A beautiful island located in the Adriatic Sea, Vis has been inhabited by humans since the Neolithic period. The infamous Greek tyrant, Dionysius the Elder, is credited with founding the colony of Issa on Vis in the 4th century BCE, and later, this small island became an independent state, minting its own money, and sending colonists out to occupy other islands. Since then, Vis has served as a vital port; today, it is an idyllic place, with approximately twenty percent of arable land dedicated to vineyards. The surrounding sea beckons sailors, fishermen, and divers alike; here, we'll take a closer look at just five of the best dive sites around Vis.
Amforiste
You'll find many treasures gleaned from sunken ships in the museum on Vis; others remain where they settled more than a thousand years ago. Amforiste is one of the largest amphorae sites Vis has to offer. It is located at the entrance to Vis bay, and unlike many similar sites which are covered with protective meshing, it has been left au naturel, so divers can get a close look. The amphorae lie in heaps, one on top of another, serving as shelter for crabs, starfish, octopi, and other creatures. Maximum depth is 30 meters.
Zelena Spilija
Also known as Green Cave, Zelena Spilija is situated on the southwest shore of the nearby island of Ravnik. The cave's name comes courtesy of the vibrant green algae colonies that thrive at its entrance - these organisms need plenty of light to survive, and they get it via endless rays of light that come in from a large opening in the cave's roof. Also at the cave's entrance is a monolithic rock column; this divides the opening into two separate "doorways." This vast cave is large enough to accommodate a boat, however most dive boats opt to anchor outside to allow divers to enter on their own. Outside the cave, maximum depth is 30 meters; inside the cave, depths are between 3 and 7 meters. Look carefully - you'll find many small fish and other animals living in tiny holes and crevices. As you enjoy this incredible space, use caution - tourist boats often enter to allow non-divers to take a look at one of Croatia's most amazing national wonders.
Greben Topovi
Situated off the east coast of Vis, Greben Topovi is a crag which just breaks the surface. Not only is it of geological interest, it is also the site of a historic clipper wreck. Little is known about this old wooden ship, though she is believed to have belonged to France. Small bits of wood remain, as do a cluster of 14 of her 16 original cannons; the other two are housed in the Vis museum. Maximum depth here is 54 meters; however, the cannons are located at 25 meters, so they're accessible to non-technical divers. The surrounding sea is home to numerous fish; watch for white bream and two-banded bream, groupers, and scorpionfish; in addition, there are moray eels, shellfish, and lots of lobsters living in the rocky crag structure.
Brijuni Wreck
There are a number of wrecks around Vis; the Brijuni Wreck is one of the very best. This steamer was built in 1909 and was originally tasked with passenger transport; in 1914, the navy commandeered the ship, then released her back to the original owners after the First World War came to an end. Brijuni was carrying wine and tobacco when she met her end on February 2nd of 1930, running aground during a strong storm. Lying on her port side, Brijuni lies with her bow at 60 meters and her stern at a more accessible 40 meters; as visibility is outstanding here, one can see the wreck in its entirety during the descent.
Volici
A splendid reef and a fantastic multi-level dive site, Volici offers a wall approximately 200 meters long, with maximum depth at 55 meters, where a beautiful gorgonian colony awaits. As you ascend, you'll pass thorny oysters, forkbeards, lobsters, conger eels and moray eels, and many other creatures. At 12 meters, there is a passageway that leads to the top of the reef; all along the reef's top, there are plenty of fish to keep novice divers company while more experienced members of the group explore the wall.
Hotels, B&B's, restaurants, and other hospitality venues cater specifically to tourists, and archaeological sites abound. Whether you're planning to stay on Vis for a few days, or for a few weeks, you'll find no shortage of things to do and see; so, pack up your dive bag and grab your best dive buddy - Vis offers some spectacular dive sites and a whole lot more.