The deeper you go the more beautiful it gets

The Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea is adorned with over 1000 islands that are the result of years and years of impact from the wind, sea, and rocks. The mainland descended and allowed the sea to come closer so that we could enjoy the underwater world – a land covered by sea. Croatia has many wonderful diving locations, some of whose stories stand out from the rest.

Lastovo – a richness of nature and history under the sea

If you seek a crystal clear sea, then Lastovo is the perfect place for you. It is the most remote inhabited island and as such was the first line of defense, so it is no wonder that its underwater depths conceal great historical mysteries from antiquity until today. Numerous boat wrecks and riches that never arrived at their final destinations adorn the seabed of the Lastovo archipelago. Lastovo is the youngest Croatian Nature Park – tame yet harsh at the same time, and whose underwater world abounds in flora and fauna from the very heart of the Mediterranean.

The wreck of “Vis” – the ship that came home

The steamboat “Vis” calmly sailed its course up until the start of World War II. It wanted to remain on the neutral side, but was intercepted by the Allied navy and assigned to their convoys. During the war it sailed everywhere, from North America to Africa, and when the war ended it returned home to the Adriatic Sea. It evaded all combat attacks and survived potential ambushes all over the world, only to sink in its own “backyard” near the Plomin Bay where it hit a mine.
But today, therefore, it is possible to study the wreck up close, without venturing too far from the shore. Dive into history, feel the majesty of this ship, and marvel at all the creatures of the sea that you will see around you.

The islet of Bobara – a limitless expanse behind narrow doors

Are you in the vicinity of Dubrovnik and looking for adventure? The sea could take you to one of the most beautiful caves in the Adriatic. At a depth of only a few metres you will reach a narrow passage leading to a beautiful underwater cave suitable for beginners because it is located at a depth of 15 metres. For those more daring among you, there is an 80-metre deep underwater wall located on the island’s outer edge, which hides the richness of the underwater world.

Žirje – a historic underwater museum

The German bomber Junkers Ju 87, better known as “Štuka”, was produced in 5709 units, and only a small number of them are saved today. Two are kept in museums in London and Chicago, two were pulled from the underwaters of Greece and Norway, and the one in Žirje was found in 2014 and still lies at the bottom of the sea. The plan is to pull it out and restore it, but until conditions are met for a quality restoration of the plane, it will continue to adorn the Adriatic seabed. Take the opportunity and visit this historic underwater museum in person before it gets transferred to a real museum.

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SOURCE: HTZ CROATIA