Imagine the moment when you dive for the first time and spot a two-thousand-year-old amphora among the swaying seagrass. Your hand instinctively reaches toward it, your heart pounds rapidly, and a question echoes in your mind: Is this real? On Vis – it is. This Dalmatian island, closed to foreigners for decades due to a military base, today hides one of the best-preserved underwater archaeological treasures of the Mediterranean.
And no – you don't need to be a professional diver to experience it.
Why is Vis special for diving?
Vis didn't become a diving paradise by accident. The combination of geographical position, turbulent maritime history, and the fact that it was a restricted military zone until 1989 created a perfect storm for underwater preservation. While other parts of the Adriatic suffered the consequences of mass tourism, Vis quietly guarded its treasure.
Visibility in the sea regularly reaches 30 to 40 meters – rarely anywhere in the Mediterranean can you see so far. The sea is exceptionally clean because there are no major industrial polluters, and currents bring fresh Atlantic water through the Strait of Otranto.
But the real magic lies in the numbers: around Vis and the surrounding islets, more than 15 significant ancient shipwrecks have been identified, from Greek merchant ships to Roman wine transporters. Some lie at depths accessible even to beginners.
5 locations you can explore without a diving certificate
1. Stiniva Cove – snorkeling above an ancient anchorage
Stiniva, declared the most beautiful European beach in 2016, hides a secret that most swimmers never discover. Below the surface, at a depth of only 3 to 8 meters, lies an ancient anchorage with remnants of ceramics and metal objects.
Practical information:
- Depth: 2-8 meters (ideal for snorkeling)
- Access: on foot via a steep path (20 minutes) or by boat
- Best time: early morning, before day-trippers arrive
- Equipment: mask, snorkel, and fins are sufficient for a basic experience
Local tip: come in June or September. In summer, the beach becomes overcrowded, and water clarity decreases due to swimmers.
2. Cape Stupišće – Roman shipwreck on a single breath
On the northwestern side of the island, near Cape Stupišće, lie the remains of a Roman merchant ship from the 1st century. The ship was transporting amphorae with wine and olive oil when it was caught in a storm.
The special feature of this location is that part of the site is at only 5 to 12 meters depth. Experienced freedivers can experience an incredible moment – floating above scattered amphorae while surrounded by schools of salema and mullet.
Practical information:
- Depth of the shallower part: 5-12 meters
- Organized trips: diving centers offer guided snorkeling tours (around 40-50 euros per person)
- Required: good physical fitness for freediving; alternatively, snorkeling above the location
3. Blue Cave on Biševo – immersion in blue light
Technically, the Blue Cave is not a diving location with a shipwreck. But it would be a mistake not to mention it because it offers a unique underwater experience accessible to everyone – swimming in supernatural blue light created by the refraction of sunlight through the underwater entrance.
The cave was known even to ancient sailors who used it as a shelter. At the bottom, at about 15 meters, fragments of Greek ceramics have been found.
Practical information:
- Visit: by organized excursion from Komiža (150-200 kuna for the boat ride)
- Swimming: allowed at certain times, be sure to ask the captain
- Best time: between 11 AM and 1 PM, when the blue light effect is strongest
4. Rogačić Cove – Discover Scuba Diving for beginners
If you want to dive with a tank but don't have a certificate, Rogačić Cove is ideal for the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) program. This cove on the northern side of Vis has a sandy bottom, minimal currents, and a gradual slope – perfect for a first dive.
At a depth of 12 to 18 meters, there is a scattered site with fragments of ancient ceramics. The guide will safely take you down and allow you to see 2000-year-old remains with your own eyes.
Practical information:
- DSD program price: 70-90 euros (includes equipment, instructor, one dive)
- Duration: about 3 hours (theory, preparation, dive)
- Minimum age: 10 years
- Diving centers: Issa Diving (Komiža), Vis Diving Center (Vis town)
5. Komiža Bay – night snorkeling above the site
For a completely different experience, book night snorkeling in Komiža Bay. Underwater spotlights reveal details you don't notice during the day – ceramic textures, tiny marine organisms emerging from their hiding spots, the play of shadows on the sandy bottom.
Part of the bay served as a harbor since Greek times, and fragments from different eras can be seen on the bottom.
Practical information:
- Price: 35-50 euros per person with guide and equipment
- Duration: about 90 minutes
- Reservation: a day in advance at diving centers
What you need to know before you dive
Croatia's underwater archaeological treasure is protected by law. This means you must not touch, move, or lift any objects from the seabed. Photography is allowed and even encouraged – take memories with you, leave artifacts for future generations.
Diving centers on Vis cooperate with the Ministry of Culture and know exactly which locations are accessible and which require special permits. Stick to organized tours and you'll be on the safe side.
When to visit and where to stay
The ideal period for diving activities on Vis extends from May to October. June and September offer a perfect balance: the sea is warm enough (22-25°C), and crowds are smaller than in July and August.
For accommodation, consider apartments in Komiža if you're interested in diving – all diving centers are located there or nearby. Vis town offers more restaurants and nightlife, while Komiža has a more authentic, fishing village character.
After diving, reward yourself in taverns with local specialties. Viška pogača, fish under the bell, and Vugava wine from the Vis hills are the perfect end to a day spent exploring the secrets of the sea.
Practical tips for beginner divers
- Book in advance – especially DSD programs, as instructors have a limited number of spots per day
- Avoid alcohol the day before diving
- Bring your own mask if you have one – borrowed masks often leak
- A wetsuit is needed even in summer at greater depths; centers include it in the price
- GoPro or underwater camera – worth bringing or renting for unforgettable footage
Vis is not an island for those seeking crowded beaches and loud clubs. Vis is for the curious, for explorers, for those who want to peek below the surface – literally and metaphorically. When you dive and see the remains of a two-thousand-year-old ship with your own eyes, you'll understand why this place is so special.
Because sometimes the most beautiful stories don't wait in museums, but where the sea itself has preserved them.