The „country of a thousand island” has much to offer for divers, so join us diving into Croatia!
Croatia is famous for its crystal clear water, and its countless islands. So it’s only natural that besides other water sports like kayaking, rafting, windsurfing and jet skiing, all sort of diving is the organic part of Croatian Adria. Diving in Croatia is accessible in the whole Dalmatian region but not every spot is equal. There are certain cities and islands that offer more than what the regular „been-there, done-that” tourist would find. Let’s dig into my guidebook, and list the most noteworthy of them all!
There’s a wide array of possibilities for those who want to start diving in Croatia, most easily categorized from top to bottom, from North to South. Dalmatian coastline starts at the northernmost corner of the Adriatic sea and stretches over 1700 kilometres to the South. Such distance provides opportunities as much as difficulties. We’ll see them in a bit, but first, the climate:
The climate of Croatia ranges from moderate mediterranean to the mediterranean. Where on the Northern islands you still find refuge from the Sun in the form of trees, and forest. Descending toward the Equator your chances start to dwindle. The summer heat in the north means mid to high 30s °C and very likely 40°C the in the southern regions. The strongest possible sunscreen is a must between divings in Croatia! Otherwise booking your travel in September is a great protection against the UV radiation and herds of tourists. The temperature of the sea won’t give anyone a headache either as it is over 13 degree even in the winter, and 24 in the summer - with that one time in 2015 when it almost reached 30°C around the island Mljet. Rainfall is not of concern.
Now you must see that the best shelter is where the Sun don’t shine!
The first stop at the North should be the island of Lošnij or in Deutsch: Lötzing. On the island we find the village of Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj surrounded by green wooded landscape. But for the sake of diving in Croatia trees don’t offer many excitements do they? After all, it is the friendly bottlenose dolphin population that made the island famous! Many governmental and NGO project are concerned with their well-being, but these jolly creatures don't mind the respectful divers. This island is less crowded and somewhat cheaper than the ones we are about to see.
Heading south the aforementioned obstacles posed by geography manifests. Even though the country is considered small, it is not short. Travelling on the coastline can take up a whole day, and generally speaking getting around the country does take a lot of time. I recommends to go by car or rent one there.
The next spot you’ll reach for the full experience of diving on Croatian islands should be Hvar – tourist paradise, and party spot of the Adriatic Sea.
The island offers vivid nightlife with bars, restaurants, and clubs, filled with international youth. In the daytime, it is the sunniest part of all Croatia with beaches and boat trips, which are the perfect base for diving with the locals. On the island of Hvar, you’ll also find the UNESCO site of Stari Grad consisting of 24-century-old agriculture, and stone walls separate the fields build by the Ancient Greeks. In the deep blue water, you’ll find teeming sea life and well-organized diving adventures.
Any diving tour is incomplete without visiting the island of Biševo home of the Blue Cave, Modra Špilja. Diving in Croatia is a blast in itself but it takes just a glance to understand what can be missed through careless tourism. Depending on the season, but around 11 AM to 12 noon, the cave dresses in bright aquamarine colour and any object within it swims in a silver taint. Diving is a no-brainer here! The grotto itself is a natural wonder.
Whether you choose summer diving in Croatia or the traditional New Year’s swim I am sure you won’t be disappointed in what this unique country and friendly inhabitants have to offer.
Other noteworthy islands from the North to South are:
- Brijuni – the island is a focal point in the origin of Third World, which consequently gave Brijuni a Safari Park with zebras. This weird island is the home of Koki too, the parrot of Josip Broz ex-Yugoslav leader. Koki even speaks a bit!
- Brač – With the largest beach in Croatia that spikes into the sea with its snow-white long tale, which assumes a new shape every day.
- Vis – the furthest island from the mainland, famous partially for its wine and cuisine.
- Korčula - home to numerous camping site.
- Mljet - the eighth largest island of Adriatic, and home if a huge national park.