Subaquatic

Located in the heart of the Plava Laguna lagoon in Umag, Subaquatic provides access to the clear, unpolluted waters of the northern Adriatic. The centre is positioned within the Stella Maris complex, offering easy access to the coast and local amenities near the Slovenian border.

The region is known for one of the longest diving seasons in the Mediterranean, stretching from early spring through to late autumn. The underwater landscape of Istria is varied, ranging from shallow, sheltered reefs to deeper wreck sites that have become thriving artificial habitats.

Subaquatic operates as an SSI affiliated centre with a professional team focused on safety and high-quality instruction. They manage a full spectrum of training, from initial student experiences to professional-level certifications.

The centre is equipped to handle various diver needs, offering courses that range from basic skills to specialised technical and professional training. Their expertise covers everything from buoyancy control to advanced wreck penetration and instructor development.

The training programme is extensive, following the SSI curriculum. For those starting their journey, options include Try Scuba, Basic Diver, Scuba Diver, and Open Water Diver, followed by Advanced OW Diver.

Specialised courses are available for experienced divers, including Enriched Air Nitrox, Deep diving, Navigation, Night and limited visibility, and Perfect buoyancy. For those interested in technical or professional paths, the centre offers Wreck diving, Advanced wreck diving, Dive Guide, Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Instructor Training.

Other specific skills can be honed through courses in Photo & Video, Science of diving, Search & recovery, Stress & Rescue, and React Right.

The centre operates two main vessels for daily excursions. The Flipper is a 12-metre speed boat powered by a 350 HP engine, with a capacity for 12 divers plus the crew. It is equipped with GPS navigation, a sonar, a UHF radio station, and an O2 first aid kit.

The Baracuda is a faster option, featuring twin 200 HP motors and a capacity for 12 passengers. Both boats are used for daily trips of two or three dives, with travel times to various sites ranging from 15 minutes to one hour.

On-site, the centre maintains two compressors and a dedicated Nitrox filling station. Nitrox is available in 6, 10, 12, and 15-litre cylinders to support extended bottom times.

A full range of rental equipment is available for those not bringing their own kit. The facilities include an outdoor swimming pool with showers near the beach, and the entire centre is designed with step-free access for divers with reduced mobility.

The reefs and rocky bottoms are home to a variety of Mediterranean fish, cuttlefish, and colourful sponges. You will often find seahorses tucked away in the vegetation and various species of crabs and starfish among the rocks.

Macro life is abundant, particularly around the wrecks and crevices. Divers can look for nudibranchs, lobsters, and various species of conger eels hiding in the shadows.

The seabed is also populated by sea cucumbers and a variety of soft corals, contributing to the biodiversity of the Istrian coast.

The diving season runs from the beginning of spring until the end of autumn. The area offers sheltered bays, such as the sites near Space Reef, which are protected from northern winds and currents, providing good visibility and calm conditions.

Some deeper sites, such as the Romital wreck, are located on muddy bottoms which can occasionally impact visibility. Divers exploring the deeper fissures near the coast are advised to carry an underwater torch to better observe the fauna.