Marine Ecology
SSI Ecology Specialty programs provide students with the basic knowledge and skills needed to identify various species of marine organisms and explains their role in ocean ecosystems.
21
February
Explore Rovinj
Rovinj is a fishing village which lies in the Istrian Peninsula which lies on the west coast of Croatia which borders on the Adriatic Sea. On land this area is known for its strong character in the shape of cobbled streets and traditional style houses, while off the coast, lies the Rovinj archipelago. The numerous dive centres will send out their expert guides to show divers the best of the best that this region has to offer of which most are reached after a short boat ride. The marine flora and fauna in this region is still in pristine condition for divers to admire due to many spots being protected as a natural cultural heritage site. Aside from flourishing reefs, other highlights include some impressive reef walls, caves and a collection of thrilling shipwreck dives such as the well known Baron Gautsch wreck.
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in Rovinj
The main type of diving which attracts divers to Rovinj are the many wrecks which lay on the seabeds here. Due to the wrecks lying at average depths of around 30 metres, divers who are certified to dive to 30 metres or more would enjoy these wrecks dives the most. Other underwater features here include thriving reefs with a high abundance of colourful species such as Sea Sponges and Anemones. There are also numerous shallow caves, at Banjole Island, that are accessible even to novice divers for a beautiful cave diving experience. There are a variety of options here for divers of all levels, including those wanting to do dive courses.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Rovinj
If divers are hoping to dive into a colourful underwater world, then the reefs of Rovinj will not disappoint. The reefs here are made up of a collection of vibrantly coloured species such as Scarlet Anemones, Yellow Sulfur Sponge, Pale Blue Sponge, Red Spirastrella, Red Sea Stars and different species of hard and soft corals. Many of the reefs lie quite shallow and due to good average visibility, the sunlight makes the colours of the reefs even more vivid. Some of the other marine species which have made these waters their home include schools of Seaperches, Seabreams, Scorpion Fish, Cuttlefish, Conger Eels, different Crustaceans such as Crabs and Lobsters, Sea Hares and the majestic Seahorses. This is however only the tip of the iceberg for what these waters hold.
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: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
127 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
2
J
2
J
13
A
57
S
49
O
3
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: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
78 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
3
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
29
S
41
O
4
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: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab
959 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
8
M
60
J
157
J
236
A
301
S
182
O
14
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: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
946 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
7
M
21
J
151
J
256
A
288
S
183
O
37
N
2
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
687 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
19
M
28
J
70
J
84
A
262
S
184
O
38
N
1
D
0
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse
618 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
6
M
27
J
76
J
183
A
214
S
88
O
20
N
1
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
431 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
8
M
8
J
37
J
92
A
172
S
107
O
5
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: 190
Alamy-Water Frame
Conger Eel
400 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
11
M
4
J
40
J
78
A
135
S
113
O
18
N
1
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 120
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish
359 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
6
M
35
J
65
J
73
A
88
S
69
O
21
N
1
D
0
Alamy-WaterFrame
Spiny Seahorse
205 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
1
M
10
J
24
J
56
A
72
S
41
O
0
N
0
D
0
The best Months to Dive in Rovinj
Croatia has a Mediterranean climate which means hot summer and wet winters. The air temperatures range between a cool 8°C in the midst of winter and reaches up to 26°C in the summer. The peak diving season lies between May and September when the waters are the most calm, the most clear and the warmest, with the least amount of rain and the least amount of currents. The water temperature here ranges between 11°C and 25°C and the visibility is on average good throughout the year and ranges between 10 metres and 35 metres on the best days.
