Besides being (perhaps) best known for its Roman amphitheater and Austro-Hungarian fortresses, Pula’s coastline hides underwater wonders that are ideal for snorkeling. For anyone planning to rent a boat (like those from the rentaboat-pula.com fleet) and combine excursions with enjoying the blue sea, here is a guide to key locations, with a description of the underwater world, distances by speedboat, and what you can explore on land when you return to dry land. The style is reminiscent of travelogues or articles you’ve written – informative, but also picturesque.
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Prirodno (Stoja peninsula , Pula)
Description of the location and the underwater world
The snorkeling location “Prirodno” is located on the eastern coast of the Arena Stoja camp , on the Stoja peninsula . There, the sea flows through channels under a “natural” stone structure – a stone bridge – and underwater passages, caves, and platforms make it a technically interesting place.
You can start diving right in front of the stone bridge; a small channel about 4 m deep leads you under the bridge to a bend, where you will come across a yellow wall covered in cnidarians. Later, the depth drops to 2m, and you come to a submerged passage where a small air pocket forms at shallow tide.
Along the right side, along the shells, there are stepped rocks that sink to about 7 m, with clamps, various sponges, and a bunch of fish, places suitable for careful diving and exploration.
How to get there by boat/distance
The Stoja peninsula is very close to the port of Pula — in fact, Stoja is part of Pula, so from the Polesana marina (or other boat rental places), you can reach Prirodni by speedboat in just a few minutes or ten minutes, depending on the departure point and speed. Neither a long drive nor a long walk is necessary.
For those who would come from the Pula Bay, a relatively short drive is sufficient, which makes this location a convenient “starting point” for snorkeling, and even for early morning dives.
What to see nearby / on land
After diving, Stoja offers a relaxing stay: the Arena Stoja campsite , the Stoja town beach , views of Verudela and the Brijuni Islands, and a walk along the sea. Nearby is the Muzil fortress, and the Splendid Resort and Grand Park Brioni hotels, and Pula is just a few minutes away. For lunch, you can head to Verudela, Medulin, or back to Pula, where there is a rich gastronomic offer and Roman heritage (Amphitheater, Forum, Temple of Augustus ).
Recommendations
This is a good location for intermediate snorkelers and families, but be aware that the shells and rocks can be slippery, the currents can sometimes be light, and entering and exiting the water can sometimes require caution. The ideal time for snorkeling is early in the morning, when the sea is calm.
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Havajsko (Pula)
The description of the location and the underwater world
of Hawaii is the second list snorkeling location in Pula, known for its canyon between high rocks above the sea, but also for its underwater tunnel at a depth of about 2–3 m.
The tunnel can be passed by diving, and after it opens up, a view of the rocky walls that descend to a depth of about 7 m, where various algae, sponges, and animal organisms hide. In the shallow parts live crustaceans and small shells, while in the cracks of the tunnel, lobster-like organisms and black scorpion fish are common.
Visibility in good weather can reach 20 meters, which provides a beautiful underwater panorama.
How to get there by boat/distance
Havajsko is also located next to Stoja, and the sea access is relatively short. For boats from the Polesana marina or departing from the center of Pula, it is necessary to plan a very short speedboat ride (probably 5–10 minutes) to the point of entry into the sea. If the boat docks directly on the rock, exiting may require careful descent into the sea.
For snorkelers coming from Medulin or the Gulf of Pula, Havajsko can be the first “dive” of the day before heading to the more southern bays.
What to see nearby / on land
When you return to land, a walk along the shores of Stoja or back to Camp Stoja provides a nice break. The Mausoleum on Muzil is nearby, and Verudela and Pula offer restaurants with a view of the sea. In the morning, staying in Hawaii and snorkeling can be combined with breakfast in one of the restaurants in Stoja or Medulin.
Recommendations
Due to the underwater tunnel, a good freediving experience is recommended when entering the tunnel – a small flashlight (waterproof flashlight) can help when exploring the interior. Children and inexperienced snorkelers should cross the tunnel with a more experienced person. Entry and exit can be more challenging, so footwear with good stability ( crocks or special water shoes) may be useful.
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Verige Bay – underwater educational trail (Veli Brijun, Brijuni)
Description of the location and the underwater world
Verige Bay, on the eastern side of the island of Veli Brijun within the Brijuni National Park, is one of the most special snorkeling locations in Istria as it offers an underwater educational trail through the remains of a luxurious Roman villa from the 1st century BC.
The approximately 500-meter-long trail takes you through submerged structures: breakwaters, walkways, walls, and Roman piers – all located in shallow water or slightly deeper, often in places where the sea level was about a meter and a half lower in Roman times. Due to archaeological sensitivity, snorkeling is only permitted with a guide and requires a prior reservation. Guides help interpret the underwater landscape and protect the sensitive remains, as well as the marine flora and fauna.
How to get there by boat/distance
Verige Bay is accessible by boat from Fažana or Pula, followed by a transfer to the island of Veli Brijun. Waiting for the boat and the transfer can add additional time (especially in season). The boat ride to Brijuni itself takes about 20–30 minutes, and then an electric transport (or a short walk) to the bay. The snorkel trail takes about 45 minutes.
For a charter boat, stopping in Verige means that you will have to plan on anchoring and possibly transferring to land (or snorkeling directly from the boat, if the guide/NP allows it).
Izvor: NP Brijuni
What to see nearby / on the mainland
The Brijuni Islands are famous for their national park, safari park, historical sites, and palaces, including the presidential residence, museums, and beautiful landscapes. After diving, a walk through the Brijuni Safari Park, sightseeing of Roman sites, and enjoying the restaurant offerings on the island make this trip a complete experience. In addition, Fažana has several quality taverns and restaurants, and is the departure point for boats to Brijuni.
Recommendations
Due to cultural and archaeological protection, it is important to follow the guide’s instructions, not to touch underwater structures, and to be careful not to damage the underwater world. Snorkeling is best planned for calm seas. Reservations 24 hours in advance are required, and a guide is required for diving.
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White Bay (campsite Funtana)
Description of the location and the underwater world
Bijela uvala, near the camping site Funtana on the west coast of Istria, hides an interesting underwater cave next to the steps leading into the sea, as well as a small dry-field cave that is activated only at high tide.
Entering the underwater cave requires diving to a depth of about 1 m with an exit through a small opening in the “ceiling” of the cave. The walls are covered with bright purple and red algae, while the outer rock walls are often home to crabs ( grancipoři ) and small shellfish.
The shallow parts of the seabed, gravel, and fine pebbles provide places for small marine animals, while the cave turns into an attraction that explorers- snorkelers look forward to the most.
How to get there by boat/distance
Bijela Uvala is relatively far from Pula – it is located along the west coast near Funtana, so arriving by boat from the Bay of Pula would require a slightly longer ride. Depending on the departure point, the boat from the Polesana marina can have a ride of 20–30 minutes or more, depending on the route. However, it is possible to moor at the Funtana campsite and go down to the mainland, then access the sea by stairs.
For snorkelers with smaller boats, this can be a great stopping point during a half-day cruise along the west coast of Istria.
What to see nearby / on the mainland
Funtana is a charming little town with a few taverns and restaurants, a quiet waterfront, and a suitable place to relax. After diving, you can walk along the waterfront, have lunch in local taverns, or walk to Medulin. The camping area offers pleasant beaches and swimming areas. For those who want to explore further, Funtana is close to Poreč, where you can visit the old town, the Euphrasian Basilica, and other historical sights.
Recommendations
Entering and exiting the sea from the stairs is easy, but the approach to the stairs should be carefully observed due to the slippery rocks. Entering the cave is safe for adult snorkelers , but children need help. Do not enter the cave alone if you are not confident in free diving and calculating dive times . Also, do not touch the bush crabs sleeping on the rocks.
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Kamenjak – Veliki Portić and other bays (Kamenjak, Southeast Istria)
Description of the location and underwater world
Although not technically within Pula, the Kamenjak peninsula (Special Nature Reserve) in the very south of Istria is a snorkeling gem, very often visited from the Pula area (or as the final stop of boat tours). In texts about snorkeling around Pula, Veliki Portić is often mentioned as a safe and attractive bay for swimming and snorkeling, with a gentle entrance to the sea and diverse marine habitats.
Under the sea, there are rocks, underwater canyons, caves, and rich marine life – fish, cuttlefish, octopus, and colorful algae. In some parts, it is also possible to jump from a cliff into the sea, making the trip an interesting combination of activities.
How to get there by boat/distance
Kamenjak is about 10-15 km southeast of Pula (depending on the departure point). By speedboat from the Polesana marina or other Pula marinas, the ride takes about 15-20 minutes, and with calm seas and no major waves, it is a pleasant short trip. For snorkelers with boats, it is possible to dock in the bays and go out into the sea, but you should watch out for traffic and anchoring.
For full-day boat trips, Kamenjak can be a great “steal” destination: after snorkeling in the morning, you can relax on the beaches, have lunch in one of the bays, and return to Pula later in the afternoon.
What to see nearby / on land
There are no restaurants on Kamenjak itself within the reserve – it is a preserved natural area with several well-maintained swimming areas and trails. However, in the immediate vicinity (Medulin, Premantura), there are taverns, restaurants, beaches, and tourist resorts. Cape Kamenjak is particularly popular for walking, cycling, snorkeling, and cliff jumping.
Premantura is a picturesque fishing village with several restaurants, and a walk along the Kamenjak trails offers views of the nearby islands and the sea.
Recommendations
Because of the open sea, waves and wind can change conditions quickly. Plan to dive early in the morning when the sea is calm or watch the wind from the land. Anchoring and going out to sea need a careful selection of places, avoiding narrows and navigation channels. Also, it is important not to disturb the drinking seaweed and marine vegetation.
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How to combine boat, snorkel, and tourist breaks
If you are renting a boat in Pula, I suggest one of the following types of excursions:
- Morning dive + return to town: Visit “Natural” or “Hawaii” early in the morning, snorkeling lasts 1–2 hours, then return to Pula for breakfast, a walk through the old town, and lunch.
- Half-day tour around Stoj : Start from the Polesana marina , short speedboat ride to “Havajskog”, snorkel , then drive to Stoj , break and possibly lunch on the shore, and return in the afternoon light.
- Full-day trip to Brijuni: Departure from Pula or Fažana, arrival at Veli Brijun, snorkel in Verige Bay, visit the safari park and island attractions, lunch on Brijuni, and return in the late hours.
- Snorkeling + nature on Kamenjak: Drive to Kamenjak, snorkel in Veliki Portić or other bays, then a day on Kamenjak (walks, cliff jumping, rest) and return to Pula.
Each of these itineraries offers a combination of marine exploration, relaxation on land, and gastronomic tastes of Istria. When planning, it is important to take into account the weather, wind, and anchoring, as well as entering and exiting the sea – some snorkel spots do not have well-maintained beaches, so entry is from a boat or over rocks. Also, for children or weaker snorkelers, it is advisable to have buoyancy vests or assistance.
If you want, I can put together a detailed itinerary for you with times, maps, recommended anchoring points, and breaks – which could serve as a guide for users of rental boats from Pula.
SAFETY TIPS FOR SNORKELERS
- Always check the weather conditions : Jugo and bora quickly change the sea state, and even the smallest waves can make anchoring and getting out of the boat difficult.
- Use a safety marker (buoy) so that boats and jet ski drivers can spot you in time.
- Don’t dive alone : at least two in pairs, one on the surface following the other.
- Follow the tides : cave entrances or passages can become dangerous when sea levels change.
- Provide children and beginners with a life jacket or buoyancy aid.
- Wear protective footwear: the rocks are sharp, and hedgehogs are common.
- Be careful when anchoring the boat: the anchor must be placed securely, but never in posidonia (protected seagrass).
- Do not touch the underwater world: sponges, algae-covered rocks, and crabs look tempting, but they are fragile and important to the ecosystem.
- Carry a waterproof flashlight if you are entering a tunnel or cave.
- Plan your return: leave enough energy and time to get back to the boat, especially if the current has strengthened.