The part of the Adriatic See belonging to Croatia is regarded as one of the top diving areas in the world, attracting numerous underwater enthusiasts every year. Famous French oceanographer and adventurer Jacques-Yves Cousteau once sad that the underwater world around Dubrovnik was one of the most beautiful underwater worlds he had ever seen in all the years of his expeditions.

In case of a diving accident call the Association for rescue and search at sea.
9155 DAN VHF channel 16, 10, 7.

Not all areas are free for divers, certain areas are controlled or are off-limit zones. Upon arrival, each diver must purchase a diving license, and it is a good idea to obtain one prior to arriving. Acquisition of licenses depends mostly on the tour organizer, but in most cases, the whole diving trip will flow more smoothly if the licenses are obtained before. Licenses are issued by the Croatian divers association and can be purchased through diving clubs and centers, as well as through authorized tourist agencies along the entire Adriatic coast.

Off-limits diving zones include national parks (Brijuni and Krka), parts of the inner waters which include harbors, entrances to harbors, anchorages, areas of dense traffic, nature reserves (the Ston bay, the Lim channel, Nature park Telašica) and the sea area within a radius of 100 meters around anchored warships and guarded military objects. The Ministry of culture, through the local museums, issues the licenses to dive in these areas.
Additional information can be obtained at this number: +385 (01) 6116 848, Fax: (01) 6116 849

Controlled diving zones
Some areas near Dubrovnik have been identified as controlled diving zones, including parts the national park of Mljet. The second national park classified as a controlled diving zone is the national park of Kornati. The respective national park management is responsible for issuing the proper licenses to divers interested in diving in these areas.
With the previous consent of the local offices of the Ministry of Culture, one can dive in the following areas: the islands of Vis, Biševo, Svetac, Brusnik, Sušac, Kopište, Lastovo, Donji Škoji, Vrhovnjaci, Palagruža, and the sea belt of 300 m around the islands of Mljet and Jabuka, the area in the radius of 300 m around the sunken boats Szent Istvan, Premuda, Coriolanus Novigrad, BaronGautsch, Saint Ivan, S-57 on Pelješac, and on the findings near Žirje and Cavtat.

Underwater recording, photographing and researching archeological locations can be made only with special permission of the Ministry of Culture. In the Republic of Croatia the Ministry of Education and Sports has registered the following diving schools and certificates: BSAC, CMAS, IANTD NAUI, PADI, and SSI.