Diving the Kaiserfahrt

Site Overview

Kaiserfahrt is a wreck and reef dive site in Baltic Sea – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, reached from the base town of Usedom. The Kaiserfahrt is the historic canal separating Usedom from the mainland, where old barge and canal wrecks lie in the current. It is an unusual, history-rich dive with cod using the structures for shelter. The site reaches a maximum depth of 18 m with an average profile around 12 m and a shallow start near 4 m, which places it firmly in the intermediate category and means divers should hold at least an Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the Baltic Sea environment: visibility generally runs from 4 to 13 metres, the current is moderate, and the water temperature ranges between 6 and 19 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Atlantic Cod, European Plaice, Conger Eel, Common Cuttlefish, Nudibranchs (Flabellina spp.), Small-spotted Catshark, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. The combination of wreck, canal topography and sand and wood substrate gives Kaiserfahrt its distinctive character within the Baltic Sea – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region. Kaiserfahrt is a strong representative of why German diving is so highly regarded, blending the geology, history and biodiversity that define the country's underwater exploration. It pairs naturally with the other sites of the Baltic Sea – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region for a varied holiday, and with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, the correct specialist training, it offers a memorable dive for photographers, naturalists and wreck, reef or freshwater enthusiasts alike. As with every German dive, a drysuit and a careful respect for cold-water limits turn a good day into a great one.