Scuba Diving

Diving in Croatia as an adventure vacation has exploded in popularity the last 10 years even though diving clubs and courses have been on the Croatian coast since the 1950s. You'll now find diving clubs and centres on nearly every Croatian island as well as dozens of coastal towns.

Where to Dive

Croatia's underwater treasures include wrecks, coral reefs, caves and endless schools of fish. The best diving in Croatia tends to be in comparatively deep water; beginning divers need to choose carefully! The sea is shallowest around the Istrian coast (at around 50m) but becomes progressively deeper the further south you go. The deepest point is around Jabuka island (70km northwest of Vis Island) where the water is as deep as 1300m.

Dive operators and dive packages in Croatia

Some specialize in the Kornati Islands, others are based in Istria or Brac Island. Find out more about dive packages in Croatia.

General Information on Diving in Croatia

Permits

     First of all you need a Croatian diving permit in order to dive legally in Croatia. It costs 100HRK and can be obtained from dive centres and dive clubs on presentation of your passport and diving certification card. It's valid for a year.

     Even with a general permit, you need a special permit to dive in the Kornati Islands National Park , Mljet National Park and a number of other locations. The cost (100HRK) and paperwork of the permit is handled by the dive club organising the dive.

Water, Weather & Waves

The diving season runs from May through November. Don't hesitate to dive in September and October; the water is still warm and the crowds are much less. The rough, cold waters in the winter months make diving unpleasant. See more about the best seasons to visit Croatia.

Summer water temperatures range from 22°C to 25°C at the surface but drop to 19°C below 12m. Most people are more comfortable in a wet suit even in summer. Winter water is a chilly 11°C at the surface.

Although there is little surge and minimal tides in Croatian waters, wave height runs from 0.5m to 1.5m but can be as high as 5m. Currents are weak in most places but watch out for the channels and passages between islands.

Further Information

     For a list of diving locations see ProDiving; the Croatian Diving Federation has the latest info on permits.

And don't forget to check your medical insurance coverage before you go.

Related Pages

Scuba Diving Packages, Resorts & Diving Centers

Best Diving Sites in Croatia

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