Open Water Croatia began in 1995 as a small diving school on the coast near Split, founded by Vladimir Stipčević – dive instructor, skipper and still the first person you’ll meet on the boat.
Diving is built on trust. Over the years, our divers kept returning with their families and friends – some wanted to explore above the water too. So we grew, carefully: boat days, snorkeling trips, activities along the coast. What never changed is the scale. Small groups. Personal guides. Time to breathe.
Who you’ll dive with
- Vladimir “Vlado” Stipčević – CEO, Dive Control Specialist Instructor
- Alina Danet – Branch Office Manager, Omis
- A small team of certified instructors and skippers
What we stand for
- Safety without drama – thorough briefings, honest weather calls
- Small groups: maximum 6 guests per tour
- Water Sports Company of the Year 2018
- More than 2,000 guests have explored Croatia with us
Read what our guests say on TripAdvisor.
Real dives, real guests, real Adriatic – no stock photos.
Open Water Croatia: diving in Split since 1995
Open Water Croatia is an independent diving school shaped by local knowledge, long-term relationships and a calm approach to the sea. We work along the coast between Split and Omiš, choosing activities and dive sites with the day’s conditions, the experience of the group and the simple goal of making time on the water feel easy. We are not interested in moving the biggest possible group through a schedule. We want guests to feel looked after, informed and free to enjoy the Adriatic.
A local team, not a tourist conveyor belt
Our team includes certified instructors, skippers and people who know this part of the coast well. That matters before you enter the water: in the briefing, the honest call when conditions change, the fitting of equipment and the time we take to answer questions. It matters just as much during the experience, whether you are trying scuba for the first time, completing a course, joining a guided dive or travelling with family who want to snorkel.
Why guests return to Open Water Croatia
Many of our guests first visit us for one activity and return later with partners, friends or family. Small groups create a more personal atmosphere; clear communication and realistic planning make the day less stressful. We are proud of the trust guests place in us, and we work to earn it on every trip with thoughtful preparation, good equipment and a respectful attitude to the sea.
Visit us near Split and Omiš
Our meeting point is in Omiš, around 30 minutes from Split. If you are deciding between a try dive, a certification course, guided dives or a family activity, contact us with your dates and experience level. We will give you a straightforward recommendation and help you choose the option that fits your holiday.
Our approach to safe, enjoyable diving
Good diving starts before the boat leaves or the equipment is carried to the shore. We plan carefully, keep the practical steps simple and make safety decisions without drama. This approach gives beginners confidence and lets experienced divers enjoy the sites without unnecessary fuss. It is also why we keep the relationship personal: people are more comfortable when they know who they are diving with and what to expect.
We look forward to welcoming you, sharing practical local advice and helping you experience the coast in a way that feels genuinely personal.
Before you arrive, we are available to answer practical questions about equipment, bookings, meeting times and the experience that will suit you best.
Our team will help you plan a calm, memorable day by the sea.