The coast of Croatia plunges directly into the Adriatic Sea for several hundred kilometers, not to mention the country’s many islands.

Thus, these are superb landscapes to discover all along the coast of Croatia. Also, natural islands offer many scuba diving opportunities to explore!

The tourism industry is developing quietly in Croatia. Part of this development concerns tourism related to scuba diving. Indeed, the world of diving in Croatia will grow greatly with the discovery of new sites every year.

That said, there are plenty of beautiful dive sites in Croatia to discover right now!

Most Croatian islands in the Adriatic Sea are uninhabited, so unexplored and pristine! It is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to discover and even dive into pristine sites!

Besides, Croatia is among the cheapest travel destinations in Europe and certainly among the most beautiful!

This article is a detailed guide to scuba diving and snorkeling in Croatia.

Best Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Croatia

The best scuba diving sites in Croatia

Croatia has thousands of islands, hundreds of dive sites, and dozens of adventure liveaboards, with a few offering diving!

There is no shortage of choices, so you have to have an idea of where to go to dive in Croatia. So here is an abridged list of some of the most beautiful dive sites in Croatia not to be missed.

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto, located on the island of Bisevo, is often presented as an unforgettable and unmissable experience. It is possible to discover the cave from the surface, so aboard a small boat or underwater diving in Blue Grotto. In both cases, it is around noon that the sunlight enters the cave so that the water seems an intense aqua blue… a superb natural phenomenon to observe!

The Cathedral

The “Cathedral” is the nickname given to a chain of underwater cellars near the island of Premuda. It is possible to get there easily with a tour from Zadar.

The Vis Islands

The Vis Islands are the furthest from the coast and offer beautiful dive sites. The main island of this group, Vis, offers hundreds of caves and caverns to explore. Also, many wrecks dating from the First and Second World Wars are found on this archipelago.

For example, the wreck of the Teti is located on the archipelago of the Vis Islands and is considered an excellent first wreck dive.

Hvar

Hvar is a more “jet set” travel destination in Croatia, but it is also a beautiful scuba diving spot. There are seven islands located nearby, a maximum of 1 hour by boat trip, which offers several superb dive sites!

Reviews about scuba diving in Croatia

Croatia’s scuba diving industry is growing and offers several great options of experiences to discover the underwater world!

First, you can join a full-day diving expedition with a dive center. The latter will be located either on the islands directly or in the coastal cities of the mainland. Independent dive centers and others are affiliated with hotels and resorts.

Then there is also the option of cruises in Croatia. Most of these are “adventure cruises.” But a few can offer snorkeling or diving, depending on the itinerary.

Cruises in Croatia are superb to see more scenery and discover the country’s wild and natural side! But, then, there is something for every taste and budget!

Prices of dives in Croatia

Rates for diving in Croatia vary depending on the region but mostly on the dive type. Here is an overview of the average dive price for Croatia:

2 dives with equipment: +/- 100€

Price Course level 1 / Open Water: +/- 350€

Price Course Level 2 / Padi Open Water Advanced: +/- 320€

Price Course Level 3 / Rescue Diver: +/- 400€

Emergency First Response at +/- 150€

Divemaster: on request from the various dive centers but about 700/800 €

We advise you not to look only for the lowest rate but choose your dive center according to where you feel best. Sometimes it makes sense to pay a little more and be in better conditions!

Best time to dive in Croatia

The best season to dive in Croatia is between May and October. There are a few places where you can dive all year round. But as a rule, it is in spring and summer until the beginning of autumn that diving is optimal in Croatia.

The temperature averages 25°C/77°F during the summer season. In winter, it drops to around 17-19°C/63-66°F.

This varies along the coast, given that the country stretches for several hundred kilometers from north to south.

In fact, in the northernmost part of the country, the temperature can drop to as little as 7°C in winter… it is necessary to be well informed according to the trip you wish to make.

Diving courses

It is possible to follow different scuba diving courses in Croatia since practically all certificates are available, both PADI and SSI.

Furthermore, given the underwater terrain of the country, it can be very interesting to do a specialization such as that of a cavern diver (Cavern Diver) of PADI or wreck diving.

Thus, you will be able to make the most of the most beautiful scuba diving sites in Croatia.

Scuba diving conditions

Scuba diving conditions in Croatia are optimal during the summer season, mainly in June, July and August. Besides, few observable changes in tides and sea currents vary very minimally.

Places with strong sea currents are some known passages between the islands that divers do not frequent.

As for underwater visibility, it is generally very good in Croatia. We are talking about an average of 10 to 15 meters (30 to 50 feet), with many sites where visibility goes beyond 40 meters!

Snorkeling in Croatia

Snorkeling can be done from many beaches in Croatia. That said, it may be that the water is too cold to stay there for a long time. So it is recommended to bring a “dive skin” or other light combination. But, then, it goes without saying that snorkeling in Croatia is only practiced in summer.

Underwater fauna: Fish and Coral

Croatia’s clear waters are home to many marine species. These include Mediterranean monk seals, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, green, lute, and loggerhead turtles.

These species are rare and considered endangered. So it is important to be a responsible diver and dive with a center with strong environmental values.

Otherwise, you will find many species common to the Mediterranean and the Red Sea in the Adriatic Sea. This includes several whales, sharks, rays, and coral reef fish.

Diving Safety

If you are planning to go on a trip to Croatia, I advise you to invest in good travel insurance that also covers scuba diving. You never know what can happen, and good insurance can get you out of difficult situations.

Finally, Croatia is a travel destination coming back in force and a scuba diving destination in full enthusiasm.

The coast of the country offers a window on the splendid Adriatic Sea. Whether on the mainland or the islands, it is worth the detour!

We hope the content “Best Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Croatia” was helpful to you.