Learn to Dive in Albania
Albania’s Highlights
Albania has some wonderful scuba diving spots. Located in the Mediterranean, it boasts beautiful crystal blue waters. Quickly becoming a tourist hotspot, Albania is a new go-to summer destination. Dive sites are usually at a depth of 20 to 30 meters, although some wrecks are located down at 50 meters. The majority of the bottom topography is sandy and rocky. Albania is still under-rated compared to neighboring Italy and Greece. Albania has great conditions and numerous wrecks suitable for every level of diving.
When is the best time to go diving in Albania?
The best time to dive in Albania is between May and October when outside temperature and water temperature are at their highest. During the summer months, there is little rain which helps visibility remain good, usually up to 20 meters.
Water Temperature: The water temperature drops to 5°C in winter and rises to 23°C in July and August.
Currents: A lot of sites in Albania have moderate undercurrents.
Visibility: Visibility is usually between 10 and 15 meters.
Albania’s best dive sites
The Po Wreck
Albania’s wrecks are world famous. Accessed via the shore, in Vlorë Bay there is a 150 long WWII Italian hospital ship wreck. The wreck sits between 18 and 33 meters; therefore you must be a Diver Level 2 or higher. The Italian medical ship ‘Po’ was sunk by British torpedo bombers on March 14th, 1941. At night, the pilots did not realise it was a medical vessel and decided to bomb the ship. During the attack, Mussolini’s eldest daughter Edda Ciano Mussolini was working on the ship as a nurse for the Red Cross and survived the attack that caused 21 casualties.
Sarandë Italian freighter SS Probitas
Located on the sandy bottom of the Bay of Sarandë, only 300 meters from shore, lies an Italian cargo ship from World War II. The ship was sunk during World War II by German bombers. There is a surface buoy which marks the wreck. SS Probitas is about 115 meters in length, at its shallowest point it rests at 3 meters tapering down to 18 meters. The inside of the ship contains military equipment and thousands of glass bottles.
Ksamil Bay
Ksamil Bay is a sheltered site containing a labyrinth made of rocks and features dozens of pen shells sticking out of the sea floor. It’s an easy and shallow dive suitable for all levels. There is a chance to spot rays during this dive.
About the country
Albania is located in Southeastern Europe, with a population of close to 3 million. Situated on both the Adriatic and Ionian Sea within the Mediterranean Sea. It has maritime borders with Greece, Montenegro and Italy. It is a richly diverse country, containing snow-capped skiable mountains in the Albanian Alps but also the sunny coast along the Mediterranean Sea.
Recreational Courses in Albania
Dive Centers in Albania
Getting to Albania
Albania is easily accessible by most European cities and is suitable for a long weekend or week-long vacation. The easiest would be to fly to Albania. Within Albania transport is easily done by train, bus or car.
Other important information
- Capital: Tirana
- Official Language: Albanian
- Other recognised languages: Greek, Aromanian and Macedonian.
- Demonym: Albanian
- Currency: Lek
- Calling code: +355
- Driving Side: Right
- Population: Close to 3 million
- Pressure: Bar
- First Stage: DIN
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Viroi Cave is one of Albania’s most popular diving spots. The cave is located in the Viroi area of Lake Ohrid and is accessible via a small hole in the ground. The cave is approximately 30 meters deep and is filled with fresh water. The water is crystal clear and the cave is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. Divers can expect to see a variety of fish, including carp, eels, and catfish.
The Blue Eye Spring is truly unique, with crystal clear water that is a deep blue hue. It’s said that the spring is bottomless, but divers have actually reached depths of over 100 meters.
The spring is located in a small village called Munie, and is surrounded by lush greenery. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in nature. There are plenty of spots to relax on the grassy banks or take a dip in the spring.
The water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom.
Votrus Shipwreck is located in the Ionian Sea and is a popular spot for divers. The Votrus was a Greek merchant ship that was sailing from Italy to Greece when it ran into a storm and sank in the early 1900s.
The shipwreck is now a popular spot for divers, as it is home to a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to see a variety of fish, as well as octopus and eels. The Votrus Shipwreck is a great spot for divers of all levels, as there are a variety of depth options.
Antonio Shipwreck is from the 4th century BC and is one of the most well-preserved shipwrecks in the world. You can see amphorae, pottery, and other artifacts from the ship as you swim through it. This is a once in a lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss.