"Divers" Mostar Things to Do Tip by antistar

The steep, often vertical, banks of the river Neretva, with the many natural rock platforms, make it perfect for divers. Add to that a magnificent, towering bridge from which the best and bravest divers can show off their skills, and you have a recipe for a diving heritage that stretches back centuries. All along the banks young people congregate to practice diving, egging each other on to greater tests of skill and steel.

If you are really lucky you'll spot one of the bridge divers. Their breathtaking leaps don't come free, and are attended by much drama and play acting. It's not a scam - they will dive. They just want to drum up as much money for the performance as possible. One of the diving club will walk out on the bridge, walk dangerously along the bridge's edge, threaten to go home if not enough money is found... and then finally, gracefully, improbably, he will dive from the bridge into the cool waters far below.

The waters really are cold. They come direct from the mountains, and even in the 40+ degrees of summer, can be well below 20. The difference is enough to cause cardiac arrest with the sudden change. So if the divers come out during the day, part of the performance will involve getting completely drenched before the dive, to reduce the temperature shock. Otherwise they'll turn out in the early evening when the temperature difference is much reduced.

Probably the best place to view them is from below, especially enjoying a beer at one of the many bars at the river's edge. This way you don't have to pay them a cent, although I would gladly have handed over money if they'd have come close enough for me to offer some. If you are on the bridge you will be hustled, but don't sweat it: Pay up and enjoy the show!

Directions: On the old bridge.