Diving Center Pongo

Since 1998, Pongo Diving Center has been operating in one of the most diverse maritime environments in the Adriatic. Located in Primošten, the centre serves as a gateway to a vast archipelago of over 300 islands and reefs, providing a landscape that transitions from shallow, life-filled reefs to dramatic vertical walls and historic wreck sites.

The centre is built around a commitment to professional standards, operating as an instructor training facility. Whether you are looking to complete your first Open Water Diver qualification or are pursuing advanced technical certifications like Mixed Gas CCR, the infrastructure is designed to support a high level of training and exploration.

The centre is an established training hub, affiliated with PADI, SSI, CMAS, TDI, SDI, IANTD, and PSS. This multi-agency affiliation ensures that divers can pursue a wide variety of certification paths under one roof, including professional instructor training through SDI and TDI.

Communication is seamless for international divers, as the team is multilingual, speaking English, French, German, Dutch, Croatian, Spanish, and Hungarian. This allows for precise instruction and clear briefing, which is essential when navigating the more complex canyon and wreck sites in the region.

The training programme is extensive, covering the entire spectrum of diving. For recreational divers, courses range from Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver to specialty training in Deep, Wreck, Night, and Perfect Buoyancy.

For those moving into the professional realm, the centre offers Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Instructor training. Technical divers will find a robust curriculum, including TDI Advanced Nitrox, Deco Procedures, Trimix, and a full suite of CCR courses such as Air Diluent CCR, Helitrox Diluent CCR, and Advanced Mixed Gas CCR.

The fleet includes two custom-made 11m dive boats, each with a capacity for 12 divers. These vessels are designed specifically for dive operations, providing a stable platform for accessing the surrounding reefs and walls.

For trips requiring more speed or access to more distant sites, the centre utilises a Highfield Patrol 860 speedboat powered by a 500 HP engine. Nitrox is available for use on board, ensuring that divers can manage their bottom times effectively during day trips.

The shore-based facilities are comprehensive, featuring two dedicated equipment storage rooms and a specialized room for camera gear and rebreather maintenance. There is a separate area for compressor and service work, alongside a dedicated filling station located near the beach.

Full equipment hire is available for those not travelling with their own kit, including wetsuits, fins, and masks. The centre also features a large, secure terrace for drying equipment, as well as dedicated washing areas to maintain kit after every dive.

The marine life in this part of the Adriatic is defined by its incredible biodiversity. On the various walls and cliffs, you will find vibrant gorgonians and a variety of rockfish, including scorpionfish and various species of sea fan.

Macro life is abundant throughout the reefs and crevices. Divers can expect to encounter nudibranchs, lobsters, and moray eels tucked into the rocks, alongside various species of conger eel and flounders.

In the open water and along the reef flats, schools of fish are a constant presence, including sars and various other Mediterranean species. During certain periods, lionfish may also be observed in the area.

Diving conditions in the region can vary significantly depending on the site and the weather. While many reef sites are easy and relaxed, certain locations like Mulo and Camelback can experience strong currents.

Vertical walls and canyons, such as those found at Alain's Cliff, are particularly sensitive to wind conditions, especially when the Mistral or North winds are blowing. Divers should always check the local conditions for the specific site to account for variable currents and swell.