Explore Hvar
Hvar is a resort island located off of the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, and it lies in the Adriatic Sea. Some of the highlights above water include historical architecture, beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters. Once divers submerge themselves in the water they will have an exciting selection of underwater experiences. There are a handful of dive centres and dive resorts located in towns such as Jelsa, Stari Grad and Vrboska. The diving professionals here will help instruct those wanting to take dive courses, or guide the qualified divers to the many dive sites of the region. Hvar is part of an archipelago and many of the other islands of this archipelago are visited during dive trips. Some of the underwater experiences here include tunnels, steep walls, canyons, sea caves, shipwrecks, chimneys, and the chance to spot some spectacular including large Gorgonians, an abundance of corals and sponges, and a large array of marine fauna.
Dive Activity
Diving in Hvar
The diving that can be done around Hvar, and the other islands of this archipelago, caters to many interests, mostly reached by boat and a few from shore. For the novice divers, there are numerous protected, shallow and calm dive sites for an array of dive courses. For those who enjoy visiting the natural underwater playground in the form of canyons, tunnels, swim throughs, chimneys, sea caves and steep walls will find many opportunities here. For those who enjoy wrecks, there are also some opportunities here. For underwater photographers, or those who love spotting tiny creatures or large schools of fish surrounding the reefs are also not going to be disappointed here. Many of the dive sites here are also deep enough for technical divers to have a chance to reach deeper depths.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Hvar
There is a plethora of marine life to be spotted in this region, and due to the clear waters, the colours are incredibly vibrant. The reefs are densely packed here with a multitude of species including Red Gorgonians, Red Algae, Sea Fans, Yellow Sponges, Orange Sponges, Anemones, and many more species of corals and sponges. Some of the many species which inhabit these reefs include John Dory, Conger Eel, Scorpion Fish, Moray Eel, Lobsters and other Crustaceans, Dogfish, Sea Bream, Jacks, Octopus, some resident Seahorses, colourful Nudibranchs, bright yellow umbrella slugs, Horned Blennies and more. The reefs are sprinkled with schools of Black Damselfish, Bream, Rainbow Wrasse and Sardines. Underwater photographers should always have their cameras ready.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
161 Sightings
J
0
F
0
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2
M
4
J
27
J
45
A
52
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24
O
7
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0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
124 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
2
M
2
J
17
J
39
A
25
S
24
O
15
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
72 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
M
4
J
17
J
27
A
13
S
3
O
8
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0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 60
iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster
34 Sightings
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0
F
0
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0
A
2
M
2
J
0
J
20
A
1
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5
O
4
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0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 55
k
Lobster
25 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
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2
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13
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8
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2
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0
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0
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0
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
24 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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1
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0
J
11
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0
A
4
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3
O
5
N
0
D
0
The best Months to Dive in Hvar
Luckily for divers, diving in Croatia and in the Adriatic Sea is possible year round. In the summer months between June and September, the water temperatures here are the warmest. During these months, the waters are also the calmest. In the winter, the water temperatures range between 15°C and 19°C, while in the summer they go up to 25°C. The visibility is usually very good here, it ranges between 10 and 30 metres, with 20 metres being an average. The species which inhabit these waters are there throughout the year, so are not seasonal.
