Croatia is known for its clear turquoise waters of the Plitvice lakes or the Adriatic Sea, which many people enjoy swimming in. Scuba diving in Split is a wonderful way to explore the amazing underwater world that hosts many species of plants and marine life.
Whether a person is a beginner or a certified scuba diver, there is something for everyone. Beginners can get training from professionals offered by different tour companies. The itinerary for the day is provided beforehand with the departure time and the duration of the day’s activities. It also includes a departure location, which also serves as the drop-off point at the end of the day.
There are amazing scuba diving spots in Split, but one can take either the bus, ferry, boat, or train to many other diving destinations around Split.
Interesting Places to Visit for Scuba Diving
- Kluda
- Island Čiovo – two popular diving locations on the island are Red Rocks and Wreck Pajo
- Island Šolta – Wreck Ribolovac
- Island Hvar
- The Dragon’s Eye cave on Island Brač
- Kraljevac – Wreck Dube
The PADI Open Water Diving Course for Beginners
Although most tour companies offer training for beginners when one books a tour with them, it is recommended that an individual interested in this activity undertake this 3-4-day course. The course not only teaches one the basics of scuba diving, he or she also receives certification that is recognised worldwide.
The pricing of the course ranges from county to country, but if a person is interested in getting it in Split, it ranges from $350 to $500. The instructors are certified professionals that teach with complete diving equipment. Therefore, one gets the best training available. It is important to remember that even with a diving license, one still needs to practice or take a refresher course occasionally.
What to Bring on a Scuba Trip to Split
- Towel
- Swimming costume or scuba diving clothes
- Sunscreen
- Plenty of water
- Food or snacks, which are not to be consumed before scuba diving
What to Expect to Be Provided on a Split Tour
- A ride to the scuba diving destination, either a boat or a speedboat depending on the tour package
- A training lesson with a certified diving instructor; the number of lessons depends on the individual
- Transport from the meetup point to the sea with a driver and a guide. It also depends on the tour company booked.
- Professional diving equipment
- Boat transfers and the cost of fuel
What to Expect when Scuba Diving in Split
- Explore the marine life (both flora and fauna) in the Adriatic Sea – depending on one’s expertise levels, one can dive up to 8 meters deep for close to 45 minutes – this is especially for beginners. For experienced divers, they might enjoy the open sea where they can dive up to 30 meters deep. One gets to explore the shipwrecks on the islands of Brač and Šolta
- Walk on the floor of the Adriatic Sea as one takes amazing underwater photos
- Have a great time diving alone or with family and friends
- Scuba diving offers a great alternative to being on land or basic water sports
- It is an interesting activity away from stressful cities
- Expert training for beginners of all ages – as low as 8 years and as old as 78 years. However, one is required to disclose any medical conditions that would be life-threatening or too strenuous for the individual.
Important Things to Note When Going Scuba Diving in Split, Croatia
- Every person planning to scuba dive in Croatia, whether as an individual or an organised group, need to adhere to the laws of Croatia enforced by the Ordinance on Performing Underwater Activities. They decide on what is okay or not, especially the places that are okay to swim or dive in. Diving tour companies know the law, and it is best if one books with them to avoid getting into trouble with law enforcement in Croatia.
- It is required that a child is accompanied or under the supervision of an adult at all times.
- People with serious medical conditions such as asthma or heart conditions are not allowed to scuba dive. It is required that everyone with the intention of scuba diving divulge this information when booking with any diving tour trip. For anyone with an underlying medical condition taking part in this activity, it is required that he or she provides a doctor’s permit clearing them to scuba dive.
- Pregnant women are not allowed to scuba dive.
- Persons on wheelchairs might find it hard to scuba dive because the boats are not wheelchair accessible.
Croatia is a beautiful country that has plenty of recreational water sports that many people travel across the globe to enjoy. There are many diving destinations across Croatia, especially Split, that are breathtakingly beautiful that tourists can enjoy either as individuals or as a group. Consider booking with a diving tour company today to enjoy scuba diving safely.