10 BEST Snorkeling Spots in Croatia

A look at the top 10 spots in Croatia that snorkeling enthusiasts will love!

Maria Marchant
Maria Marchant 31 Min Read

Croatia is fast becoming a tourist hotspot – and there is good reason to understand why this is the case. The country boasts a rich history, delicious cuisine, an inviting culture, and access to gorgeous beaches.

This means it is the perfect place to explore water activities, and for many tourists, snorkeling is an activity they have to experience to catch glimpses of the fascinating undersea life.

In fact, here are the 10 best spots for snorkeling Croatia has to offer!

Why Come To Croatia For Snorkeling?

For snorkeling enthusiasts, Croatia has much to offer because of its varied landscapes and cultural depth. In fact, there are plenty of reasons to come to Croatia for the ultimate snorkeling experience:

  • Clear water lends to a breathtaking snorkeling experience.
  • There is a vast variety of marine life, with none around that can pose a threat.
  • You can even explore submerged man-made structures!

For any snorkeler out there, these factors create a combination that is absolutely sublime, and you are sure to have an experience you will never forget with Croatia snorkeling spots! If you’re curious about where you should start, let’s go over a list of 10 spots that make snorkeling in Croatia an experience of a lifetime.

10 Best Snorkeling Spots In Croatia

  1. Brijuni National Park – Catch breathtaking views and explore underwater structures
  2. Cape Kamenjak – Get the chance to find marine life in hidden natural caves
  3. Dugi Otok – Visit a breathtaking underwater shipwreck
  4. Pakleni Islands – Snorkel in gentle water and enjoy nearby attractions
  5. Vis Island – Venture out to sea to get the chance to explore the mysterious Blue Cave
  6. Makarska Riviera – Easily accessible locations with lots of activities to explore
  7. Mljet Island – Take in the greenery and crystal blue sea with a snorkeling excursion
  8. Dubrovnik – Enjoy snorkeling with friends and explore the city’s historical attractions
  9. Split – Take advantage of guided tours to take you through sites like the Blue Lagoon
  10. Losinj – Dip your feet in with snorkeling, and take a dive to explore the underwater park
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As many snorkelers will tell you, the chance to do this water activity in the right place can absolutely change your life. As it turns out, Croatia has so much to offer when it comes to snorkeling spots, and different regions bring new fascinating incentives to the table. Here are the ten best places for snorkeling Croatia tourists can enjoy!

1

Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park

Brijuni Islands is one of the best destinations in Croatia for snorkeling, offering a unique and serene underwater experience. Located along the Istrian Coast of Croatia, it offers a diverse range of activities such as water taxis, sightseeing, and a rich historical past. The view from above is equally striking – lush islands surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

For those looking to explore beneath the waves, there’s no shortage of interesting places to go snorkeling at the Brijuni Islands. Veli Brijuni is certainly worth a visit for its array of marine life and beautiful underwater scenery. Underneath the ocean’s surface, you can spot schools of sea urchins, shellfish, crabs, and even a submerged Roman villa. Diving enthusiasts may also be interested in exploring some sunken shipwrecks that are located nearby – offering an exciting underwater adventure!

Another popular spot for snorkelers is Stupice Beach, which is known for its calm waters and shallow depths – perfect for beginners who are just starting out on their underwater adventures! It’s also home to some stunning coral reefs with vibrant colors and an abundance of marine life. Other notable spots worth mentioning include Jazina Beach and Karmenita Beach, both offering unique opportunities such as snorkeling among centuries-old shipwrecks or taking in views from a different perspective while swimming through colorful canyons formed by centuries-old rock formations.

Ultimately, Brijuni Islands offer so much more than just snorkeling spots – it’s got something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or just want to relax under the sun with your snorkel gear on, this place has it all – making it one of Croatia’s most popular holiday destinations.

How to Get There & Tours

You can get to Fažana, near Pula, by car using the Istrian Y highway. Alternatively, you can even take a flight straight to the Pula Airport which is 15 km away from the islands. Once you reach Fažana, you will have to board a boat. Tickets can be bought in the small town or can be bought online along with your tickets to the Island.

The Brijuni National Park offers a four-hour sightseeing tour on a train, along with a 45-minute underwater sightseeing trail that involves swimming and snorkeling across Veli Brijuni where you can see the underwater Roman villas.

2

Cape Kamenjak

Cape Kamenjak

For snorkelers who enjoy looking at natural underwater formations, Cape Kamenjak is a must-visit. This site, near Kršine in the Istrian region, allows you to enjoy the true feeling of being in the sea. Not only can you enjoy fabulous views and spend a day by the sea, but you can also take a deep dive (literally!) into the marine life that Croatia has carefully preserved.

At Cape Kamenjak, you can explore the open sea, where you will be able to see colorful and vibrant sea animals and algae. However, the most notable part of this underwater exploration is that you can get the chance to explore the natural caves in this area. They are brimming with life, from seals, all the way to bats and fish, which you might get to see if you’re lucky!

How to Get There & Tours

Cape Kamenjak is relatively easy to access. To do so, you need to reach the village of Premantura. From here, there are two routes you can take to reach the destination – with one, you turn right just before entering Premantura, and follow the signs to reach Cape Kamenjak. Other than this, you can continue through Premantura, taking a left after passing the Church of St. Lovro. You can then follow the directions to get to Cape Kamenjak.

You don’t need to have a tour guide around to explore this area, but it would definitely help! Because of the fascinating views you can get at Cape Kamenjak and the nearby areas, it is possible to book snorkeling tours that can take you across the Istrian coast to some of the notable snorkeling spots, including Cape Kamenjak.

3

Dugi Otok

Dugi Otok

If you are looking to combine a day of snorkeling with an experience at one of the most fantastic sandy beaches you can find in Croatia, you need to visit Dugi Otok. This is a popular Croatia snorkeling hotspot and lies north of the Zadar area. In fact, there are two nature parks in the area as well, where you can explore the gorgeous biodiversity of the country.

In Dugi Otok, a place you absolutely have to see is a shipwreck within the Lagnici Cliffs. This area looks beautiful underwater, with sea coral and fish making a home out of a majestic shipwreck. If you prefer visiting coves and islets, you can head towards the south, to the Telascicia Bay area, where there is a huge variety of marine flora and animals.

How To Get There & Tours

To get to Dugi Otok, you will need to take a ferry from Zadar to the Brbinj area on Dugi Otok. The ferry goes to and from this route all year long and carries on twice a day when there is the low season. In the high season, it can move to and from three times a day. The total timeframe for this journey takes around an hour and twenty minutes.

There are plenty of snorkeling tours around Dugi Otok, which start from Zadar and explore the nearby areas for fun snorkeling experiences. Private tours can cost between $50-150 per person, depending on the size of your group, and the experiences and amenities promised. You can also look for full-day tours on Dugi Otok, which include kayaking, canoeing, and snorkeling as the activities involved.

4

Pakleni Islands

Pakleni Islands

The Pakleni Islands are a stunning snorkeling destination in Croatia that should definitely be on your list of places to visit! The clear, turquoise waters and mild currents make it an ideal spot for those looking for a relaxing and enjoyable time spent swimming and exploring. With over 12 islands scattered around the archipelago, you can find plenty of spots to explore and discover unique marine life.

The Pakleni Islands are home to several species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching as well. You may even get lucky enough to see some rare species such as fulmars or cormorants roaming around! If you want more than just snorkeling exploration during your visit, you can go kayaking or take a boat tour around the islands while admiring their beautiful flora and fauna.

Besides all these activities, visitors can also enjoy various restaurants located right by the shore serving up local dishes with fresh seafood. The Pakleni Islands offer plenty of opportunities for everyone who visits them – from nature lovers seeking adventure and relaxation to foodies looking for delicious meals beside the sea. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, this Croatian paradise will surely fulfill all your wishes!

How To Get There & Tours

The best way to get to an island in the Pakleni cluster is by taxi boat. You can reach the boats from Hvar Town, and ask for a boat to take you to the cluster. The cost of such boats should be minimal, though private experiences can be more expensive. However, make sure that you know which Pakleni Island you want to get to, so you can reach the right destination.

There are plenty of options for tours you can explore if you want to visit Hvar and spots across the Pakleni island cluster. You can book tours for specific areas, or also book tours that involve a sailboat and a full day of excursion around the cluster. Most of these tours will involve some sort of snorkeling experience, and many include a kit at the cost of the tour! You can book a tour of this sort in the $80-200 range for each person.

5

Vis Island

Vis Island

Vis Island is an excellent snorkeling destination in Croatia and should be on the top of your bucket list. With its crystal clear waters, abundant marine life, and various underwater caves, this island is a paradise for snorkelers.

The Blue Cave is one of the most impressive spots for snorkeling on Vis Island. Located at the base of a rocky cliff, the entrance to the cave is only about 30 meters wide. As you enter through this small opening, you are greeted by turquoise-colored waters that sparkle with all sorts of different colors as sunlight passes through a hole atop the cave. The walls are also adorned with colorful corals and sponges that make great photographic subjects!

Apart from the Blue Cave, there are other great spots for snorkeling around Vis Island too! There’s Stiniva Bay which features a long beach with shallow waters that offers great visibility and an array of sea creatures ranging from seahorses to colorful fish with vibrant patterns swimming around you. For those who prefer more challenging adventures, there’s also the Pela Islands where divers can explore tunnels full of rocks and experience incredible drop-offs with depths up to 50 meters!

Vis Island has something for everyone – whether they want shallow or deep dives, or just want to take in some beautiful scenes without getting wet – it certainly has it all! So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, Vis Island should definitely be on your list!

How To Get There & Tours

To get to the Vis Island, you can take a ferry boat from Split, one of the major cities in the country. During the low season, it can take up to twenty journeys through the week, however, this will go up when there is higher interest and the season is right. The time that this ferry boat takes ranges from an hour to about two hours, as there may be different routes taken – but there’s no doubt the journey will be just as beautiful as the destination!

Vis Island has a huge range of diving tours (and sightseeing tours, of course) available that you can take advantage of if you really want to know what the right spots are. You can book guided snorkeling tours with experts, or go for a private tour to explore stretches of the sea! Longer, full-day tours can set you back about $100-200 depending on the amenities offered.

6

Makarska Riviera

Makarska Riviera

Makarska Riviera in Croatia is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in the Mediterranean. The area covers about 60 km between Brela and Gradac, and it’s a great spot for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world without having to take a long boat ride.

One of the best spots for snorkeling is Brela Beach, which is known for its crystal-clear waters as well as its fish-filled sea floor. This beach is perfect for beginners, as it has shallow waters and plenty of marine life to explore. Another great spot to check out is Sveti Petar Beach, which has deeper waters with more experienced snorkelers in mind. Here you’ll find plenty of colorful coral reefs, starfish, and octopus among others.

For more advanced snorkelers, there’s also Tucepi Beach where you can explore shipwrecks from World War II or dive into the depths of Makarska Bay to observe an array of marine species including seahorses, eels, and various types of crustaceans like crabs and lobsters. You can also snorkel around rocky islands on Makarska Riviera such as Biokovo Island or Knežji Otok Island which are home to many hard coral gardens full of vibrant colors and marine life.

There are also plenty of other activities on offer near Makarska Riviera such as fishing trips or boat tours along with restaurants serving up delicious local seafood dishes. There’s something here for everyone whether you’re looking for an easy day in nature or a thrilling adventure!

How To Get There & Tours

The Makarska Riviera is a stunning stretch of coastline on the Adriatic Sea that offers snorkeling experiences unlike any other. With beautiful clear waters and plenty of marine life, snorkelers in Croatia won’t want to miss out. To get there, visitors can fly into the Split airport and take a bus to Makarska which takes around 3 hours.

There are also snorkeling tours available in the area that offer a great way to explore the underwater world and discover hidden gems. Guides will often take snorkelers to the best spots for snorkeling Croatia has to offer and provide educational talks about the local wildlife and environment, and even help you explore the local cuisine.

7

Mljet Island

Mljet Island

Mljet Island in Croatia is a renowned destination for snorkeling and exploring the sea life in its crystal clear waters. It is covered with stunning, untouched natural landscapes and an abundance of diverse wildlife. The island has some notable spots that are excellent for snorkeling, such as the Big Lake, which is easily accessible from the town of Polace on the north coast of Mljet. This lake is known for its incredibly clear waters and its variety of sea life, including sea cucumbers, urchins, sponges, and anemones.

The Odysseus caves are also located on Mljet Island and are one of the best spots to go snorkeling. Here you can find a wide range of animals living among the jagged rocks, such as scorpionfish and eels. These caves were featured in Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” and provide a fascinating underwater experience for those who visit them. They are located near Babino Polje village at the southern tip of Mljet Island, so they can be easily accessed by taking a boat trip from Polace.

Apart from these two sites, there are plenty of other spots where you can snorkel around Mljet Island. There is Soline Bay located on the northern coast which contains several small coves filled with secluded beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You will be able to spot many different species here including octopuses, starfish, clams, and crabs among others. Another great spot is Saplunara Beach on the eastern coast which offers a vibrant coral reef close to shore where you will be able to observe colorful fish swimming amongst it.

How To Get There & Tours

Tucked away on the Adriatic Sea, Mljet Island is a snorkeling paradise and is renowned for its clear turquoise waters. To get there, take a ferry from Croatia to the port of Polace on the north end of the island. Tours are plentiful and snorkelers can explore secluded coves and reefs teeming with marine life in both warm and cold waters.

Most snorkeling tours provide snorkeling equipment right at the beach, so visitors don’t have to worry about lugging their gear around. In addition to snorkeling, travelers can explore seabird sanctuaries, archaeological sites, lush forests, kayaking routes and hidden beaches with caves along rocky shorelines carved out by eons of pounding surf. Truly a snorkeler’s paradise!

8

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a great destination for snorkeling enthusiasts, especially due to the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. With its abundance of fish, reefs, and other critters, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the many biodiversity hot spots that this area has to offer. From coral reefs to old wrecks from historical battles, Dubrovnik offers something for everyone!

Buza beach is one of the most popular spots for snorkeling in Dubrovnik. It’s located on the south side and provides easy access for those who want to spend time exploring the underwater world. Besides being close to shore, Buza Beach also boasts an interesting reef system with plenty of marine life and a variety of corals. The water is usually very calm here making it ideal for novice snorkelers as well as those who want to take some time off just to enjoy the scenery and relax.

The old town of Dubrovnik is another great snorkeling spot, offering fantastic views while still allowing visitors a chance to observe local wildlife up close. The tall cliffs surrounding this area make it excellent for deep dive snorkeling, but also provide shelter for smaller creatures like octopuses and sea horses in more shallow waters.

Finally, experienced divers should definitely check out Gorica Island near Dubrovnik. This small island can be reached by a 20-minute walk from town, providing access to deeper waters with large schools of colorful fish and vibrant coral beds. There is also an ancient fort that you may spot while swimming around – making it an ideal spot for exploring!

How To Get There & Tours

Fortunately, there are many direct air connections into the city from international hubs like London and Berlin, as well as bus services from other nearby cities like Split. Once you arrive in Dubrovnik, there are plenty of snorkeling tours available for visitors to choose from.

From private snorkeling tours in Elafiti Islands and caves near Cavtat to snorkeling around some of the famous moments that were used in Game of Thrones and snorkeling underneath City Walls, Dubrovnik has something for everyone who loves snorkeling. So don’t hesitate – head on over to Dubrovnik now and explore the beautiful views underwater!

9

Split

Split

Split is a stunningly beautiful snorkeling destination in Croatia, offering a myriad of awe-inspiring views just waiting to be explored beneath the surface. With a variety of snorkeling spots to choose from, it’s no wonder that Split is such a popular destination for snorkelers and divers alike.

The most notable spot for snorkeling in Split is the Blue Lagoon, located off the island of Brač near Split. Here, you can explore a variety of vibrant marine life such as colorful fish, coral reefs, and ancient wrecks that were once part of the Venetian navy. Due to its shallow waters and crystal clear visibility, this spot makes an ideal place for beginner snorkelers or those looking for some peace and relaxation. Nearby Trogir also offers an array of stunning sights for snorkelers with numerous rocky sea cliffs and small coves perfect for exploring.

In addition to these two destinations, another popular spot for snorkeling in Split is the area around Saint Domnius Cathedral. This incredible structure hosts many protected areas full of wildlife and offers some unique spots where you can explore both shallow and deep water areas filled with interesting sights like schools of fish swimming around limestone structures. The shallow waters make this site ideal if you prefer not to go too deep but still want to take in all the beauty that lies beneath the surface while admiring pieces of history on land at the same time.

How To Get There & Tours

Split is a vibrant city on Croatia’s majestic Adriatic coast and is easy to access by plane, ferry, or bus from many major cities. Once you arrive in Split, snorkeling tours are available to explore the local reefs and rugged coastline.

Offering some of the best snorkeling in Croatia, snorkelers can expect to see marine life such as colorful fish, starfish, crabs, and urchins in this crystal blue water. You don’t have to snorkel alone; guided snorkeling tours come with experienced instructors who will show you around and provide snorkeling advice. So why not come explore what Croatia has to offer by snorkeling off the shores of Split

10

Losinj

Losinj

Losinj is a great destination for snorkelers looking to explore the beautiful coral reefs and crystal-clear waters found in Croatia. Losinj offers snorkelers a variety of different sites to explore. From shallow waters with ample opportunity to view native marine life, to deeper spots that offer some pro snorkeling experience, Losinj has something for every level of swimmer.

A popular spot for snorkelers is Cikat bay. This area features shallow waters and sandy beaches, so it’s ideal for those just starting out on their aquatic adventures. Here you can get up close and personal with some of the many species of fish that inhabit the area, including damselfish, wrasse, and bream. Beyond observing native species, you may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of larger sea creatures such as dolphins or turtles!

For those feeling more adventurous, Mali Losinj is an excellent spot for pro-snorkeling. The underwater rock formations here create spectacular views when underwater. You may even be able to spot seahorses in deeper parts of the bay!

Another great area for snorkeling in Losinj is Margarina Cove. This cove provides ample opportunity to take in the stunning scenery while exploring the depths below its surface. You can expect an abundance of colorful corals and sponges as well as exotic fish species such as swordfish and stingrays passing by during your adventure!

Last but not least, Susak Island should not be left off any serious snorkeler’s list when visiting Losinj! With its warm waters and diverse array of marine life, Susak Island offers a unique opportunity to experience Croatia’s natural beauty from beneath the waves. Whether you are basking amongst schools of fish or marveling at playful sea lions frolicking among boulder formations, Susak Island promises an unforgettable underwater experience!

How To Get There & Tours

The Croatian island of Losinj is one of the best snorkeling destinations in the area, offering visitors a unique chance to explore crystal-clear waters in stunning locales. Visitors can get to Losinj either by plane or ferry, as it is well connected by both transportation options.

Once on the island, snorkeling tours are available for all skill levels and can be tailored to personal preferences. Snorkelers can explore reefs and remarkable features such as sea caves, steep walls, and even wrecks from World War II if desired. So no matter your snorkeling preference, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy on their snorkeling adventure in Croatia.

Conclusion

Whether you are an experienced snorkeler or just starting out, Croatia snorkeling options are vast – From Mljet Island to Dubrovnik, Split, Losinj, and more, this country is worth visiting if you want to experience some of the best snorkeling spots in the world.

So, book your trip today and experience the magic of Croatia’s sea for yourself!

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Maria lives and breathes Croatia, she has written multiple books on Amazon and is considered an expert
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