In the heart of the Balkans, Croatia offers one of the most beautiful coastal regions in Europe: from Istria in the north to Dalmatia in the south, here are the 10 reasons to dive along the 1777 km of coast in this easily accessible country.
– Crystal clear water: the Adriatic Sea is renowned for its excellent visibility, up to 50 meters in places, especially around the island of Vis, off Split in the south of the country.
– Coasts suitable for snorkeling: for snorkel (fins, mask, snorkel) lovers, Croatia offers numerous discovery possibilities thanks to its very colorful seabeds, whether around the island of Hvar or near the coasts along the city of Dubrovnik.
– A colorful and varied underwater life: in Croatian waters, you can find scorpionfish, lobsters, octopuses, seahorses, and various nudibranchs. The seabeds are lined with sponges and posidonia, and it’s not uncommon to find red coral – protected! – on certain drop-offs.
– Numerous wrecks: from north to south of the country, fans of encrusted hulls can explore near Rovinj the Baron Gautsch, nicknamed the Titanic of the Adriatic, very well preserved ; the Francesca da Rimini, an Italian warship to observe between 40 and 52 meters deep in the Kornati archipelago ; or the submarine U-81 in Dalmatian waters.
– Countless archaeological treasures: in Cavtat near Dubrovnik, a protected site holds more than a thousand amphoras submerged for nearly 2000 years. A little further north, off the island of Brač, divers can discover the remains of a Roman house and its mosaics dating from the 1ster century BC.
– A rich underwater relief: the seabeds offer varied reliefs composed of tunnels, canyons, caves, and drop-offs. Notable sites include Fraškeri and Reff Stoja near Pula (Istria), or the Blue Grotto or Modra špilja on the island of Biševo, a cave with turquoise water and impressive light effects.
– Exotic night dives: nothing beats discovering the colorful Adriatic Sea seabeds at night. You’ll encounter many reef fish, octopuses, groupers, and lobsters.
– Pristine nature and rich heritage: whether it’s the island of Vis with its unspoiled nature and secluded small beaches, the historic towns of Hvar or Trogir, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or the Kornati Islands with their lunar landscapes, saltwater lakes, and tiny ports, it is a delight to explore out of the water in Croatia!
– Multiple waterway excursions: explore the 1000 islands of the Kornati by sailboat or admire the mills of the Cetina River and the fortifications of Dubrovnik in a canoe. For a more traditional experience, embark on a ‘trupice’ – traditional wooden canoe – on the Neretva River.
– Delicious local specialties: between two dives, recharge with truffle pasta in Istria, a pašticada in Dalmatia (a beef stew often served with gnocchi) or a rožata, caramel dessert cream.
Practical: no time difference – currency: kuna (1 euro = 7.50 kn) – water 15°C on average in winter, 24°C in summer – best season: May to October – equipment: 5 to 7 mm wetsuit – all diving levels. www.croatia.hr.
Text: Margot Harty
Photos: Sandrine Leveugle-Souan