Diving Hvar - Vodnjak (Pakleni Islands)

Site Overview

Hvar - Vodnjak (Pakleni Islands) is a wall dive site in Central Dalmatia - Sibenik, Split & Islands, Croatia, set in the clear, fish-rich waters of the Adriatic Sea. Vodnjak is a steep wall in the Pakleni Islands off Hvar, dressed in gorgonians. Eagle rays and amberjacks cruise the blue, making it a favourite for big-fish action. Moderate current makes it a dive for confident Advanced divers. Visibility is regularly excellent, showing the wall and rays clearly. The Pakleni setting is scenic and close to Hvar Town. It is a flagship wall of the Central Dalmatian islands. Conditions are typical of the Croatian coast: visibility generally runs from 18 to 38 metres, the current is moderate and the water temperature ranges between 15 and 26 degrees Celsius depending on season and depth. The marine life is classic Adriatic, centred on common eagle ray, greater amberjack, red gorgonian, 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 - Vodnjak (Pakleni Islands) 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.