Safety · Destination Guide
Adriatic walls, island coves, and wild limestone coast from one historic gateway
The central risks are exposed Adriatic weather, deep walls, overhead temptation, boat traffic, summer heat, and the island's distance from mainland emergency care. Make conservative site choices, use an authorized park operator, carry appropriate insurance, and preserve Telascica's protected habitats. In a life-threatening emergency call 112 first; maritime incidents can also use 195 or VHF channel 16.
Use a properly equipped local center for Telascica and follow the skipper's weather decision. Carry a dive computer and surface marker buoy, maintain gas reserves, and do not let a wall pull the team below its planned depth. Current, swell, and boat traffic can affect even apparently sheltered water. Cavern, cave, wreck-penetration, decompression, rebreather, and mixed-gas diving require matching certification and equipment. Freedivers must use a trained buddy with active one-up, one-down supervision; snorkelers should remain visible and avoid channels. Leave a written shore contact, planned return, and emergency location for remote coves.
Dugi Otok has limited local medical services, while Zadar General Hospital provides mainland secondary and emergency care at Boze Pericica 5, Zadar, phone +385 23 505 505. No hyperbaric chamber on Dugi Otok was confirmed in the reviewed sources. For suspected decompression illness, arterial gas embolism, serious breath-hold injury, or drowning, call 112 or maritime rescue on 195 immediately, administer oxygen when trained, and contact DAN Europe at +39 06 4211 5685 for specialist coordination. Do not delay local emergency activation while trying to identify a chamber yourself.
Vertical walls exceed recreational depth
Several Telascica walls and outer-coast profiles continue far below the highlighted features. Use a computer, maintain buoyancy, watch gas and no-decompression limits, and follow the guide's maximum depth.
Wind and swell can reverse the plan
Bura, jugo, and local afternoon wind can create chop, rough crossings, difficult exits, or port disruption. Treat substitutions and cancellations as normal safety management.
Caves are overhead environments
Natural light does not remove entanglement, disorientation, surge, falling-rock, and gas risks. Remain in open water unless training, equipment, guide, and conditions explicitly support entry.
Boat traffic increases in summer
Use a flag, float, surface marker buoy, and active lookout. Avoid crossing marked channels and do not surface blindly near excursion routes or moorings.
Telascica prohibits collecting marine organisms, disturbing protected wildlife, spearfishing, littering, unauthorized fires, and other damaging activity. Maintain excellent buoyancy around red gorgonians, caves, and walls. Never stand on or anchor in Posidonia seagrass; use designated moorings and follow the skipper or ranger. Keep distance from dolphins, approach slowly and parallel, and never chase, feed, or encircle them. Take only images, secure loose gear, use refillable water containers, and support operators that brief the park rules before departure.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when vertical walls exceed recreational depth. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Emergency Number | Police, fire, medical, and coordinated emergency response | 112 | 24/7 |
| Croatian Maritime Search and Rescue | Maritime distress and rescue coordination; VHF channel 16 is also monitored | 195 | 24/7 |
| Emergency Medical Service | Direct medical emergency line in Croatia | 194 | 24/7 |
| Police | Police emergency line in Croatia | 192 | 24/7 |
| Zadar General Hospital | Mainland hospital and emergency care | +385 23 505 505 | Hospital operates continuously; confirm department access by phone |
| DAN Europe Emergency Hotline | Diving medical consultation and evacuation coordination after local emergency activation | +39 06 4211 5685 | 24/7; English first response |
| Telascica Nature Park | Park rules, tickets, permits, and visitor information | +385 23 377 096 | Office and seasonal visitor hours; not a substitute for 112 or 195 |