Costinești Shipwreck Evangelia
A decaying maritime relic on the Black Sea coast, the Evangelia shipwreck is a dramatic and poignant symbol of Costinești's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Costinești Shipwreck Evangelia
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A decaying maritime relic on the Black Sea coast, the Evangelia shipwreck is a dramatic and poignant symbol of Costinești's past.
"The shipwreck is a must-see attraction, even if you only view it from the shore."
Boat Tour Recommended
Take a boat tour from Costinești for a safe and comprehensive view of the wreck.
Snorkeling Caution
Only snorkel if you're a strong swimmer; beware of sharp edges and currents.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Collapsing Hull
Black Sea Coast, Costinești
Witness the dramatic decay of the Evangelia, a once-proud cargo ship now succumbing to the sea.
Cormorant Colony
On and around the wreck
Observe a thriving colony of cormorants nesting on and around the decaying structure.
Underwater Exploration
Around the wreck
For experienced swimmers, snorkeling offers a unique perspective on the submerged parts of the wreck.
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Planning Your Visit
A Symbol in Decline
Access & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Tour Recommended
Take a boat tour from Costinești for a safe and comprehensive view of the wreck.
Snorkeling Caution
Only snorkel if you're a strong swimmer; beware of sharp edges and currents.
Visible from Shore
The wreck is a landmark visible from many points along the Costinești coastline.
Rapid Deterioration
The ship is breaking apart; visit soon to see it before it's completely gone. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Tour Recommended
Take a boat tour from Costinești for a safe and comprehensive view of the wreck.
Snorkeling Caution
Only snorkel if you're a strong swimmer; beware of sharp edges and currents.
Visible from Shore
The wreck is a landmark visible from many points along the Costinești coastline.
Rapid Deterioration
The ship is breaking apart; visit soon to see it before it's completely gone. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Evangelia shipwreck is a captivating, albeit rapidly deteriorating, attraction in Costinești. Visitors are drawn to its dramatic appearance and historical intrigue, with many recommending boat tours for the best views. However, concerns about safety due to its decay and the cleanliness of the surrounding beach are noted.
"The Evangelia ship was built in 1942 in Northern Ireland and initially served as a transport ship during World War II. After the war, it was sold to the Greek shipowner and renamed "Evangelia". In 1968, during a voyage of lemons, the ship, for unknown reasons, ran aground near the Romanian coast. Attempts to pull him off the shoal failed and the ship was abandoned. Over the years, the wreck has become a popular tourist attraction."
Slawomir
"Definitely worth a visit by boat. You can take the boat from Costinești Lake, it's 30 lei.
The ship is here from 1968."
Mihai B
"Now in 2024 it's broken in half and the helix it's underwater as the back part collapsed. There is a colony of cormorans nesting in it and on top of it. You can go snorkeling there if you are a confident swimmer, but attention it's required as there are sharps rusted edges and small currents can drag you in and out the wreck. You can pass through it at the middle. See the engine room and the inner front side and the helix at the back.. the back side is now collapsed... The acces to the rack it's from the restaurant at the north of it until the small beach in front of the wreck from where you can snorkel to it (about 60 m) plus the entire length of the boat...
You cannot access it through the south side because of the construction site established there.. also if you try to go down to the beach on the closest point from it, it won't work because it's to abrupt. So you need to walk Nord until the fisherman's restaurant, enter on the road on the shore and walk back south until the beach in front of the wreck. If you are not a good swimmer and you don't have experience with waves and currents, don't try to acces it! It's always a risk to go in a wreck.. the entire structure may collapse exactly when you are there, so be sure you have a buddy with you, a torch is a good idea, a diver's tool (knife) and neoprene suit, mask, fins and snorkel. I don't think its deeper than 5 m in the deepest point underwater..
some people take boat tours around the wreck from the Costinesti bay area.
Even if you visit it from the shore and do not adventure to snorkel to it, if you are in Costinești, it's definitely an attraction and a "must see" thing.
There are shells on the walls, some small shrimps in the engine room, and this time were a lot of jelly fish and birds...
No tickets for the beach or the wreck. Free entry."
Flaviu Rizeanu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The shipwreck is located off the coast of Costinești, Romania. It's visible from the shore, and boat tours depart from the Costinești bay area.
You can walk along the shore to get closer, but direct access to the wreck itself is limited. The closest accessible beach is north of the wreck, near a fisherman's restaurant.
Parking is available in Costinești, and from there, you can walk towards the coast. Specific parking directly at the wreck is not available.
Many visitors opt for boat tours from Costinești for the best views and a safer experience.
Costinești is accessible by bus or train. From the town center, you can walk or take a local taxi to the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the beach area and viewing the shipwreck from the shore is free.
Boat tours typically cost around 30 lei, but prices may vary. It's advisable to confirm the cost before boarding.
The shipwreck is always visible from the shore. Boat tours operate during daylight hours, weather permitting.
While visible anytime, safe access for exploration or snorkeling is best during daylight hours and calm weather conditions.
The beach access near the shipwreck is generally free, though the cleanliness of the area can vary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The shipwreck is in a state of rapid decay, broken in half, with parts submerged. It's a dramatic sight but also a dangerous one. +1
Snorkeling is possible for experienced swimmers, but caution is advised due to sharp, rusted edges and potential currents. The structure is unstable.
You might be able to see parts of the engine room and the front interior. The rear section has collapsed.
Yes, a colony of cormorants nests on the wreck, and you might see small shrimps or jellyfish.
Bring a mask, fins, snorkel, a torch, a diver's knife, and a wetsuit. Always go with a buddy.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) offers dramatic lighting. Midday can be harsh but still provides good visibility.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules before flying.
Wide shots showing the scale of the wreck against the sea, close-ups of the decaying metal, and shots of the cormorants are popular. 
Generally, no restrictions for personal photography from the shore or boat.
Different angles offer unique perspectives. From the shore, a wider view works well. From a boat, you can get closer and capture more detail.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the story of the ship and the seabirds that inhabit it. The beach areas nearby can offer opportunities for play, though it's worth noting that cleanliness can be an issue.
📸 Photographers
+1Experiment with wide-angle shots to capture the scale of the wreck against the coastline, or zoom in on the intricate details of its corrosion and the wildlife that has made it home. Drone photography can provide unique aerial perspectives, but always ensure you comply with local regulations.
adventurous Travelers
Be prepared for sharp edges, unstable structures, and potential currents. Essential gear like a mask, fins, snorkel, a knife, and a wetsuit are highly recommended. Always prioritize safety and go with a buddy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History of the Evangelia
Despite attempts to refloat it, the ship was abandoned and has since become a prominent, albeit decaying, landmark. Its past ownership by Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis adds another layer to its intriguing history.
The ship was intentionally grounded, possibly for insurance fraud, though the exact reasons remain debated. Over the decades, the Evangelia has been a subject of fascination and a testament to the power of the sea. Its gradual disintegration is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of even the largest man-made structures.
Exploring the Wreck Safely
For those confident swimmers with experience in open water, snorkeling can offer a unique perspective on the submerged sections. However, it's crucial to be aware of underwater currents that can be unpredictable. The deepest points are estimated to be no more than 5 meters. Always go with a buddy, and consider essential gear like a mask, fins, snorkel, a torch for visibility, and a diver's knife.
Boat tours departing from Costinești are a highly recommended alternative for a safer and more comprehensive viewing experience. These tours allow you to circumnavigate the wreck and appreciate its scale without the inherent risks of direct contact.
The Wreck as a Natural Habitat
Beneath the waterline, the wreck provides shelter for marine life. Visitors have reported seeing small shrimps in the engine room and various other sea creatures. During certain times, jellyfish are also abundant in the surrounding waters.
The presence of this wildlife adds another dimension to the shipwreck, transforming it from a mere ruin into a dynamic part of the marine ecosystem. It's a reminder that nature often reclaims and adapts to human structures in unexpected ways.
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