Scuba diving Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s coastline is famous for its clear waters, dramatic cliffs and rich history. Below the surface, the Adriatic Sea hides an equally fascinating world, which makes it perfect for scuba diving enthusiasts. From submerged caves and deep walls to historic wrecks, you’ll find a variety of dive sites in Dubrovnik which are suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

With professional diving centers, excellent visibility and calm conditions for scuba diving, Dubrovnik offers great experience throughout the season. We are going to go through everything you need to know about scuba diving in Dubrovnik, including the best dive sites, diving centers, costs and practical tips.

Best sites for scuba diving Dubrovnik

Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is a short boat ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It’s interesting to scuba divers because it offers some of the most exciting underwater landscapes in the area. The island’s steep cliffs continue below the surface, forming dramatic drop-offs, tunnels and caves that make for a thrilling dive.

One of the most fascinating features is an underwater passage leading to Mrtvo More, or the “Dead Sea,” a small saltwater lake hidden within the island. This natural phenomenon is a favorite spot for divers, since the calm waters allow for crystal-clear visibility, which is perfect for underwater photography.

Along the rocky formations, expect to see scorpionfish blending into the seabed, moray eels peeking from crevices and octopuses hiding among the rocks. Lokrum is also a great place to observe nudibranchs, small but colorful sea slugs that are popular among macro photographers.

Divers of all levels can explore the area, but those with more experience can navigate the deeper sections, where the island’s underwater walls drop sharply into the blue. Many dive centers in Dubrovnik offer trips to Lokrum, which makes it one of the easiest sites to access.

Little Africa

Located close to Dubrovnik’s Lapad Peninsula, Little Africa is a shore dive that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. The site gets its name from its rich marine biodiversity, with countless small species inhabiting the rocky seabed and patches of seagrass.

The dive begins in shallow waters. It’s ideal for first-time divers and those looking for a relaxed experience. As you move further from the shore, the depth gradually increases, revealing colorful reefs covered with sponges, anemones and schools of damselfish. Gobies and blennies dart between rocks, while hermit crabs and starfish are common sightings along the sandy patches.

With generally warm water and great visibility, Little Africa is a favorite for underwater photographers who want to capture the marine life up close. The area is easily accessible, with guided dives available from Blue Planet Dive Center, which operates nearby.

Otočić Grebeni (Lighthouse Island)

Otočić Grebeni, or Lighthouse Island, sits just off Dubrovnik’s coastline near the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel. The site is famous for its dramatic vertical walls, small caves and impressive rock formations that create an exciting dive environment.

Small fish such as blennies and gobies dart between the cracks, while larger species, including groupers and sea bass, occasionally make an appearance. The caves and overhangs offer a sense of adventure, with light filtering through cracks in the rock to create stunning visual effects.

The depth ranges from 10 to 40 meters, which makes it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. The area is protected from strong currents. Many diving schools in Dubrovnik include Lighthouse Island in their itineraries due to its convenient location and varied underwater terrain.

Taranto Wreck

For wreck diving enthusiasts, the Taranto Wreck is a must-visit site. This Italian cargo ship sank in 1943 after hitting a mine, and its remains now rest at a depth of around 50 meters off Dubrovnik’s coast. Over the years, the wreck has become home to a variety of marine life, with lobsters, scorpionfish camouflaged against the rusting hull and even conger eels taking shelter in its hidden corners.

Due to its depth, the Taranto is recommended for advanced divers with deep diving certification. The wreck is largely intact, so you can easily explore the structure. Divers can see the ship’s cargo hold, parts of the deck and even sections of the engine room. Keep in mind that entering is only advisable for those with technical diving experience.

Visibility around the wreck varies by season, but is generally good, especially during the summer months. The site is best visited with one of Dubrovnik’s experienced dive operators, as they provide necessary safety briefings and guide divers through the wreck.

Diving centers in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has several excellent diving centers. They offer their services both to beginners looking to try scuba diving for the first time and to experienced diverr seeking advanced excursions. Here are three of the best options in the city.

Blue Planet scuba diving Dubrovnik

Blue Planet Dive Center is a PADI 5-Star IDC Resort located at Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. It is one of the most established and well-reviewed diving centers in the region, known for its professional instructors, high safety standards, and diverse dive trips.

The center offers a variety of excursions, including half-day and full-day boat trips, shore dives and night diving experiences. Some of the most popular dive sites they visit include Lokrum Island, Little Africa and Otočić Grebeni.

For those interested in earning a certification, Blue Planet offers PADI courses at all levels, from Open Water Diver for beginners to Divemaster and Instructor Development Courses (IDC) for those looking to go professional. The instructors are experienced, multilingual and known for their friendly yet professional approach.

The center provides full rental equipment, as well as transportation to dive sites, so you don’t have to worry about having to bring your own gear.

In the reviews we’ve gone through divers consistently praise Blue Planet for its well-organized excursions, knowledgeable instructors and high-quality equipment. Many first-time divers mention how comfortable and confident they felt thanks to the patience and professionalism of the staff.

Abyss Diving Center

Abyss Diving Center, located at Hotel Dubrovnik President on the Lapad Peninsula, offers a slightly different diving experience, with a focus on small-group, personalized diving trips. The center is situated on a Blue Flag-certified beach, meaning the waters are clean and environmentally protected.

Abyss is well known for its beginner-friendly programs, including a Try Scuba Diving experience that introduces first-timers to the basics of diving in a safe and relaxed environment. This program includes both theoretical and practical training, so as to ensure that new divers feel comfortable before heading into open water. For certified divers, Abyss offers guided dives to popular sites such as Lokrum Island, Koločep and Sveti Andrija.

The center also provides full equipment rental and its location on the beach makes shore diving particularly convenient. One of the standout aspects of Abyss Diving Center is its commitment to accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible facilities and staff who are attentive to the needs of all guests.

Reviews highlight the patient and supportive instructors, who take the time to ensure each diver feels safe and confident. Many divers note that the small group sizes allow for a more personalized and relaxed experience, which makes Abyss an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter, more intimate approach to diving.

Diving Club Dubrovnik

For those interested in a more community-oriented and conservation-focused diving experience, consider visiting Ronilački Klub Dubrovnik (Diving Club Dubrovnik). Founded in 1964, this club has a long history of promoting diving in Dubrovnik, training new divers and organizing environmental clean-ups to protect the local marine ecosystem. Unlike commercial dive centers, this is a non-profit club run by passionate divers. It is a great choice for those looking to engage with the local diving community.

The club offers diving excursions, training and ecological activities. With around 150 members, including 60 active divers, it is one of the most respected diving organizations on the Adriatic.

While it does not operate as a commercial diving center, visitors who are serious about diving and marine conservation may find this club to be a unique and rewarding experience.

Many divers describe Ronilački Klub Dubrovnik as one of the best diving communities on the Adriatic, with a passionate and knowledgeable group of members. Those looking to connect with local divers and participate in marine conservation efforts will find this club to be an invaluable part of their diving experience in Dubrovnik.

Best time for scuba diving in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s diving season runs from April to October, with conditions varying depending on the time of year. July and August offer the warmest waters, reaching 24–26°C, making them the most comfortable months for diving in just a 5mm wetsuit. However, these months also bring the most tourists, meaning dive sites can be busier and prices may be slightly higher.

If you prefer quieter dive sites and even better visibility, consider diving in late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October). The water is still warm, often around 20–23°C, but the crowds have thinned out, allowing for a more relaxed experience. These months also tend to have less boat traffic, which is a bonus for safety and overall dive quality.

For more advanced divers who don’t mind colder water, April and early November are also options. The water temperature can drop to 15–18°C, requiring a 7mm wetsuit with a hood or even a drysuit for longer dives. However, this time of year offers a different kind of experience, with marine life behaving differently and dive sites being nearly empty.

Scuba diving Dubrovnik price

Diving in Dubrovnik is slightly more expensive than in some other parts of Croatia, largely due to its popularity as a tourist destination. Here’s what you can expect to pay for common dive services:

• Two-dive boat trip: €65 per person (not including equipment rental)
• Equipment rental: €30 per day for a full set (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, and mask)
• Night diving: €60–70, depending on the dive center
• Introductory “Try Dive” for beginners: €95–100 (includes equipment and instruction)
• PADI Open Water certification course: €450–500

Since the prices are rapidly changing in Croatia, it’s advisable to check the current prices closer to the date of your arrival to Dubrovnik.

Most diving centers provide high-quality rental equipment, but if you have your own mask, snorkel, and fins, it’s a good idea to bring them. A properly fitted mask makes a huge difference in comfort and personal fins are often more efficient than rental ones.

If you plan on doing multiple dives over several days, some centers offer discount packages. It’s worth checking in advance, as booking a few dives at once can save you money compared to paying per dive.

What time of year is best for diving in Croatia?

The Adriatic Sea around Dubrovnik is known for its calm waters, mild currents and excellent visibility, often exceeding 20 meters, particularly in spring and autumn. Unlike tropical destinations with strong currents or unpredictable conditions, Dubrovnik offers a relaxed diving experience, which makes it a great location for beginners and photographers.

Water temperatures vary significantly throughout the season:

• April – May: 15–19°C → 7mm wetsuit with hood or drysuit recommended
• June: 20–22°C → Comfortable with a 5mm wetsuit
• July – August: 24–26°C → Most divers use a 5mm wetsuit, though some prefer shorties for shallow dives
• September – October: 20–24°C → 5mm wetsuit is ideal, though a 7mm wetsuit may be needed later in the season
• November: 15–18°C → A 7mm wetsuit with hood or drysuit is recommended for longer dives

While strong currents are rare, some deeper dive sites, such as the Taranto Wreck, can have mild currents, requiring good buoyancy control. The calm conditions and minimal tidal movement make Dubrovnik particularly suitable for beginners and those who prefer a more relaxed dive.

One thing to be aware of is the boat traffic in peak season (July and August), especially near popular shore dive sites. Most dive centers use surface marker buoys (SMBs) to ensure safety, but it’s a good habit to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when surfacing.

For the best balance of warm water, excellent visibility and fewer crowds, late May, June, September, and early October are the ideal months to dive in Croatia.

Is Dubrovnik good for scuba diving?

Yes, Dubrovnik is an excellent destination for scuba diving, especially for those who enjoy clear waters, dramatic underwater landscapes and easy diving conditions. The Adriatic Sea offers great visibility (often over 20 meters), mild currents and warm temperatures in summer.

Dubrovnik’s dive sites are diverse, ranging from caves and underwater tunnels (like those around Lokrum Island) to steep walls and drop-offs (Otočić Grebeni). Wreck divers can explore sites like the Taranto, a WWII cargo ship, resting at 50 meters. The underwater world is rich with octopuses, moray eels, seahorses, and even occasional dolphins or rays.

However, if you’re looking for large pelagic fish or coral reefs, Dubrovnik might not be your best bet. The Adriatic is known more for rocky seabeds, historic wrecks and impressive topography rather than massive schools of fish.

Does Croatia have good scuba diving?

Absolutely! Croatia is one of the top diving destinations in Europe, thanks to its 1,000+ islands, underwater caves, wrecks and diverse marine life. The Dalmatian Coast, where Dubrovnik is located, is particularly famous for its excellent diving conditions.

Some of the best diving areas in Croatia include:

• Dubrovnik – Best for wall dives, wrecks, and caves
• Vis Island – Famous for deep wrecks like the “B-17 Flying Fortress”
• Kornati National Park – Pristine marine life and untouched reefs
• Hvar & Brač – Crystal-clear waters and stunning underwater cliffs
• Istria – Best for historical wrecks, including the famous Baron Gautsch

While Croatia doesn’t have tropical reefs, it makes up for it with great visibility, warm summer waters, and unique underwater geology.

Best scuba diving Dubrovnik

Scuba diving Dubrovnik offers a mix of stunning underwater landscapes, historical wrecks and diverse marine life. With clear waters and professional dive centers, both beginners and experienced divers can find something exciting.

For those looking to experience dramatic walls, caves and tunnels, sites like Lokrum Island and Otočić Grebeni provide unforgettable dives. If marine life is your focus, Little Africa is the best choice. Wreck divers will enjoy exploring Taranto and other sunken ships in the region.

While Dubrovnik might not have the largest fish populations due to overfishing, the beauty of the underwater terrain makes up for it. Plan ahead, choose a reputable dive center and get ready to explore the Adriatic’s hidden wonders. Dubrovnik’s underwater world is waiting.

Photography: Pexels

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