Split Diving: 5 Technical Questions to Ask Before You Book

Booking scuba diving in Split feels effortless because everything is close to the Old Town. But in a busy coastal city, “close” doesn’t always mean efficient. A wrong choice can turn a great diving day into a 3-hour road trip with very little time in the water.

As a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, I have seen too many divers arrive at the boat exhausted from traffic.To avoid this, ask these five technical questions before you pay.

  1. Is the boat actually departing from Split, or are you being transferred?

This is the most common (and expensive) mix-up. You think you’re booking a Split scuba diving, but you’re actually buying a seat from a booking office that sends you to another harbor—usually Trogir.

While Trogir is only 28km away, the summer traffic gridlock on that route is notorious. At Diving Center Venus, we are strategically located in Kaštel Stari, exactly between the Split airport and Split. This allows us to bypass the Trogir bridge bottlenecks and get you to the islands faster.

What to ask:

  • “From which exact port does the boat leave?”
  • “Can you share the GPS coordinates of the departure point?”
  • The Venus Standard: We provide direct GPS coordinates to our waterfront base for those with rental cars. For others, we eliminate the stress of logistics: we organize private Uber transfers from Split center directly to our door (approx. 20 min), or offer a 15-minute speedboat pickup from Matejuška (Split Main Promenade) for groups of 4+.

  1. Are you speaking with a dive professional or a sales agent?

A storefront in the Diocletian’s Palace is great for foot traffic, but it’s often staffed by sales agents who have never been to the sites they are selling.

What to ask:

  • “Who will guide the scuba diving—an instructor or a divemaster?”
  • “What is the exact thermocline depth at the Šolta or Brač sites this week?”
  • The Venus Standard: You deal directly with me, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer. I don’t just sell the trip; I manage the dive, the boat, and the safety protocols personally.

  1. How old is the equipment, and is it serviced on-site?

Scuba gear requires constant maintenance and space for rinsing—something a 10m² city office cannot provide. At Venus, we invest in hardware over expensive city rents. Our logistics are powered by a brand-new 2026 Honda 250HP engine, ensuring that your transit to the islands is as reliable as the regulators we provide.

What to ask:

  • “When were the regulators last serviced and where is the service area?”
  • “Do you have a full size range of well-maintained dive wetsuits?”
  • The Venus Standard: All our equipment is serviced and rinsed at our 200m² private facility at Kamberovo šetalište 12, where we have the space and tools to maintain everything to professional standards.

  1. Do you have a real waterfront base or only a city office?

A real dive center needs a compressor room,room for diving equipment,rinse tanks, and direct boat access. If an operator can’t explain where you gear up, you’re likely booking a “reseller” who will cram you into a van to another town.

What to look for:

  • A physical base address on the coast (not just an office near the Peristyle).

The Venus Standard: Our base in Kaštel Stari is steps away from our boat. No walking through city crowds with heavy gear. You arrive, gear up in a professional environment, and step onto the boat. 

Beyond the technical setup, consider the logistics of arrival. Finding any parking spot in Split City Center is nearly impossible and often requires a long walk to the harbor. Our base in Kaštel Stari is located in a zone with ample public parking right in front of our doors. You can drive directly to the diving center, unload your personal gear with ease, and park just steps away from the boat.

  • The Venus Standard: Our base at Kamberovo šetalište 12 is designed for convenience. No navigating pedestrian zones or carrying heavy bags across the city. You arrive, find easy parking in the immediate vicinity, gear up in a professional environment, and step onto our boat.

 

  1. Is the transfer fast, private, and predictable?

Last-mile logistics can ruin your schedule. Many agencies tell you to take a public bus or wait for a slow, shared van. We believe your time is more valuable than that.

What to ask:

  • “Is the transfer private, shared, or public transport?”
  • “How long is the actual door-to-boat time?”
  • The Venus Standard: We don’t do buses. We organize private Uber transfers from Split center directly to our base (approx. 20 min). If you are a group(4+), we skip the road entirely and pick you up with our Honda-powered RIB directly at Matejuška (Split Main Promenade).

Choosing the Right Plan: Spend Your Time Underwater, Not in Traffic

Split is a fantastic base for diving in Croatia, but only if you choose an operator who prioritizes sea time over road time. Whether you’re looking for PADI courses, a first-time try dive, or advanced wreck diving, the logistics matter as much as the certification.

Before you book, ask the most important question: “How much of my day is actual diving, and how much is sitting in a van?”

At Diving Center Venus, we guarantee more time in the water. Book your direct dive today at scubadiving-split.com.

By Venus Diving Centar Blog