent, alongside at least one prior recreational dive to ensure preparedness for wreck diving conditions. Given the low relief and historical nature of this site, following your divemaster's instructions regarding navigation and silt avoidance is paramount. The Black Sea's characteristic rapid light attenuation with depth means divers should carry adequate primary and backup lighting to properly illuminate features and maintain situational awareness.
Be aware that water temperatures can be remarkably cold in deeper sections; appropriate thermal exposure suits are strongly advised to ensure comfort throughout the dive. Always maintain strict buoyancy control to prevent disturbing the wreck or stirring up silt, which can quickly reduce visibility for everyone.
Recommended Equipment
Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Wreck Reel
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for WWII USSR Submarine SHT-211, Bulgaria. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
With water temperatures around 26°C (78°F), many divers find a 3mm wetsuit provides comfortable protection.
Local conditions can vary slightly across different parts of the same dive site.
Weather projections show fairly stable environmental conditions ahead.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to WWII USSR Submarine Sht-211.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Closest Listed Hyperbaric Chambers
Showing listed hyperbaric chamber facilities within 200 km of this dive site.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances and may not reflect emergency travel time.
Hyperbaric Medical Centre OXYGENA
Varna, Bulgaria•Approx. 20 km straight-line
Hyperbaric Medical Centre OXYGENA
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Marine Life at WWII USSR Submarine SHT-211
While the Sht-211 is primarily explored as a historical wreck, the site does host some Black Sea flora and typical marine inhabitants. Divers will notice various forms of plant life clinging to the submarine's structure, adding a touch of natural integration to the submerged history.
Encounters with specific, large marine creatures are not a primary highlight; instead, the focus remains on observing the wreck itself and the general ecosystem that has developed around it. The dive provides an opportunity to see how marine life adapts to and colonizes artificial structures in this unique environment.
Dive Sites Near WWII USSR Submarine SHT-211
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Dive Centers Near WWII USSR Submarine SHT-211
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What certification is required to dive the Sht-211?
You need to hold at least an Open Water Diver certification or a similar qualifying certificate from another training organization. Additionally, one prior recreational dive is usually required before visiting this wreck site.
What is the maximum depth of the Sht-211 wreck?
The WWII USSR Submarine Sht-211 wreck reaches a maximum depth of 24 m (79 ft). Its location is well within recreational diving limits, making it accessible to a wide range of certified divers.
Is the Sht-211 a good site for marine life viewing?
Primarily a historical wreck dive, the Sht-211 isn't typically known as a marine life showcase. While some Black Sea flora can be observed, the main attraction remains the submarine wreck and its historical significance.
How long does a typical dive trip to Sht-211 last?
A dive trip to the Sht-211 is generally a full-day excursion. Operators often pick up divers from hotels around 8:00 AM, departing from Nessebar, and return around 5:00 PM after two dives.
What are the typical water conditions like at the wreck site?
Visibility at the wreck usually ranges from 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 ft). While surface currents may occur, heavy currents are not typically reported at deeper sections. Water temperatures can be quite cold at depth, even if surface layers are warmer.
Is the Sht-211 wreck intact?
Resting in two main sections, separated by approximately 150 m (492 ft), the Sht-211 wreck maintains a compact hull form. It has a low relief above the seabed, giving it an intact 'military wreck' feel despite being broken into parts.
Can divers penetrate the Sht-211 wreck?
Given its status as a historical military wreck with a compact hull form and low relief, penetration is not widely encouraged or described as a feature of the dive. Divers typically perform an exterior circuit of the wreck with close attention to orientation and silt management.
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Conditions are Excellent
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near WWII USSR Submarine SHT-211 show 26° air, 26° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 15 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.