Rovinj Diving

Rovinj, on the west coast of Croatia, has a combination of impressive history and impressive nature. This is represented by the many wrecks which have transformed into artificial reefs as well as by the stunning reefs which are covered in marine flora of all colours, made only more vibrant by the sun rays. 

 

Diving in Rovinj

Rovinj is a fishing village which lies in the Istrian Peninsula which lies on the west coast of Croatia which borders on the Adriatic Sea. On land this area is known for its strong character in the shape of cobbled streets and traditional style houses, while off the coast, lies the Rovinj archipelago. The numerous dive centres will send out their expert guides to show divers the best of the best that this region has to offer of which most are reached after a short boat ride.

The marine flora and fauna in this region is still in pristine condition for divers to admire due to many spots being protected as a natural cultural heritage site. Aside from flourishing reefs, other highlights include some impressive reef walls, caves and a collection of thrilling shipwreck dives such as the well known Baron Gautsch wreck. 

Best time to dive

Croatia has a Mediterranean climate which means hot summer and wet winters. The air temperatures range between a cool 8 degrees Celsius in the midst of winter and reaches up to 26 degrees Celsius in the summer. The peak diving season lies between May and September when the waters are the most calm, the most clear and the warmest, with the least amount of rain and the least amount of currents. The water temperature here ranges between 11 and 25 degrees Celsius and the visibility is on average good throughout the year and ranges between 10 metres and 35 metres on the best days. 

Types of diving

The main type of diving which attracts divers to Rovinj are the many wrecks which lay on the seabeds here. Due to the wrecks lying at average depths of around 30 metres, divers who are certified to dive to 30 metres or more would enjoy these wrecks dives the most. Other underwater features here include thriving reefs with a high abundance of colourful species such as Sea Sponges and Anemones. There are also numerous shallow caves, at Banjole Island, that are accessible even to novice divers for a beautiful cave diving experience. There are a variety of options here for divers of all levels, including those wanting to do dive courses. 

What to see

If divers are hoping to dive into a colourful underwater world, then the reefs of Rovinj will not disappoint. The reefs here are made up of a collection of vibrantly coloured species such as Scarlet Anemones, Yellow Sulfur Sponge, Pale Blue Sponge, Red Spirastrella, Red Sea Stars and different species of hard and soft corals. Many of the reefs lie quite shallow and due to good average visibility, the sunlight makes the colours of the reefs even more vivid. Some of the other marine species which have made these waters their home include schools of Seaperches, Seabreams, Scorpion Fish, Cuttlefish, Conger Eels, different Crustaceans such as Crabs and Lobsters, Sea Hares and the majestic Seahorses. This is however only the tip of the iceberg for what these waters hold. 

Best places to dive

Banjole Island is a small island which lies just in front of Rovinj and is a popular diving destination due to the high abundance of marine life and also due to it being accessible to divers of all levels. The reefs here are a mecca for colourful Sea Sponges and other corals which are home to many reef critters. Aside from the stunning reefs, there are also three shallow caves here for divers to explore. 

Baron Gautsch is the most popular wreck in the region and it was an 84 metre long steamship built in 1908, so a real piece of history. In 1914 it hit a mine while in the open sea and sank immediately. Considering it has been underwater for over a century, it has truly become part of the environment and created an impressive artificial reef. Divers are able to explore the wreck fully but are required to be advanced divers.