Snorkeling near Pula: Kayak into sea caves at Cape Kamenjak

Paddle into a turquoise cave and snorkel in clear water below the cliffs

Snorkeling near Pula combines kayaking and underwater exploration inside Velika Kolombarica, a sea cave at Cape Kamenjak accessible only by water. You paddle into the cave entrance, snorkel in the enclosed turquoise pool, and optionally jump from the surrounding rocks. The guide provides full instruction, snorkeling gear, GoPro footage and a lunch packet. No kayaking experience is required, though you must be able to swim on your own to enter the cave.

The experience

The morning starts with light paddling along the high cliffs of the Istrian Peninsula's southern tip. Within an hour you reach Velika Kolombarica, a sea tunnel entrance that opens into an enclosed cave where the water turns a natural turquoise under the 15-meter cliff face. Once inside, you snorkel and explore the underwater world (fish, rock formations, the clarity of the sea itself), while the kayak stays tethered nearby. The cave is the centerpiece, but the route also circles the islands of Rt Kamenjak and passes the islet of Šekovac on the return, a quieter stop where the guide finds a stretch without crowds.

Cliff jumping happens on the rocks surrounding the cave if you want it. The guide will point out safe spots and you decide whether to try. Snorkeling equipment, a life jacket and a comfortable kayak seat are included, along with a waterproof bag for your belongings. The guide speaks English or Croatian and carries a GoPro to film and photograph underwater moments you can take home. A lunch packet (water, a power bar and an apple) comes with the booking.

The full activity runs about three and a half hours, split between paddling, snorkeling and the return journey. You need to be able to swim on your own to enter the cave. Children under six are not permitted inside. The tour operates in cloudy weather but cancels only in extreme wind or rain. During peak summer (mid-July to mid-August), Cape Kamenjak draws crowds, so an early start helps.

What’s included

• Life jacket and comfortable kayak seat.
• snorkeling equipment and waterproof bag.
• GoPro photos and videos.
• lunch packet with 1.5 liters of water, power bar and apple.
• instruction from a licensed guide in English or Croatian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:30

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Child (7 to 17 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Croatian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Jistra Adventures

Is this one for you?You paddle and snorkel yourself: the guide instructs and leads, but you operate the kayak and the snorkeling gear. This suits anyone with a free morning, a basic ability to swim, and the appetite to explore a sea cave under their own power rather than watch it from a boat.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Croatian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 17 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel if I've never kayaked before?

Yes. No kayaking experience is necessary. The guide provides full instruction at the start. You do need to be able to swim on your own, since you'll be snorkeling inside the cave.

What exactly is Velika Kolombarica and why is it only reachable by kayak?

Velika Kolombarica is a sea cave carved into the high cliffs at Cape Kamenjak, accessible only by paddling through a sea tunnel. The cave opens into an enclosed turquoise pool where you snorkel surrounded by 15-meter cliffs and millennial rock formations.

Will I get underwater photos and videos?

Yes. The licensed guide carries a GoPro and films and photographs underwater moments during the snorkeling portion. You receive the footage to take home.

What's included in the lunch packet?

The lunch packet contains 1.5 liters of water, a power bar and an apple. It's meant as a light refuel during the activity, not a full meal.

Is cliff jumping mandatory?

No. The guide will show you safe jumping spots on the rocks around the cave, but it's entirely optional. You can snorkel and explore without jumping.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The tour operates in cloudy conditions and light rain, but cancels only in extreme weather like strong wind or heavy rain. The operator may also change the time or location if sea conditions become dangerous.