Kvarner · Croatia · Reef
Hrid Kamenjak
Two reefs: yellow gorgonians to 25 m, endemic sponges to 35 m
Area photo: Nem80 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Hrid Kamenjak offers two reefs rather than one. The first drops to 25 m and is rich in nudibranchs, sponges and yellow gorgonians; the second extends to 35 m and is home to endemic sponges. It is a dive for small life and fixed growth rather than big animals, and the second reef needs deep training to do properly.
Where it is and how deep
45.0724° N, 14.7345° EPublished position for this site.
The dive
The site is two reefs, and the sensible plan is to take the deeper one first. The second reef extends to 35 m and is home to endemic sponges; drop onto it, spend the first part of the dive at depth looking at the sponge growth, and turn before no-decompression time or gas make the decision for you.
Then move onto the first reef, which goes down to 25 m and carries the colour: yellow gorgonians on the rock, sponges, and nudibranchs in numbers, so this is the section to slow down and hunt for macro subjects. Work up the reef as you go and finish in its shallower part, which serves as the stop before the ascent to the boat.
Marine life and season
- Nudibranchs
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-season | Off-season | Fair | Fair | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Fair | Off-season |
Season follows Kvarner: Peak season is May to September and conditions hold into October; from winter into early spring the bora churns the water and brings current, with the sea at 12–14 °C.
Know before you go
- The second reef extends to 35 m; plan it as the first, deep part of the dive and set a floor.
Sources
- Hrid Kamenjak — Scubago — Scubago
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