Croatia not only impresses with its picturesque coastline, but also with a fascinating underwater world. Along the more than 1,000 islands of the Adriatic coast, divers can discover colorful sea creatures, mysterious caves, and impressive wrecks from times gone by, provided they observe a few rules and are in possession of the relevant certification and a special permit.
The clear, warm waters make the country a true paradise for both beginners and experienced underwater adventurers. Those who dive into the depths of the Adriatic Sea will not only experience the untouched beauty of nature, but also exciting pieces of history.
The island of Vis attracts not only sports skippers who appreciate the quiet bays and crystal-clear water, but also divers who want to explore the diverse underwater world. Caves, shipwrecks, and a rich marine fauna make the region one of the most exciting diving areas in the Adriatic.
A particularly rare find is the German Junkers Ju 87 “Stuka” dive bomber, which was discovered on the seabed in 2014. The well-preserved wreck offers a fascinating insight into the air war history of the Second World War and has captivated divers and military historians alike ever since.
In addition to an aircraft wreck, there are also some spectacular shipwrecks waiting to be explored around Vis
In addition to this aircraft wreck, there are also some spectacular shipwrecks waiting to be explored around Vis. One of these is the “Teti,” an Italian merchant ship that was wrecked in 1930 in heavy seas on the cliffs of the rocky island of Mali Barjak in heavy seas in 1930.
The 70-meter-long wreck now lies at a depth of 8 to 34 meters and is easily accessible. Numerous sea creatures have transformed the sunken ship into a colorful underwater biotope: sponges, soft corals, and schools of small fish give the scene a fairytale atmosphere.
Another highlight is the “Baron Gautsch,” often referred to as the “Titanic of the Adriatic.” The Austro-Hungarian passenger steamer sank in 1914 after hitting a minefield laid by its own navy. The ship disappeared into the waves in a matter of minutes, and around 150 people lost their lives. Today, the wreck lies at a depth of about 40 meters and is one of the most famous diving spots in the region. It not only represents a tragic chapter in European history, but also the quiet beauty of sunken worlds.
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Access to the “Blue Grotto” near the island of Biševo is only possible through a narrow opening
Hidden among the rugged cliffs of the island of Biševo lies a natural wonder that has always captivated visitors: the so-called “Blue Cave” (Modra Špilja). Its interior glows in an intense turquoise color created by the sunlight reflecting off the water’s surface.
The cave can only be accessed through a narrow opening – by swimming, by boat, or underwater for experienced divers. When the Jugo wind stirs up the sea, the entrance to adventure becomes: the cave is transformed into a sound chamber where the wind, waves, and rocks play an impressive natural concert.
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On the island of Cres, near the mountain village of Lubenice, there is also a mysterious cave that can only be reached via a narrow underwater passage or by kayak. Alternatively, you can reach it by diving about 15 meters at a depth of about 4.5 meters—a short but impressive journey into another world.
Once you pass through the hidden entrance, you emerge into a spacious, quiet cave with an almost sacred atmosphere. Fine rays of light penetrate through small cracks in the rock and paint dancing blue-green patterns on the water’s surface – a lively play of light and movement.
The cave impresses with a natural dome that has been shaped by the sea over thousands of years. Its walls glow in shimmering contours that bathe the place in a mysterious, almost unreal light.
Anyone wishing to go diving on a cruise in Croatia must be in possession of a valid diving certificate (brevet), e.g. Padi’s OWD or AOWD; other diving certificates, such as those issued by CMAS, SSI, NAUI or IANTD, are also accepted.
Please note that individual, unguided diving requires a permit from the port authority, which is subject to a fee and currently costs €318.53 (valid for one person for 365 days). This permit is only valid for recreational divers, not for professional divers or scientific diving.
With regard to diving safety equipment, an appropriate buoy with a diving flag is mandatory. In Europe and Croatia, the blue “A” flag (Alfa flag) is mandatory for boats engaged in diving. Many diving buoys also display the red US diving flag for better visibility. The flag should be at least 30 × 40 cm in size and clearly visible above the water. A surface observer is recommended or mandatory for solo dives.
Please note: Diving in national parks is generally not permitted; exceptions may apply.
It is also important to note that recreational diving is prohibited in national parks such as the Kornati Islands, Mljet, Brijuni, and Krka; Diving is only permitted here with a special permit and when accompanied by a licensed diving center. Also off limits are: ports and industrial facilities, military zones, shipwrecks without permission, archaeological sites (strictly prohibited!) and underwater caves without special permission.
The advantage of guided dives (with a guide from a registered diving center) is that no separate application to the port authority is necessary—this is organized by the provider. Guided dives are mandatory when diving in national parks (see above), for inexperienced divers with only a few certified dives, and for dives below 18 m depth without a deeper certification.
It is recommended that you take out special diving insurance
Although there is no legal requirement for divers to take out insurance in Croatia, it is strongly recommended that you do so (e.g., DAN Europe); diving centers usually have their own liability insurance.
In addition to the special diving tips mentioned above, the following are considered good diving regions in Croatia: Istria (e.g., the Baron Gautsch wreck, see photo), Kvarner Bay (especially the island of Krk), Dalmatia (e.g., Vis – with wrecks and caves), Lastovo, and Korčula, which are known for their crystal-clear water and more challenging dives.
