Introductory Scuba Diving in Pula: Breathe Underwater

Breathe underwater for the first time in the Adriatic

Introductory scuba diving in Pula teaches you to dive up to 7 meters deep in the turquoise waters off Verudela beach, with all equipment provided and professional instruction in confined water before your open water dive. The 3-hour session runs at 10am or 3pm at Orca Diving Centre. Groups stay very small, and you can credit the experience toward SSI Open Water certification if you want to continue.

The experience

The scuba equipment arrives with you at Orca Diving Centre, located under Hotel Park Plaza Histria. Your instructor walks through the basics of the gear and safe diving practices, then leads a confined water session in the pool so you're comfortable with the equipment before entering the sea. This shallow-water training is where you learn to breathe through the regulator, equalize pressure and handle the fundamentals in a controlled setting.

Once you're ready, you move to Verudela beach for your open water dive. You descend to around 7 meters into the Adriatic, guided by your instructor the whole time. The water is turquoise and clear enough to spot the underwater wildlife the Istrian Peninsula is known for. The whole experience (from the orientation through the open water dive) takes about 3 hours.

If you want to keep diving after this session, you can book additional dives on the spot. The experience also counts toward the SSI Open Water Course if you decide to pursue full certification within 12 months. Your instructor can explain how that works when you finish.

What’s included

• All scuba equipment (wetsuit, tank, regulator, BCD and weights).
• professional instruction in English, Italian, French, German or another language.
• confined water training in the pool.
• open water dive at Verudela beach.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SundayDepartures at 10:00 and 12:00Last departure this season: 1 Nov

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (19 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 70 years) · Youth (14 to 18 years) · Child (8 to 13 years) · Infant (under 1)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Italian and Croatian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Orca diving centre

Is this one for you?The 3-hour session includes a confined water training phase before you enter the sea, so you're not jumping straight into open water. This structure suits anyone trying scuba for the first time and wanting to build confidence in a controlled setting first.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Italian and Croatian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 18 years); Child (8 to 13 years); Infant (under 1).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I actually do during the confined water session before the real dive?

The confined water session in the pool lets you practice breathing through the regulator, learn how to equalize the pressure in your ears as you descend, and get comfortable with the equipment in a safe, shallow environment before you enter the sea at Verudela beach.

How deep do we go on the open water dive?

You descend to around 7 meters (about 23 feet) in the turquoise waters off Verudela beach, guided by your instructor throughout the dive.

What time does the diving start, and how long does the whole thing take?

Dives depart at 10am or 3pm from Orca Diving Centre. The full session, including orientation, confined water training and the open water dive, takes about 3 hours.

Can I credit this dive toward a full scuba certification?

Yes, the experience counts toward SSI Open Water certification for up to 12 months after you complete it. Your instructor can explain how to apply it if you decide to pursue the full course.

What's included in the price?

All scuba equipment is included: wetsuit, tank, regulator, buoyancy control device and weights. Your instructor and the confined water training are also included. Food, drinks and transportation to Verudela beach are not.

Is there a minimum age or fitness requirement?

Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.