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

Istria County

80 Divesites 19 Centers

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 Is

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Kron Diving

Dry Suit Diving

18 Nov 2025

Drysuit diving opens up a world of opportunities, including diving remote Arctic destinations and exploring cold-water dive sites teeming with life. Dry suit diving also keeps you warm on multi-dive days when you do not want to spend your time getting in and out of a cold wetsuit. The SSI Dry Suit Diving specialty program is the best way to become a dry suit diver and teaches you all the knowledge and techniques you need to dive safely and comfortably in a dry suit. You will learn how to use specialized equipment, like dry suits and BCs, the benefits of dry suits and how to deal with dry suit emergencies – which are unique to this type of diving. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Dry Suit Diving specialty certification.

Professional Level Programs / Courses

Morski Puz Diving Rovinj

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

25 Nov 2025

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to: • Conduct academic sessions • Lead confined water training • Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more • Develop student management and communication skills Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more. Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★★ Lina (Wreck)

The LINA is an iron ship built in England in 1879. It became Italian property in 1901 and worked as a freight forwarder in the Mediterranean. On December 14, 1914, it collided with the shores of Cres, where it sank very quickly.

2,090
Logs
1,253
Divers
38.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Toni House Reef

A beautiful coastal dive site located at the mouth of Torkul Bay. It is named after a famous local fisherman who also worships diving. The interesting thing about the bay is that there are several smaller and larger wrecks at this dive site, so this little hidden bay hides interesting things for everyone.

3,450
Logs
357
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Peltastis (Wreck)

The Peltastis wreck is located between Šilo and the bay of Klimno, a hundred meters from the northeastern coast of the island, at depths of 12 to 32 meters.

3,052
Logs
1,689
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Vis, Wreck

Built in 1956 in the Pula-based shipyard of Uljanik as part of Tito’s fleet, it was designed to function as a command ship of the Yugoslav Navy. The hull is made of steel, whilst the decks are of aluminium. It is the first deliberately sunk ship in Croatia with the max depth of 34m.

769
Logs
488
Divers
31.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Kalifront

Kalifront is a wall dive at the end of the bay. This dive site is well protected from the South wind. Anchor on the plateau at 5m deep. The depth is between 5 m to 35-40 m.

784
Logs
369
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Kamenjak

This reef breaks the waters surface forming a small rocky, jagged islet. The underwater landscape is as rugged as the surface. Beginners can dive on the reef around the islet keeping to the shallower depths, while more advanced divers can do a deeper dive to some fascinating large yellow and red gorgonian corals.

508
Logs
342
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Baron Gautsch (Wreck)

Touring the Baron Gautsch is best started at the stern, across the upper deck towards the bow. After viewing the outside of the ship, you will get a very pleasant feeling of staying in the wreck, while going to the upper deck where the steel skeleton is left.

2,486
Logs
1,297
Divers
34.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Luana

This is a merchant ship, which was sunk in 1943, because of coming over a mine. The bow is just a few meters separated from the rest part of the ship. Max. depth is 48m. Suitable for technical diving.

140
Logs
104
Divers
38.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Velo Kolo

This dive site is at the end of Sorinj, 5 min away from our dive centre. It is situated inside of a bay, and it is the best place when the wind "Bura" blows, because it is very protected.

791
Logs
386
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Cavern Bay

Located on the northern side of Krk island, under the steep cliff faces, this site has a nice deep wall drop off with lots of life. The dive ends with a swim through tunnel.

104
Logs
85
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Čuf

One nautical mile south of Njivice we anchor at the peninsula Čuf. Our anchor drops to seven meters where we start our dive. From there advanced divers can explore the bottom of a stone wall full of life up to 32m. Beginners can enjoy the view from 18m until both groups meet at a pipeline where we return.

206
Logs
104
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Uvala Slana

The house reef at Mihuric offers a variety of life and geological formations in different levels up to 35m. Several boats, a statue, and a buoyancy control park offer perfect conditions for familiarization dives and all kinds of training.

6,104
Logs
755
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Vale Inglese, Koludarac

Very well protected area for sailors and boat owners….even from the ancient time. Still today on the sandy bottom divers can find fragments of ancient pottery.

252
Logs
154
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Kap Kamenjak - caves

KOLUMBARICE OR KAP KAMENJAK CAVES ARE SITUATED IN PARK OF NATURE KAMENJAK. CAVES ON THE DEPTH: 3 – 8m; MAX DEPTH: 18m; TRANSFER FROM ORCA DIVING CENTER IS NEAR 45min.

772
Logs
418
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Maman

Maman is situated in the bay of “Maman” very close to Supertarska Draga bay. You can reach Maman in 5 minute with a speedboat. Maman has two tongues of rock that run parallel to each other underwater.

1,342
Logs
513
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

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.

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.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Scuba Center Sv. Marina

Sv.Marina bb, 52220 Labin, HRV

DIVER KRK

Brace Juras 9, 51500 KRK, HRV

Morski Puz Diving Rovinj

Camping & Mobilhome “Veštar“, 52210 Rovinj, HRV

Dive Loft Krk

Namori 4, 51516 Vrbnik, HRV

Caretta diving center

BI VILLAGE camping, Dragonja 115, 52212 Fazana, HRV

Orca Diving Centre

Verudela 17, 52100 Pula, HRV

Mirko Diving Center

Barbat 710, 51280 Rab, HRV

Marine Sport Dive Center

Aleja Slatina 2, 51417 Moscenicka Draga, HRV

Ceti Sub

Prilaz Barake 6, 52100 Pula, HRV

Kron Diving

Kampor 413a, 51280 RAB, HRV

Hippocampus Diving Center

Stoja 37, 52100 Pula, HRV

Murena Dive Center

Jeremiasova 2581/2, 15500 Praha5, CZE

Buborek DC

Sv. Marki ulica 128, 51500 Linardici, HRV

SUBSEASON Diving Mali Lošinj

Del Conte 1, 51550 Mali Lošinj, HRV

Diving Rovinj

Lukovica 60, 52341 ŽMINJ, HRV

Sea Mates XR Diving Cres

Cons 7, 51557 Cres, HRV

SSI EMEA - Adriatic

Milovana Muzevica 39, 51265 Dramalj, HRV

Diving Pula

Valsabionska ulica bb, 52100 Pula, HRV

DPA RABAC

Rudarska 3, 52220 Labin, HRV

Pelagos diving center

Stube put Kijca 6, 51512 Njivice, HRV