Diving Hvar - Vela Garska Cave

Site Overview

Hvar - Vela Garska Cave is a cave dive site in Central Dalmatia - Sibenik, Split & Islands, Croatia, set in the clear, fish-rich waters of the Adriatic Sea. Vela Garska is a deep underwater cavern off Hvar with dramatic light effects. Lobsters and glassfish inhabit the shadows, and the entrance light is photogenic. Its depth makes it an Advanced dive with overhead awareness. Visibility is excellent, enhancing the light play inside. The remote setting keeps it uncrowded. It is a scenic, less-dived Hvar site for experienced divers. Conditions are typical of the Croatian coast: visibility generally runs from 15 to 35 metres, the current is low and the water temperature ranges between 15 and 26 degrees Celsius depending on season and depth. The marine life is classic Adriatic, centred on european lobster, mediterranean cardinalfish, mediterranean moray, with the full community described below for those planning a dive. Because of its advanced rating and the need for Advanced Open Water certification, Hvar - Vela Garska Cave is best approached with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, wreck or deep training. It is a representative example of why Croatian diving, with its wrecks, walls, caves and gorgonian forests, attracts divers who want history and Mediterranean life in equal measure.