Istria County
Located at the threshold of the soaring Dinaric Alps, Kvarner Bay, also known as the Kvarner Gulf, is a bay in the northern Adriatic Sea, located between the Istrian Peninsula and the northern Dalmatian coast.
Explore North Croatia
Kvarner Bay, nestled between the Istrian Peninsula and the northern Croatian Littoral mainland, offers an unparalleled diving experience in the northern Adriatic Sea. Known for its breathtaking beauty, the bay is a diver's paradise, featuring dramatic rocky walls and crystalline turquoise waters that promise an unforgettable underwater adventure. The region is a top diving destination in Eastern Europe, thanks to its rich marine biodiversity and the opportunity to explore its underwater treasures all year round.
One of Kvarner's standout features is its remarkable wall dives. These underwater cliffs, adorned with vibrant gorgonians, create a spectacular backdrop for divers exploring the hidden depths of the Adriatic. The bay's craggy reefs teem with life, making it a haven for marine enthusiasts. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine species, from colorful fish to enigmatic sea turtles. The depth of the bay, reaching over 100 meters (328 feet), provides a thrilling exploration opportunity for those seeking new underwater challenges.
Kvarner's diverse dive environments cater to all preferences, offering shore dives for easy access, boat dives to explore remote sites, and liveaboard options for those wishing to immerse themselves fully in the region's aquatic wonders. Whether you're a novice or an experienced diver, the enchanting underwater world of Kvarner Bay promises an inspiring and memorable diving experience, making it a must-visit destination on the Adriatic coast.
Places to explore
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in North Croatia
Exploring the northern regions offers a plethora of thrilling diving experiences. The SS Thistlegorm wreck dive, regarded as one of the best in the world, presents a mesmerizing underwater museum with artifacts dating back to World War II. Nearby, the Blue Hole remains a favorite shore dive, renowned for its stunning corals and diverse marine life.
For those seeking unique experiences, night dives in the north unveil captivating nocturnal marine behavior, including bioluminescent displays. Dive travelers can enjoy the flexibility of both shore and liveaboard diving options, ensuring an adventure that suits every preference and skill level.
Top Wildlife Sightings in North Croatia
North Croatia, encompassing the northern Adriatic Sea, offers a unique marine habitat where divers can explore a variety of aquatic life. Common reef fish such as damselfish, wrasses, and gobies are prevalent, providing a colorful spectacle year-round. The complex underwater environments, including sea grass beds and rocky reefs, serve as home to diverse marine species. Seasonal highlights include the occasional sightings of loggerhead turtles and rays during the warmer months, such as July and August. While sharks are rare, small species like the smoothhound shark may be spotted, especially in deeper waters. Dive sites around the Kvarner Gulf and near the Istria Peninsula are particularly promising for encountering these remarkable creatures, offering divers a captivating glimpse into the Adriatic's biodiversity.
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
3.7k Sightings
J
5
F
11
M
4
A
44
M
169
J
385
J
962
A
1.2k
S
746
O
142
N
14
D
14
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
995 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
3
A
18
M
65
J
133
J
198
A
272
S
271
O
21
N
4
D
9
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
6.2k Sightings
J
4
F
5
M
15
A
85
M
377
J
821
J
1.4k
A
1.9k
S
1.3k
O
237
N
37
D
15
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
3.8k Sightings
J
4
F
7
M
7
A
27
M
292
J
526
J
1k
A
1.3k
S
587
O
48
N
6
D
6
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
3.7k Sightings
J
6
F
3
M
14
A
117
M
284
J
486
J
589
A
1k
S
883
O
213
N
22
D
11
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
2.8k Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
10
A
48
M
170
J
355
J
626
A
923
S
568
O
112
N
10
D
6
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse
1.6k Sightings
J
3
F
1
M
7
A
27
M
75
J
170
J
431
A
610
S
255
O
51
N
10
D
4
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
1.2k Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
5
A
11
M
36
J
114
J
251
A
393
S
341
O
25
N
2
D
10
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
1.1k Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
2
A
1
M
46
J
93
J
270
A
421
S
267
O
33
N
6
D
8
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 125
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Gurnards
1k Sightings
J
2
F
6
M
18
A
38
M
49
J
112
J
77
A
400
S
258
O
38
N
9
D
4
The best Months to dive in North Croatia
Diving in North Croatia offers a variety of conditions throughout the year. The region is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life. During the summer months, water temperatures range from 24°C–27°C/75°F–81°F, while visibility can reach up to 30 meters/98 feet. The warm conditions make this the most popular time for diving.
In the winter, water temperatures drop to 10°C–14°C/50°F–57°F, and visibility can decrease due to increased plankton. Diving is still possible, although less frequent due to colder conditions and occasional strong winds, particularly the Bura and Jugo. Overall, North Croatia offers year-round diving opportunities, with spring and autumn providing milder temperatures and good visibility, making them ideal times for experienced divers seeking quieter sites.
