Agencies Valamar Quality Centre Groups

Diving in Poreč

The tourism appeal of Poreč doesn’t just lie in its stunning natural beauty and fascinating history. Offshore too, the beauty of the deep lures dive tourists from all over the world. Little can compare to the excitement of uncovering the mysteries of the underwater world. Gliding effortlessly amidst a barrage of colourful sea life is a magical experience. But good visibility and a plethora of marine attractions make the difference between a good dive and a fantastic dive. Thankfully, the waters off Poreč offer some of the best diving conditions in Croatia. Plenty of exhilarating locations feature vibrant reefs, fascinating wrecks and sea life in stunning crystal clear clarity. Explore the vertical cliff walls of the Kampani and Tempesta reefs and a trio of underwater caves on the island of Banjole. The marine life rich walls at the entrance to the Lim Channel also provide memorable discoveries, teeming with fish, lobsters and crabs. More experienced divers will be drawn to two incredible shipwrecks. One of the most impressive in Croatia’s waters is the famous Baron Gautsch, an Austrian passenger ship that sank several miles southwest of Poreč in 1914 after hitting a mine. This majestic vessel now sits perfectly preserved upright on the sea bed. For divers with the appropriate certification and experience, two decks are open for exploration. The other notable shipwreck is the British battleship, Coriolanus found west of Novigrad at a depth of 11 metres. Ironically, the bow of the ship was blown wide open after the minesweeper hit a mine in 1945. Dive centres located in Poreč bring this enchanting world easily within reach, no matter whether you’ve dived before or an old hand at this exhilarating sport.
Wrecks Reefs Diving centres Important telephone numbers Useful information
Information on diving in Croatia   Recreational and sports diving, holiday diving, as well as commercial diving or special-purpose diving in Croatia are governed by the Regulations on Conducting Underwater Activities, the Labour Act and the Safety-at-Work Act. Holiday diving can only be conducted within the organisation and under the supervision of a diving centre that is authorised and qualified for recreational and holiday diving. The place of diving must be visibly marked with a dive buoy or a floating dive flag. The telephone numbers of the Search and Rescue Service and those of hyperbaric chambers must be clearly displayed in all dive centres and on all dive vessels.  
Diving permits   Divers are required to have a valid diving card issued by the Croatian Diving Federation (www.diving-hrs.hr) on behalf of the Ministry of the Sea, Transportation and Infrastructure (www.mmpi.hr). The diving card is valid until the end of the year in which it is issued. For individual diving, it is necessary to obtain a permit issued by the Port Authorities.
The permit costs HRK 2,400 and is valid for 365 days from the date of issue. Holiday diving in registered dive centres does not require an individual diving permit.  
Dive zones requiring special permits:   - all national  parks
- all zones under the protection of the Ministry of Culture
Permits for these zones are issued by the competent bodies, and each dive centre conducting diving activities in these areas is required to have a written permit f  
No Diving zones:   - in parts of internal waterways that include ports, port entry areas, port anchorage areas and areas of dense traffic
- in strict marine reserves and special marine reserves, nature parks and other protected marine and coastal areas (Lim Channel)
Tourist health care   There are hospitals and clinics in al major towns, and ambulance and pharmacies in all towns. Emergency transport by air (helicopter) and sea (speedboat) is provided for patients whose life is in danger.