Scuba Diving in Albania: Top Wrecks, Reefs, and Dive Sites
Updated 2026-11-01 · 6 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
How to Plan a Scuba Diving Trip to Albania
- Select a base between Sarandë for wreck diving or Vlorë for marine park diving.
- Schedule dives between May and October when water temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C.
- Verify your diving credentials and bring proof of certification and logged dives.
- Book guided boat dives with licensed local operators who register permits with maritime authorities.
- Check gear availability in advance if bringing personal regulators or dive computers.
Where are the best wreck diving sites in Albania?
The primary wreck diving sites are concentrated around the Bay of Sarandë and the Karaburun Peninsula near Vlorë.
Sarandë offers several accessible shipwrecks, notably the Protetto, an Italian torpedo-boat wreck from the early 20th century resting at depths between 15 and 30 meters. Divers also explore the MV Antonio, a cargo ship sunk off the coast, which provides shelter for groupers, moray eels, and octopuses.
In the north near Vlorë, Sazan Island and the Karaburun Peninsula feature older historical wrecks, including ancient Roman and Greek amphora fields alongside modern naval casualties. Maritime regulations require divers to use licensed local guides to prevent disturbance of protected cultural artifacts.
| Dive Site | Location | Depth Range | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protetto Wreck | Sarandë | 15–30 m | Advanced Open Water |
| MV Antonio | Sarandë | 18–40 m | Advanced / Deep |
| Sazan Island Wrecks | Vlorë / Sazan | 12–35 m | Open Water to Advanced |
| Haxhi Ali Cave | Karaburun (Vlorë) | 5–18 m | Open Water |
What marine life and underwater topography can divers see in Albania?
Albanian waters feature karst limestone caves, underwater canyons, Posidonia oceanica meadows, and standard Mediterranean marine fauna.
Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park is Albania's premier natural dive location. The underwater landscape consists of steep cliffs, drop-offs, and caverns like Haxhi Ali Cave. Divers regularly observe red coral, gorgonians, spiny lobsters, and dusky groupers moving along the rocky walls.
The Ionian Sea south of Himarë and Ksamil features shallow reef systems suitable for beginner divers. Sea bream, scorpionfish, cuttlefish, and nudibranchs populate the Posidonia seagrass meadows, where visibility regularly exceeds 20 meters from June to September.
What certifications and permits do you need to scuba dive in Albania?
Divers must hold an internationally recognized certification such as PADI, SSI, or CMAS, or dive directly with an instructor.
Albania strictly regulates diving activities around military zones and underwater archaeological reserves. Solo diving is not permitted in these areas, and divers must be accompanied by registered dive masters who report boat manifests and dive plans to local border police and port authorities.
Recreational divers should carry their certification card, logbook, and proof of diving insurance covering hyperbaric chamber treatments. While commercial diving shops handle maritime clearances, independent exploration of archaeological remains is strictly prohibited by Albanian heritage laws.
When is the best time of year to scuba dive in Albania?
The optimal scuba diving season runs from May through October, with peak conditions in July and August.
Surface water temperatures in the Ionian and southern Adriatic reach 24°C to 26°C in mid-summer, though thermoclines below 15 meters can drop to 16°C to 18°C. A 5mm or 7mm wetsuit is generally recommended for dives below 20 meters, while a 5mm suit is sufficient for shallow summer dives.
Winter and early spring bring rough seas and lower water temperatures around 13°C to 15°C, during which most commercial dive centers close or operate on limited appointment-only schedules. May, June, and September provide the best balance of clear visibility and uncrowded dive boats.
How much does scuba diving cost in Albania?
A single guided boat dive with full equipment typically costs between €45 and €70 (4,400 to 6,900 ALL), though prices change over time.
Two-tank morning dive packages usually range from €80 to €120 (7,900 to 11,800 ALL) including cylinder, weights, guide, and boat transfer. Certified divers bringing their own regulator and BCD can expect discounts of around 15% to 20% per excursion.
Entry-level certification courses like the PADI Open Water Diver course generally cost between €350 and €480 (34,500 to 47,000 ALL), covering learning materials, gear rental, and certification fees. Keep in mind that prices change depending on fuel costs, seasonality, and operator inclusions.