The popularity of Croatia has exploded in the past several years and for good reason. One of which is undoubtedly the color and clarity of its waters. Those waters means there are numerous freediving locations for beginners in Croatia. Wether you are a beinnger, expert or anywhere on the freediving skill tree, Croatia has something to offer you.
If you spend any time on a Croatian Beach you will see many people wearing water shoes to protect them from the sometimes sharp rocks and pebbles that make up Croatia’s beaches. Those rocks and pebbles are the main reason for Croatia’s remarkably clear waters.
In this article we will share with you 5 of our favorite locations for beginner freedivers, and what makes them so great. Each location have 2 things in common: clear water, and depths of 10 meters or less.
Some of the below locations are also roped off swimming areas for beginner freedivers can dive with more comfort and confidence.
Live you Mamma Mia Fantasies Freediving in Komiza
Vis is going to be on every freedivers radar in a very short amount of time. It has one of the ideal freediving locations for beginners in Croatia, just outside the town of Komiza. There you will find beaches framed on either side by high hills, and dives sites teaming with fish.
In Komiza you can also find B-24 Diving. While they specialize in Scuba Diving, they also offer freediving training and equipment rentals. B-24 is run by Champion freediver Veljano Zanki, the first Croat to breach the 100m mark.
If you are feeling particularly adventurous, arrange a wreck freedive to the ship Teti. Located at depths from 8m-30m, the cargo ship which sank in 1930 is awe inspiring. Check out our article on Expert Freediving locations in Croatia coming soon.
PROTIP: Head to Mala Pritišćina for a some amazingly clear water in what is perhaps best described as a tiny fjord.
Skip Zlatni Rat for the best freediving in Bol
One of the busiest towns on the island of Brac, Bol is best known for the Golden Horn, Zlatni Rat. While a beautiful beach, the best freediving location for beginners is found on the opposite side of town. You will also find a lot less people away from Croatia’s most famous beach.
Head to the Dominica Monestary to find the best beginner depth location on this list. Stick to the beach between the Monastery and Ribarska Kucica. From there swim out to the marked rope line enclosing the swimming area. That line basically follows a 10 meter depth contour, enabling easy practice for equalization and comfort levels.
Due to its proximity to a beautiful little town, crystal clear water, and accessible depths, Bol is our favorite freediving location for beginners in Croatia.
PROTIP: There can be a strong current flowing in either direction parallel to the shore. It changes direction based on time of day.
Holding onto the line enclosing the swim area will counter this current for your breathe up and maintain your location.
Freedive with Rabbits in Lokrum
Lokrum could be perhaps the easiest location to get to for most freedivers heading to Croatia. This small island, which is a park, is located a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik.
As Lokrum is a park, there are no permanent inhabitants. With the exception of the numerous rabbits and peacocks which you can see. It is also decidedly empty for being so close to one of Croatia’s main tourist locations. The absence people has the added benefit of giving you the pick of which ever spot you want to enter the water from.
After petting the wild rabbits on the island, head to western side of the island to find empty coastline and prime beginner friendly freedive locations.
Unlike diving near a beach, Lokrum has a rocky coastline and sea floor. The rocky bottom plays host to a wide assortment of fish, urchins, octopus and other sea creatures.
PROTIP: Once your dive is complete, walk to the southern tip of Lokrum and take a dip in Mrtvo More. The small lake is almost as salty as the dead sea, so good luck doing any diving.
Freedive along the Makarska Riviera
The Makarska riviera has been a holiday hot spot for Croatia’s for decades. Located south of the tourist hub of Split, the Makarksa Riviera has much to offer the beginner free diver. This 40km stretch of coast is home to many idyllic beachs and coves to dive in.
If you stay in Makarska itself there are still diving options available. One option is to walk to St. Peter Forest Park (Park suma Sveti Petar) and dive in the swim area near Sol Lounge Bar. Depths at the rope max out at 9.7 meters.
If you are more adventurous, head to Osejava Forest Park. Along the path towards Nugal beach there are a number of entry points into the ocean. The depth quickly drops from 10 meters all the way up to 20 meters and beyond. As this isn’t a roped off swimming area, make sure you bring a dive bouy or float for safety.
PROTIP: Head to Nugal Beach, voted by Conde Nast as one of the 25 best beaches in Europe in 2020. Framed by cliffs and with few visitors due to the 40 minute hike to reach it. Nugal beach offers crystal clear water (especially on the left side) and waters deep enough to practice your freediving techniques.
In fact, the roped off swim area of Nugal Beach extends out far enough to extend past 10 meter depths.
Escape the World Freediving in Otok Tijat
Most people won’t have heard of this location and for good reason, it is only accessible by boat. But don’t let that stop you from trying to make the journey. Especially if you are on one of the ubiquitous sailing holidays Croatia has become known for.
Otok Tijat is the most inaccessible freediving location for beginners in Croatia on this list, but we promise it is worth it. The small island is located about 40 minutes boat ride from Sibenik. You will find crystal clear water and basically no other people. The water depth quickly drops from the shore to 10 meters depth and beyond.
Even on rough days you can see the bottom from what every boat you chartered to reach this small island paradise.
PROTIP: Anchor near Luka Tijascica so you can visit Spirito Summer Place for food and drinks once you have completed your dives.
Conclusion
Croatia should be on your bucket list for locations to visit as a beginner freediver. While the list of 5 Freediving locations for beginners in Croatia listed above are only our personal picks, they were picked for good reason. The waters can be warm, exceptionally clear and very inviting. Plus, you can reach depths of 10 meters or more close to shore.
Not only is the diving spectacular but so is the culture, the scenery, and the food.
A note of closing, for all you European freedivers, Croatia will join the Schengen area in January 2023. So get ready to dive all around Croatia for as long as the water is warm.
Want more Free Diving?
Are you new to freediving and want more information on the sport? Are you a seasoned (salted) diver looking for your next dive spot? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, or any of the infinite freediving questions not listed above, why not check out some more Free Depth Content?
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