Diving in Split & Central Dalmatia
Why dive here
Split & Central Dalmatia offers some of Croatia's richest diving, with 108+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, octopuses, sea turtles and cuttlefish.
Split and Central Dalmatia really hits the spot if you’re into varied diving. We love the dramatic wall dives, where the Adriatic drops away into the blue, often hiding good-sized conger eels in the cracks. Summer brings decent visibility, around 20 metres, and the water warms up enough for comfortable longer dives. Our favourite has to be the Trogir submarine wreck; it’s a proper piece of history down there and navigating its exterior feels like an honest exploration, especially with schools of salema swirling around it. We'd suggest getting there early to avoid the crowds, which can be a real buzzkill at some of the more popular spots. The caves, particularly around Biševo, are also incredible experiences, the light playing tricks as you move through them. Keep an eye out for the metallic flash of a dory or even a curious common squid darting past. Strong currents can be a factor on some exposed walls, so always check the conditions before you jump. It’s a solid choice for a dive trip that combines history with some genuinely interesting marine life.
Split & Central Dalmatia Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Split & Central Dalmatia
Split & Central Dalmatia Dive Sites
42 dive sites in Split & Central Dalmatia
AURORA
Aurora is our pick for a genuinely atmospheric wreck dive in the Split area. It’s a shallow site, only five metres deep, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's simple. This old fishing vessel lies broken across the seabed, its hull split and spilling its guts. We love how the light plays through the gaps, illuminating schools of juvenile damselfish that dart in and out of the twisted metal. You'll spend your time here exploring the two main sections, one part listing heavily, the other almost flat. Look closely and you'll spot crabs scuttling amongst the debris, and we’ve often seen small octopus tucked into crevices. The wreck feels alive, even in its decay, with delicate hydroids swaying gently in the subtle surge. It's a fantastic spot for photographers, especially later in the afternoon when the sun casts long shadows. Because of the depth, it’s a brilliant site for newer divers getting their first taste of a genuine wreck, but also a relaxing, rewarding dive for anyone who appreciates a bit of history beneath the waves.
Bijelac reef
Bijelac reef sits just off the coast, a good option for a relaxed afternoon dive. The reef itself doesn't offer dramatic drop-offs, but the shallower sections have some decent coral formations. We've often seen smaller reef fish here, along with the occasional nudibranch if you look closely. It's a comfortable spot for newer divers or those looking for an easy second dive.
Bratin
Bratin offers a straightforward dive, popular with local training centers for a reason. You’ll find a gently sloping reef, mostly rock with patches of seagrass. Expect to see smaller Mediterranean fish like damselfish and wrasse, along with the occasional octopus peering from a crevice. It's a decent spot for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed, easy afternoon in the water.
Crnac
Crnac is a straightforward shore dive near Split. We found a gentle slope descending to around 15 metres, home to small groupers and moray eels tucked into crevices. Visibility often hits 15-20 metres here. It’s a good spot for a relaxed afternoon dive or for divers getting comfortable with Mediterranean shore entries.
Drasan plic
Drasan Plic, near Split, offers a straightforward dive suitable for all levels. You'll find a series of rocky slopes descending into sandy patches, often populated with scorpionfish and octopuses tucked into crevices. It's a relaxed spot, good for checking gear or enjoying a longer, shallower profile. We often use it for skill refreshers.
Hvar Island
Bechers Cove offers a decent shore dive on Santa Rosa Island. Expect thick kelp beds, typical of the Channel Islands, with calico bass, sheepshead, and occasional kelp bass weaving through the stalks. It’s a good spot for divers looking for a straightforward entry and a chance to explore a classic California kelp forest. The conditions can be surgey, so pick a calm day.
JELSA I
Jelsa I, a merchant vessel that met its fiery end in 1994, is a surprisingly compelling dive. We like it because it’s a relatively modern wreck, but already well-integrated into the seabed, making for an interesting contrast. Lying upright in the Brački Kanal, the ship’s structure is largely intact, allowing for some great exploration. You can swim through the cargo holds, feeling the cool shadow as you pass from deck to deck, and peer into the wheelhouse. Our favourite part is the way the light filters through the upper sections, illuminating schools of small fish darting in and out of the rusted metalwork. There are often resident scorpionfish tucked into crevices and moray eels peeking from pipes, just waiting for a careful eye to spot them. It's a proper wreck dive, reaching down to 60 metres, so it’s definitely one for experienced divers comfortable with depth and perhaps a bit of current, which can sometimes sweep through the channel. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best light penetration and generally calmer conditions.
Kaleb plic
Kaleb Plic offers a straightforward dive, typical of the Adriatic. We've found a gentle slope, mostly rocky with patches of seagrass, making it suitable for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed outing. Expect to see some small schooling fish, maybe a scorpionfish tucked into a crevice, and common crabs scuttling over the rocks. It’s a pleasant enough spot for an easy afternoon in the water.
KENMAR
The Kenmar wreck, just off Šolta island, is one of our favourite easy dives in Central Dalmatia. It’s a small cargo ship, sunk during World War II, lying perfectly upright at a shallow 13 metres. What we love about Kenmar is how accessible it is; you can spend a full bottom time exploring its length without any deco worries. Visibility here is often excellent, letting you make out the ship’s structure from a distance as you descend. The deck is peppered with small openings, inviting a peek inside, though we’d suggest only experienced wreck divers attempt penetration. Schools of damselfish flicker around the mast, and you’ll usually find scorpionfish tucked into crevices along the hull. Look closely at the cargo holds; sometimes a conger eel will eye you from the shadows. It’s a perfect site for newer wreck divers or anyone wanting a relaxed dive with a bit of history attached. Dive it early in the morning for the best light and fewest boats.
LOASSO (POSSIBLY)
LOASSO (POSSIBLY) is a dive that really gets under your skin. We love wrecks with a bit of history, and this one, sunk by a mine in 1940, has a story you can feel as you descend. It sits upright, just shy of 20 metres, and its sheer size – 120 metres long – means you’re not going to see it all in one dive. What we really enjoy here is the penetration. There are accessible cargo holds and superstructure sections, dark and atmospheric, where you can almost hear the echoes of its past. Inside, schools of juvenile damselfish flit through the gloom, while outside, conger eels peer from every crevice. We’ve spotted massive scorpionfish camouflaged on the deck plates too. The visibility often hits 20 metres, giving you a proper sense of its scale as you approach, but watch for a slight thermocline around 15 metres in summer. This is definitely one for experienced wreck divers who appreciate exploration over just a quick look.
Lukovac
Lukovac offers a straightforward dive, typically a wall or reef slope, that’s quite popular with local dive centres for discovery dives or checkout dives. You’ll likely spot plenty of Mediterranean wrasse, maybe an octopus tucked into a crevice, and a few nudibranchs if you’ve got a good eye. It’s a solid choice for newer divers looking to get comfortable in the water, or for an easy afternoon outing. We wouldn’t pick it for big pelagic encounters, but it’s a perfectly pleasant dive.
Lukovci
Lukovci is a straightforward shore dive near Split. We found a gentle slope descending to around 15 metres, scattered with sponges and small reef fish like damselfish and wrasse. It’s an easy entry, good for a relaxed afternoon dive or checking gear. The visibility is usually decent, making it a reliable spot when the boat trips are booked up.
Split & Central Dalmatia Dive Centres
5 dive shops and operators in Split & Central Dalmatia
Ocean Wildlife in Split & Central Dalmatia
108 species recorded in Split & Central Dalmatia
Split & Central Dalmatia Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Split & Central Dalmatia, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:10
Sunset
18:43
Daylight
13h 34m
Golden Hour
18:05
First light (dawn) at 04:40 · Last light (dusk) at 19:13
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 07:22 | 16:44 | 9h 22m |
| Feb | 06:52 | 17:25 | 10h 33m |
| Mar | 06:07 | 17:59 | 11h 53m |
| Apr | 05:14 | 18:34 | 13h 19m |
| May | 04:33 | 19:08 | 14h 35m |
| JunLongest | 04:15 | 19:34 | 15h 19m |
| Jul | 04:28 | 19:31 | 15h 4m |
| AugNow | 04:59 | 18:59 | 14h 0m |
| Sep | 05:32 | 18:07 | 12h 35m |
| Oct | 06:05 | 17:14 | 11h 9m |
| Nov | 06:46 | 16:32 | 9h 46m |
| DecShortest | 07:18 | 16:20 | 9h 3m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Split & Central Dalmatia.
Where to Stay near Split & Central Dalmatia
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Marine Protected Areas near Split & Central Dalmatia
156 protected areas near Split & Central Dalmatia - please respect local regulations when diving
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