Croatia is a little known diving destination that benefits from the lack of crowds and over-diving prevalent at some Mediterranean destinations. The Adriatic Sea is also one of the cleanest in the world. Croatia offers a wide variety of diving locations amongst the 1,700 islets scattered along the coast, ranging from shallow, sheltered, gently sloping shore entry sites for beginners to more adventurous sites including walls, reefs, caves and wrecks.
DIVING REQUIREMENTS Divers will be required to purchase a HRS Divers Card from the Croatian Divin Federatyion, available through registered diving centres. The cost is 100 Kuna (£9.50) and is valid for one year. Individual diving is only permitted with the purchase of an individualpermit costing 2,400 Kuna per person. Diving is restricted in some prohibited zones except when diving with a diving centre that holds a licence from the appropriate authority. korcula6(205x273q60a2).jpgCLIMATE AND DIVING CONDITIONS The climate is typically a Mediterranean with mild rainy winters, and hot and dry summers. Summer temperatures in July will be about 34?C in the northern part of the Adriatic, while in the south they rise to 38?C. The Adriatic has a marked annual change of surface temperature. The average annual temperature is 11°C. During the winter, the surface temperature is about 7°C; sometimes dropping below that. In the spring, the sea becomes warmer, and the surface temperature rises to 18?C. In summer, the surface of the sea reaches 22 - 25°C, and in the southern Adriatic and Istria up to 27°C. In the Adriatic, thermoclines are very noticeable. Thermoclines are most evident during the summer; the first at 3 - 5 metres, the next one at about 12 metres, and another at 18 metres, while below 30 metres the temperature is constant throughout the year. There is little tidal movement in the Adriatic; the maximum being one metre in Istria and the Gulf of Trieste. Currents are generally weak, but local knowledge should be sought. FOR NON DIVERS Non - divers will enjoy the swimming and water sports available along the coast. The coast is also dotted with historic towns with narrow winding streets surrounded by defensive walls, the most famous being Dubrovnik.
GETTING THERE: Flights from UK fly all year to Zagreb with internal shuttle flights to Dubrovnik. In the summer there are direct flights to Dubrovnik in the south. Flight time is approximately 21/2 hours. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS UK Citizens do not require visas to enter Croatia as a tourist. There are currently no vaccination requirements. ACCOMMODATION Croatia is a well-known tourist destination and there is a variety of accommodation available to suit all tastes. LANGUAGE English may not be spoken when off the beaten track. CURRENCY The local currency is the Croatian Kuna. GBP and Euros are accepted, at varying exchange rates, generally above the Bank rate. Credit cards are not always acepted for purchases but there are many ATMs that will accept most UK cards including debit cards (Electron, Delta, etc.). Do not bother to buy Euros before coming out as you will have to exchange these for Kuna, and another commission fee will be charged!
