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The sea in Croatia is very clear and clean. The sea bed is pebble, particularly in the shallow areas, therefore the visibility of the underwater is outstanding. Swimming and snorkeling in the Adriatic Sea is very safe. You will not find any sharks, whales or other hazardous species, but rather lots of dolphins. The most popular dolphin places are Lošinj Island and Rovinj Island. Along the shoreline, there are also loads of shipwreck
1. National Park Brijuni
Protected as a national park since 1983, fishing is strictly regulated in the region around the Brijuni Islands. This makes the flora and fauna underwater better maintained and just richer than anywhere else. The seabed is populated with sea urchins, shellfish, sponges, and fish. The two protected species can also be seen: the pen-shell and the date-shell. You can also see dolphins.
Boats to Brijuni Islands depart from a village of Fazana. You can easily arrange the snorkeling. However, if you want to explore underwater archeological sites in Veriga Bay, you will need to join an organized tour. Further information can be obtained at izleti@np-brijuni.hr.
2. Cape Kamenjak
Cape Kamenjak is a nature park situated not far from Pula, at the southernmost point of Istria. If you appreciate nature, such as long walks, biking and water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking or windsurfing, this park is worth a visit.
The Mediterranean monk seal (one of the most endangered mammals in the world) is home to the underwater caves around the cape. If you're fortunate you might see it in the seas of Cape Kamenjak on your snorkeling adventure.
The sea here is crystal clear, there are many underwater caves and passages, and underwater life is very rich.
Get to Cape Kamenjak by following signs for Banjole and Premantura from Pula.
3. Pakleni Islands
Pakleni Islands near Hvar are just a short boat ride from Hvar. The archipelago is formed of more than 20 islands and islets. The rocks are made of limestone, and thus there are many rocky and pebbly beaches. There are loads of pubs, hotels, but also beautiful beaches on the islands. The sea is azure blue with great visibility underwater.
Very popular diving place is an underwater cave near Ujedinjeno Gasko.
Sveti Klemen, Marinkovac and Jerolim are the most visited islands.
Sveti Klemen is the archipelago's biggest island. It has three settlements, including the most famous - Palmižana with its 160-berth marina.
Jerolim is Hvar's nearest town. Jerolim has two famous beaches: Amo Beach and Kordovon Beach.
Marinkovac is very common among naturists especially - Stipanska Bay - a clothing- optional beach.
You can reach Pakleni Islands by a taxi boat from Hvar harbor.
4. Makarska Riviera
Makarska Riviera is one of the most famous and crowded tourist spots in Croatia over summer. It provides various options for snorkeling all along the shoreline. The visibility underwater is outstanding.
You can find a lot of small fish, octopus, tiny crabs, sea urchins, starfish, etc. here as anywhere else in Croatia.
Makarska Riviera villages have a very excellent bus connection. All-day long, you can readily get around by bus.
5. Vis Island
Vis island is the farthest populated island off the mainland of Croatia. And perhaps it's the best in Croatia for snorkeling.
Stiniva and Srebrna Beach, a bay recognized as Ceska villa, seas around the Blue Cave on Biševo Island, and Green Cave on Ravnik Island, are the most common snorkeling places on Vis Island.
Vis also has old sea tunnels serving as shelters for warships.
6. Mljet Island
Mljet Island is Croatia's greenest island and part of it is one of eight Croatian national parks. Like Brijuni Island, all water activities and particularly fishing are regulated and restricted as a protected natural area.
Life underwater is very rich. The sea is crystal clear, clean within the national park (but also elsewhere on the island), and you can see lots of sea urchins, cucumbers, interesting underwater rocks, and so on.
The island's popular snorkeling places include Veliko Jezero (Big Lake), Rikavica and Odysseus Caves, all-natural wonders wealthy in aquatic life such as sponges, fish, scorpionfish and other smaller fish, crabs, and anemones.
7. Dugi Otok
Dugi Otok, the archipelago's northernmost island of Zadar, provides a multitude of snorkeling opportunities. There are countless bays, beaches and a beautiful Telascica nature park on the island.
The underwater environment along Dugi Otok's coastline brims with life, partially because both Telascica Nature Park and Kornati National Park are protected regions that are strictly controlled.
Lagnici cliffs, on the island's northern portion, near the lighthouse of Veli Rat. Here, a Michele ship's wreck, which went ashore, functions as a shelter for many fish and even some structures of corals.
Located on the west coast of the island, Brbiscica Cave offers a great snorkeling experience in an underwater cave. Due to the sun-rays entering the cave, the color of the sea is incredible. You can spot lots of different fish species here.
Located on the southern part of the island, Telascica Bay is a big natural bay with elevated cliffs on one side, pine and oak forests, 6 islets and a range of narrow coves.
Telascica is home to 300 distinct submerged crops and over 250 ocean animals, offering excellent possibilities for snorkeling. You can also enjoy red coral and carnivorous sponges as well as tiny fish, crustaceans, octopus and other typical Adriatic marine animals.
Other information on snorkeling in Croatia
Croatia does not have too many organized snorkeling tours. Snorkeling is more probable to be provided on some other trip as an optional activity. On any ship trip along the shoreline, there are planned swimming and snorkeling stops, but again it is an optional activity.
If you decide on snorkeling as one of you activities, do not forget to bring needed equipment as you might not be able to find any to rent or purchase.
