GENERAL INFO

Diving in Austria is not that famous as, for example, in Malta or Spain. However, crystal clear lakes and rivers are a paradise for divers, both for beginners and experienced divers. Also, ice diving can be unforgettable experience.

Underwater

underwater life: carps, catfish, crayfish, perch, pike, salmon, trout and many other species
sunken trees

Suit

Due to low temperatures of the Austrian lakes and rivers, divers usually choose dry suits or semi-dry suits. Dry gloves are also recommended.

Visibility

10–40 metres

Best time to dive

June – October

Courses

Besides recreational diving for beginners, it is possible to take a PADI course (Proffessional Association of Diving Instructors), BSAC course (British Sub Aqua Club) or DSAT course (Diving Science and Technology).

PADI courses:
Open Water Diver
Adventure Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver
Rescue Diver
Master Scuba Diver
Divemaster
Nitrox
Specialities: Deep Diving, Night Diving, Wreck Diving, Underwater Navigation, Underwater Photography, Peek Performance Buoyancy

BSAC courses:
Ocean Diver – basic skills, non-decompression diving
Sports Diver – rescue and decompression diving
Dive Leader – dive leading, marshalling and rescue management
BSAC Nitrox Course
BSAC Full Instructor Course
BSAC IFC – Instructor Foundation Course
BSAC OWIC – Open Water Instructor Course

DSAT courses:
Nitrox Diver – qualifying recreational divers to use nitrox (enriched air) for no stop recreational diving
Deep Diver – introduction to deep diving
Tec Deep Level 1 – extended decompression diving
Tec Deep – technical deep diving, extended no decompression dives, decompression stop dives
Tec Trimix – qualifying divers to go to 75 m
Gas Blender
Trimix Gas Blender

SSI courses:
- Scuba update
- (Junior) Open Water Diver
- Specialities: Nitrox Diver, Deep Diving, Stress & Rescue, night diving, underwater navigation, underwater photography, boat diving, Dry suit, Wreck diving
- Advanced Diver (4 Specialities)
- Master Diver
- Dive Control Specialist
- CPR & First Aid

More info: DIVING COURSES

Prices

about 350/initial open water course
about 25 euro/1 dive

Unaccompanied divers

Persons who don’t have an internationally recognized basic diving certificate (e.g. PADI Open Water Diver, CMAS *) are allowed to dive only when accompanied by a diving instructor.

Regulations

Lakes: Erlaufsee, Grundlsee, Hallstättersee, Vorderer Langbathseen, Vorderer Gosausee, Gleinkersee, Altausseer Augstsee are owned by the National Forest Administration. Diving in these lakes requires a permission. Arge Diving Card entitles the holder to dive freely in these lakes. It can be purchased online at www.arge-tauchen.at

For diving in Austria a diving insurance is recommended.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling can be an alternative to scuba diving as it is really enjoyable, cheap and there is no age limit. Even in the first few metres below the surface experiencing the underwater environment can be extremely exciting. Crystal clear Austrian waters invite to an adventure of meeting a variety of fish and other underwater creatures. One can try it independently or choose one of many snorkeling excursions offers with professional guides. There are also skin diving courses for those who are interested in equipment, techniques and safety.