Slapy and Orlík are freshwater reservoir diving destinations in Bohemia, built around submerged structures rather than natural rock. The site mix leans heavily on wrecks and artificial reefs, with flooded quarries, a submerged factory, drowned mill buildings, and deliberately sunk vehicles all available to explore. Beginner-friendly shallows sit alongside advanced dives that push well beyond recreational depths. Visibility is variable and conditions can be demanding, which gives the region a technical character that sets it apart from coastal diving.
4 operators
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
4 more sites to explore
Fin maps 12 sites in Slapy & Orlík (12 scuba diving sites).
Across Slapy & Orlík's dive sites, May, June, July, August and September are most often reported as the best months to visit.
These are freshwater reservoirs, so the wildlife is quite different from coastal diving. Common Perch, Pike Perch, Carp, Common Carp, Catfish, Burbot, and Trout are all associated with these sites. The region also lists Freshwater Jellyfish, Freshwater Sponge, and Freshwater Shrimp among expected species. Snail has been directly observed at the sites.
Several sites are graded for beginners, including Zátoka Babor, Lom Hříměždice, and Sladovařská zátoka, all of which offer shallow entry points. However, some of the same sites drop to significant depths, and sites such as Hráz Slapy and Borákův mlýn are rated advanced. Beginners should stick to the shallower sections and choose sites explicitly listed at their skill level.
The majority of sites in Slapy and Orlík are accessible from shore, which makes independent diving straightforward for those with their own equipment. A handful of sites, including Zátoka Babor, Borákův mlýn, and Vraky pod vyhlídkou, also permit boat entry. There are currently no listed dive operators in the region, so divers should plan accordingly and arrive self-sufficient.
The region offers a varied set of submerged structures. Cholín továrna centres on an industrial factory complex paired with a wall, while Borákův mlýn preserves the remains of a drowned mill. Vraky pod vyhlídkou is known for submerged car wrecks, and Lom Hříměždice is a purpose-developed flooded quarry with added artificial structures. Each site has a distinct character and depth profile, so it is worth reading individual site notes before choosing.
