Underwater Adventure

Underwater Adventure: Diving and Underwater Archaeology in Central Dalmatia

Central Dalmatia is a true underwater paradise, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical treasures, and rich marine life beneath its crystal-clear waters. From dramatic shipwrecks and ancient underwater archaeological sites to vibrant coral reefs and underwater caves, this region provides a wealth of opportunities for divers to explore. Whether you’re a beginner eager to take your first dive or an experienced diver seeking to discover some of the most captivating wrecks and submerged relics in the Mediterranean, Central Dalmatia offers something for every underwater enthusiast.

With its idyllic location along the Adriatic coast, Central Dalmatia is home to a variety of dive sites that feature an incredible range of underwater landscapes. The warm, inviting waters here are renowned for their visibility, making it possible to fully appreciate the marine biodiversity and historical artifacts that lie beneath the surface. While diving in the area, you can discover everything from submerged Roman amphorae to WWII-era shipwrecks, all of which add an extra layer of fascination to this already beautiful part of the world.

For those with a sense of adventure, the underwater experiences in Central Dalmatia are second to none, offering a combination of natural wonders, thrilling historical exploration, and a chance to connect with one of the richest underwater ecosystems in Europe. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely dive among colorful fish and sea plants or embark on an exciting exploration of ancient sites and wrecks, Central Dalmatia’s underwater world is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Top Underwater Locations in Central Dalmatia

1. “Brioni” Shipwreck – Brač
The “Brioni” shipwreck, located near the island of Brač, is a favorite among experienced divers. This 60-meter ship, sunk in the 1930s, lies at a depth of 45 meters and is now covered with marine vegetation, home to many species of fish, octopuses, and other sea creatures. Exploring “Brioni” provides divers with a unique glimpse into the maritime heritage of this region.

2. Teti Wreck – Jelinak Bay near Trogir
The sunken cargo ship “Teti” rests at a depth of 32 meters in Jelinak Bay near Trogir, making it a prime spot for wreck enthusiasts. Besides the impressive structure of the ship, the site is rich in marine life, from colorful fish to corals, making it ideal for underwater photography. “Teti” is especially suited for experienced divers seeking a fascinating underwater experience.

3. Cape Ploča – Hvar
Located on the southern side of Hvar, Cape Ploča offers diverse diving conditions, including underwater rock formations, sea caves, and vibrant marine life. Depths range from 10 to 40 meters, and with excellent visibility, this spot is perfect for divers of all skill levels and a favorite for underwater photographers.

4. B-17 Bomber Wreck – Vis Island
One of the most iconic wrecks in Central Dalmatia is the American B-17 bomber, which sank near Vis during World War II. Found at a depth of 72 meters, this almost entirely intact bomber offers an unforgettable historical experience. Ideal for experienced divers, this wreck combines a piece of history with a dramatic underwater setting.

5. “Vassilios T” Greek Cargo Shipwreck – Vis Island
The “Vassilios T” cargo ship sank in 1939 and is located near the island of Vis at a depth of 20 to 55 meters. Covered in marine vegetation and inhabited by diverse marine species, it provides an impression of a moment frozen in time, attracting divers of all experience levels.

6. “Ursus” Steamship Wreck – Vis Island
The steamship “Ursus,” which sank during World War II, is located at a depth of 40 meters. Known for its large funnel and preserved metal structures, it is now covered with marine flora and fauna, making it a favorite for underwater photographers and wreck explorers. Suitable for both recreational and advanced divers, this location offers numerous exploration opportunities.

7. Rogačić Bay Archaeological Site – Vis Island
Rogačić Bay near Vis is home to archaeological findings from ancient civilizations, including well-preserved amphorae and other ceramic artifacts. Located at a depth of 5 to 25 meters, this spot is accessible to divers of all levels and offers insight into the everyday life of ancient societies.

Diving Schools and Tours

For beginners or those seeking organized tours, Central Dalmatia offers various diving schools and professional guides. Here are some recommendations:

Open Sea Diving Center (Stobreč): Offers a wide range of courses for all levels. opensea.hr
Trogir Diving Center (Okrug Gornji, near Trogir): Great excursions to locations like “Teti.” trogirdivingcenter.com
Bikini Dive (Brela): Known for its top-notch equipment and skilled staff. bikinidive.com
Diving Center Venus (Kaštel Stari): Offers diverse programs and tours. scubadiving-split.com
Blue Nautica (Trogir): This school provides courses and tours to “Teti” and an underwater archaeological park. blue-nautica.com
Viking Diving (Hvar): Offers tours to Cape Ploča and the Pakleni Islands, ideal for underwater photographers. viking-diving.com
Issa Diving Center – Vis – Specijalizirani za istraživanje olupin brodova i arheoloških nalazišta u blizini Visa, ovo je odlična opcija za napredne ronioce koji žele istraživati složenije lokacije. https://scubadiving.hr/hr/

Practical Tips for Diving in Central Dalmatia

Diving season: The best time for diving in Central Dalmatia is from May to October, when sea conditions are ideal, and visibility is excellent.

Equipment: Most centers provide full equipment rental, but bringing basic items like a mask, fins, and suit is recommended.

Safety: Diving in Central Dalmatia is generally safe, but it’s always advisable to follow the guide’s instructions, especially at deep or complex locations like caves and wrecks.

Respect the environment: When exploring underwater, it’s important to respect the ecosystem by not touching marine life and avoiding damage to coral or other natural structures.

Discover the heritage

The sea and seafaring are woven into the soul of Dalmatia, and nautical history begins more than 2,000 years ago in Central Dalmatia. Throughout the Split-Dalmatia County, there are hidden underwater treasures that reveal the rich and diverse history of this climate, which has left its mark on the culture of Dalmatia in numerous spheres. Explore more in the Split-Dalmatia Underwater Heritage brochure