Sea Mates XR Diving Cres

Located within the ACI Marina Cres, Sea Mates has established itself as a specialist hub for both recreational and technical divers. As an SSI Instructor Training and XR Centre, the facility serves as a key point for those looking to progress into the more demanding aspects of the sport, such as sidemount, deco diving, and rebreather use.

The centre operates with a family-oriented, professional approach, ensuring that every diver receives personalised attention. Whether you are completing your first Open Water Diver qualification or are an experienced technical diver looking for Trimix support, the setup in Cres is designed to facilitate high-standard training and exploration.

The team is led by Denise, an SSI Instructor Trainer and XR Trimix Instructor with over 20 years of experience, and Ivan, a captain and SSI instructor. This combination of high-level instructional expertise and maritime experience ensures that both the training and the boat operations are handled with precision.

Instruction is delivered in English, German, Italian, and Croatian. To maintain a high standard of safety and individualised coaching, the centre operates with a strict ratio of two divers per guide. This small-group philosophy extends to their overall capacity, which is limited to 10 divers at any one time.

Beyond training, the centre is deeply committed to marine conservation. They regularly organise underwater clean-ups and environmental awareness workshops, ensuring that their presence on the island contributes positively to the local ecosystem.

Sea Mates offers a comprehensive curriculum through SSI, ranging from entry-level courses like Try Scuba and Open Water Diver to professional certifications such as Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Instructor Training Courses.

The centre is a specialist in Extended Range (XR) training. You can complete specific certifications in Enriched Air Nitrox, Deep Diving, Decompression Diving, and Sidemount. For technical divers, they provide advanced training in Trimix, Gas Blending, and Scooter/DPV diving.

Specialty courses are also available to refine specific skills, including Perfect Buoyancy, Wreck diving, and Recreational Sidemount. They also offer Scuba Skills Updates for divers looking to refresh their proficiency.

Full-day excursions are conducted via boat in collaboration with Cres Adventures. The vessels carry a maximum of 8 divers and have a total capacity of 12 people. For those on full-day tours, snacks, water, and lunch are provided on board.

The boat operations cover a variety of dive types, including night dives and personalised excursions to various local sites. Nitrox is available for use during these trips to extend bottom times and enhance safety margins.

The centre is a dedicated rebreather-friendly facility, providing the necessary support for closed-circuit divers. For those using open circuit, Nitrox is available on-site to support extended range and decompression diving.

As of July 2026, the centre is located directly within the ACI Marina Cres. This provides easy access to essential amenities, including nearby restaurants and ACI Marina Apartments for those looking for convenient accommodation close to the dive hub.