Hippocampus Diving Center

Istria Peninsula, Croatia

The team at Hippocampus Diving Center are a solid choice if you're looking for that friendly, laid-back vibe without compromising on professionalism. Based in the Stoja campsite in Pula, they’re perfectly positioned for hitting some of Istria’s best spots. We especially love their focus on wreck diving, which is really what Istria excels at. Our pick for a full day out with them would be exploring the sunken Austro-Hungarian battleship, SMS Kaiser Franz Josef I. Dropping down onto that immense structure, the sheer scale of it hits you; it’s covered in sponges and anemones, and you’ll often spot conger eels peering out from portholes. For something a little different, the tunnels and caves around the archipelago are fantastic – the way the light shafts through openings is genuinely magical, painting the walls in shifting blues. They run SSI and CMAS courses, from Try Scuba up to Divemaster, so whether you’re just dipping a toe in or want to seriously up your game, they’ve got you covered. They're also brilliant at catering to mixed groups, making sure everyone gets something out of the day. If you want genuine local expertise and a good laugh, these are your people.

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