Explore Middle Croatia

Diving in the northern Dalmatian coast of Croatia offers an unforgettable experience, blending breathtaking natural beauty with rich historical allure. This region, part of the legendary Dalmacija, stretches from the island of Rab to the Ražanj peninsula. The area is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, featuring the majestic Dinaric mountain range and cobalt blue waters. Divers can explore over 10 islands, including the stunning Kornati National Park, accessible only through authorized dive centers.

The underwater landscapes here are nothing short of extraordinary, with hidden caves, caverns, sheer vertical walls, and massive rocks. Visibility is often better than in the northern regions, providing a clear view of the vibrant marine life that adorns the walls, from colorful sponges to striking red and yellow corals. The diverse dive environments range from shore dives to boat and liveaboard options, catering to every diving style.

What sets northern Dalmatia apart is its more relaxed, historical charm compared to the bustling southern regions. The presence of Italianesque cities, unspoiled islands, and alluring national parks makes it a well-rounded dive destination. Whether you’re exploring the underwater forests or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the coastline, northern Dalmatia promises a diving adventure that is both captivating and unique.

Courses and Events

Advanced Open Water Diver

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You will try Deep Diving and Navigation plus a variety of 3 more specialty areas of choice before committing to full specialty training. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. By taking this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

30 March +126 More
EUR 480.00

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

01 June +134 More
EUR 480.00

Stress & Rescue

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You will learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and be taught practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you will become well prepared and confident at handling emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.

01 June +128 More
EUR 440.00

Divemaster

The Divemaster program is the first step on an exciting journey. Earn the respect of your dive buddies and become an ambassador for diving by taking the Divemaster program. All you need to get started are 40 verified/logged dives and certifications in Deep Diving, Navigation, Night & Limited Visibility or at least 5 logged/verified dives experience in each area plus Diver Stress & Rescue. You will be certified as a Dive Guide after successfully completing the Divemaster program. When your interest is to turn your passion into a profession by guiding certified divers, teaching Ecology programs, assisting instructors or even becoming an instructor yourself, your next step is the Divemaster Upgrade with a minimum of 60 logged/verified. Upgrade to Divemaster right away or any time after by self-studying the Science of Diving materials, passing the Digital Final Exam which makes you an SSI Professional.

01 June +117 More
EUR 900.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Middle Croatia

Middle Croatia offers a captivating underwater world filled with diverse diving experiences. Notable wreck dives include the "Baron Gautsch," a sunken passenger ship teeming with marine life, and the "Hans Schmidt," an exciting site for experienced divers to explore historical remains. Popular shore dives can be found around the islands of Vis and Hvar, where crystal-clear waters reveal colorful reefs and vibrant marine ecosystems.

Dive enthusiasts can enjoy unique underwater experiences, such as night dives where bioluminescent creatures illuminate the ocean depths. The region is known for its balance between shore and liveaboard diving, providing flexibility for all adventurers. Whether you're seeking thrilling wrecks or serene coastal dives, Middle Croatia promises unforgettable underwater adventures.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Middle Croatia

Diving in the freshwater bodies of the Middle region offers a diverse array of wildlife encounters. Typical fish species include bass, perch, and bluegill, which are commonly seen throughout the year. Special sightings, such as catfish and sturgeon, can provide exciting highlights, especially during their seasonal spawning periods in spring and early summer. These species are often found in deeper waters, making them a thrilling find for divers. Visibility in these freshwater settings varies with depth and time of year. During the warmer months, algae blooms may reduce visibility, while colder seasons tend to offer clearer conditions. Dive depths around 10 to 30 meters/33 to 98 feet are ideal for spotting a variety of species. Planning dives during early morning or late afternoon can increase the likelihood of encountering more active fish, as they tend to be less disturbed by human activity during these times.

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

Octopus
716 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
10
M
21
J
95
J
156
A
251
S
135
O
41
N
2
D
4

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
350 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
2
A
5
M
14
J
53
J
60
A
119
S
58
O
26
N
6
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
49 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
9
M
3
J
1
J
15
A
9
S
5
O
4
N
0
D
1

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
411 Sightings
J
3
F
1
M
0
A
20
M
19
J
66
J
73
A
97
S
99
O
28
N
3
D
2

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
167 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
1
A
2
M
11
J
33
J
35
A
37
S
39
O
7
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 190

Alamy-Water Frame

Conger Eel
139 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
1
A
9
M
2
J
29
J
23
A
43
S
26
O
2
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
103 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
5
J
6
J
12
A
42
S
25
O
9
N
2
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Crab
72 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
1
A
1
M
2
J
13
J
17
A
21
S
10
O
3
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
71 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
3
J
7
J
18
A
25
S
15
O
2
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: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
61 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
8
M
2
J
5
J
17
A
16
S
9
O
2
N
0
D
1

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
55 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
9
M
8
J
4
J
6
A
15
S
6
O
5
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 55

k

Lobster
44 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
6
J
9
J
4
A
12
S
6
O
0
N
3
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
36 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
9
J
3
J
2
A
3
S
10
O
4
N
1
D
1

The best Months to dive in Middle Croatia

Middle Croatia offers favorable diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 13°C/55°F in winter to 25°C/77°F in summer. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 20 meters/66 feet, especially in summer when the water is calmer. Weather factors affecting diving include the bura and jugo winds. Bura, a cold, dry wind, can affect conditions in winter, while jugo, a warm, humid wind, may bring choppy waters in spring and autumn. While diving is possible all year, the best conditions are typically from May to September. Winter months can be challenging due to cooler temperatures and increased wind activity.

Dive Centers

Diving Center Pongo

Raduca 1, 22202 Primosten, HRV

Tramonto

Stjepana Radica 13, 22240 Tisno, HRV

Albamaris

Ivane Brlic Mazuranic 4, 23210 Biograd na Moru, HRV

Kornati Diving Center

Zaglav 15, 23281 Sali - Dugi Otok, HRV

Deep Blue Diving

Miline 120, 22203 Rogoznica, HRV

ZADAR SUB

Dubrovacka 38, 23000 ZADAR, HRV

R.K. Murter Kornati

Jurja Dalmatinca 17, 22243 Murter, HRV

Dive Sites

Diving Center Pongo, 22202 Primosten

Fallen Lighthouse (★4.7)

This is one of most fun dives you can have. Not deep, but so much to see. There is fallen lighthouse when the cave collapsed and it looks like an atomic bomb crater. On around 13 to 18 m there is a coral reef which formed on top of pottery and broken amforas 2000 years old. Best place for all levels of dives.
Diving Center Pongo, 22202 Primosten

Amfiteatre dive (★4.6)

Amfiteatre dive is a drop-off dive of best sort. It can be a dive for highly advanced divers and beginners as well, just depends on depth you go over the wall. Ine part of the wall is in overhang and looks like amfiteatre.
Diving Center Pongo, 22202 Primosten

Alains Cliff (★4.6)

This is one of best Drop-off dives in Adriatic. On top there is a plato 3 to 8 m and than it drops down to 90m. There is a canyon full of red Gorgonia coral and schools of fish. It is best for AOWD but can be done by OWD in perfect conditions. Pongo Divers take you on specific dive over the cliff and to shallow.
Deep Blue Diving, 22203 Rogoznica

Sweet Wreck (★4.3)

Sweet Wreck got its name from the cargo it was transporting: chocolate and biscuits. It is a Romanian ship sunk by big airplane bomb. It is in three main pieces and is perfect for one dive.
NAJADA diving d.o.o., 22243 Murter

Francesca di Rimini (Wreck) (★4.8)

Francesca di Rimini was an ammunition/cargo ship that sunk during the 2nd World War. The wreck is overgrown with sponges and soft corals. The ship is under protection and Najada diving has the license to dive this wreck.
Andreas Kron d.o.o., 51280 RAB

Lun, Pag (★4.3)

Lun is a dive site at the beginning of Pag Island. This dive site has a fantastic colorful wall covered in gorgonians. Reach the site in 20 minute via speedboat.
Diving Center Pongo, 22202 Primosten

SS Zagreb Wreck (★4.0)

This location is only for advanced trimix divers due to the depth at which the wreck is located. The shallowest part is at approximately 64m and the deepest 70m.
Diving Center Pongo, 22202 Primosten

Coal wreck (★4.7)

Diving site suitable for beginners and advanced . The dive is on a plateau at a depth of 13 meters from where it starts and the level slowly drops to about 27 meters.
NAJADA diving d.o.o., 22243 Murter

Plic Grmeni (★4.7)

The drop-off is in 24m at an eastward direction. Dive down the slightly overhanging wall. At 42m you see the remains of an approximately 35m long ship. All wooden parts are rotten, but many metal parts are lying around. Left and right of the wreck are impressive gorgonian hills & fields.
Diving Center Pongo, 22202 Primosten

Fishermarman's friend wreck (★4.5)

This is a dive which puts a smile on your face. To and From Wreck you go over big clusters of rocks where you can find lot of sea life. On wreck itself there is always schools of fish and it looks real cool. Lots of nudibranch as well!
NAJADA diving d.o.o., 22243 Murter

Stuka (Wreck) (★4.8)

The Junkers Ju 87 or Stuka (from Sturzkampfflugzeug, “dive bomber“) was a two-man (pilot and rear gunner) German dive bomber and ground-attack aircraft. The plane is almost undamaged and lies upright at 25-27m.
NAJADA diving d.o.o., 22243 Murter

Ljuta (★4.3)

Approach from the west until you see the drop off on the boat’s sonar. The north side of the wall has amphora and parts of old tubes. The wall is covered with yellow gorgonians. A perfect 2nd dive after diving Stuka.
NAJADA diving d.o.o., 22243 Murter

Bacvica (★4.4)

Behind the island of Samograd you will find a small rock protruding just above the water level. A wall running from NW to SE offers you an underwater landscape with two amazing gorgonian walls.
NAJADA diving d.o.o., 22243 Murter

Kablinac (★4.4)

This dive starts south of a small rock next to Kablinac. After some fin-strokes above sea grass you reach a sandy plateau. The wall starts next to it in approximately 20-25 m of water. The wall goes around the island from SW to SE. Follow it with your right shoulder and you will find yellow gorgonians, to your left you will find red ones.
NAJADA diving d.o.o., 22243 Murter

Kaprije (★4.4)

Approaching Kaprije Island the same direction you would to Francesca, on the west side you will see a small cape marking the anchor area for this dive site. Under a small platform at a moderate depth you will find soft corals and colorful sponges, ideal for beginners and for a great second dive.