Wreck of the Plinio
Site Overview
The Plinio is a steamer that sank in Lake Como and now rests at 10-25 m, a medium-sized freshwater wreck draped in life. Perch, pike and roach school around the hull, while sponges and crayfish colonise the structure. The clear alpine water and the accessible depth make it a favourite for wreck lovers, though the altitude demands careful planning. It is a satisfying intermediate dive that combines history with the dramatic scenery of Lake Como. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers.
Dive Briefing
"Brief on altitude planning and the wreck layout, then descend the shot line to the deck. Control buoyancy over the hull to protect the life, use a torch in the openings, and watch for fish. Ascend with a safety stop and be mindful of boat traffic on the lake. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
European Perch
Perca fluviatilis
Best: Year-round
Northern Pike
Esox lucius
Best: Year-round
Roach
Rutilus rutilus
Best: Year-round
Freshwater Sponge
Spongillidae
Best: Year-round
Crayfish
Austropotamobius
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Altitude diving decompression
- Cold deep water
- Boat traffic
- Sharp wreck edges
- Limited visibility
- Disorientation
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Good for intermediate divers and wreck enthusiasts who want a freshwater steamer with altitude planning. An Advanced certification is recommended for comfort on the deeper sections. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Como Diving
- Plinio Sub
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Hotel du Lac
Riva del Garda • 3km away
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Como • 10km away