Compare & Book over 3,500 SSI Training Centers easily online

Explore beginner to instructor courses, community events, and global dive trips. Immerse yourself in a world of discovery and unforgettable experiences with our SSI course and event calendar.

Find upcoming course dates

SSI - Your Choice for Certification

Check out Croatia’s top dive sites

Croatia is home to some of the best diving in Europe. This beautiful country’s long coastline and countless islands offer endless opportunities for spectacular diving. The Adriatic Sea’s mild waters are home to a fantastic array of marine life from rare black coral to reefs filled with colorful nudibranchs, conger eels, octopus, seahorses, lobster, and massive sea stars. The underwater topography is as impressive as it’s sealife; divers can explore an endless array of pillars, canyons, and caverns. There are many wrecks as well, many from both WWI and WWII. With some of Europe’s clearest water, diving is possible in Croatia year-round and will never disappoint.

Find Your Next Adventure

Discover the World’s Most Fascinating Aquatic Life

Aquatic life under our oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams is amazing! From microscopic zooplankton to the largest animal on earth, the blue whale, underwater life comes in all possible shapes and sizes. With 71% of the earth being covered with water, it is no wonder we are so fascinated with what lies beneath the surface. In fact, scientists estimate that there are nearly 1 million different species of aquatic animals. Freshwater ecosystems are home mainly to fish, invertebrates, and reptiles, whereas the ocean contains a wide array of marine life including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, reptiles, sharks, and marine mammals like whales, dolphins, seals, and manatees.

Moray Eel

One of the most fascinating fish on the reef, moray eels come in nearly every size and color from the tiny, bright blue ribbon eel, the smallest averaging only 25 cm long, to the black speckled giant moray which can grow up to 4 meters in length! In fact, there are nearly 200 different species. Most morays are marine dwelling fish, but several species have been seen in brackish water, and just a few are found in fresh water. They are clearly distinguishable from the other reef fish with their long, slithering bodies, pointy snouts full of sharp teeth, and long dorsal fins that run the entire length of their bodies. No matter the species, these animals are always an exciting site to see while scuba diving.

Learn more

Barracuda

Despite their protruding teeth, menacing grin, and aggressive predatory status, barracuda are actually completely passive towards divers and snorkelers, although passing by a large adult can still be intimidating to the most experienced scuba diver. They are found in tropical and temperate oceans throughout the world, preferring to cruise over coral reefs, seagrass beds, and near the surface of the water, never venturing very deep; therefore, they are commonly sighted while scuba diving.

Learn more

Octopus

An octopus has eight arms with suction cups which it uses as powerful tools for hunting prey, defense against attackers, and locomotion along the seafloor. They are one of the most fascinating marine animals on the planet. Every octopus has a designated “arm“ that it favors and uses most often. Because they have no inner skeleton, they are extremely mobile and can slip through the narrowest gaps and holes. Some species can even survive and move on land for a short time. Scuba diving with an octopus is an amazing and rewarding experience.

Learn more

Seahorses and Pipefishes

Seahorse is the generalized name given to 45 of the smallest fish species in the Hippocampus genus. Their name is derived from the distinctive, horse-like shape of their head and neck. They spend most of their time anchored by their tails to coral and plants. Each of their eyes can move independently, giving them the ability to watch for predators and search for food simultaneously. These creatures are incredible, mysterious, intriguing animals. They are also very illusive so keep your eyes open and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to dive with seahorses.

Learn more

Check Out the Incredible Moments Water Enthusiasts Like You Experience Every Day with SSI

Did you just complete an SSI certification? Proudly post it! Want to support your favorite SSI Training Center and promote it to the world? Post it! Did you just have an unforgettable dive experience with your SSI Professional? Post it!

We love to see the SSI family growing day by day: so upload your photo to Instagram with #wearessi or #divessi or mention @ssi_international, and it will automatically appear in the SSI Hall of Fame. We can’t wait to see your adventures today!

Discover the Wonders of the Deep with SSI's Blog

Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves.