The Best Snorkelling Spots in Croatia

The beaches around Brela are some of the most popular in all of Dalmatia
The beaches around Brela are some of the most popular in all of Dalmatia | © Marek Slusarczyk / Alamy Stock Photo
Tamara Hinson

Contributor

With hundreds of islands, Croatia isn’t just one of Europe’s top sailing destinations – it’s a fantastic snorkelling spot, too. We’ve rounded up the country’s best snorkelling destinations for you, whether you’re an expert snorkeller or donning your fins for the first time. Our top tip? Invest in an underwater camera – the clarity of the water here means it’s the perfect place to try your hand at underwater photography.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Dugi Otok

A thin sliver of land at the northern end of the Zadar archipelago, Dugi Otok is home to Telascica Nature Park. It also forms part of the broader Kornati National Park, a protected stretch of coastline boasting some of Croatia’s best beaches. Top snorkelling spots include Telascica Bay, to the south, with over 300 types of marine life. If you’re arriving by boat, stop by the Lagnici Cliffs, near the Veli Rat lighthouse. A coral-covered ancient shipwreck attracts multiple sea creatures, which can be easily spotted by snorkellers.

Plaża Danče, Dubrovnik

Danče beach, just a short walk from Dubrovnik’s old town, Marina Frapa Dubrovnik – handy if you’re exploring Croatia by yacht – is a south-facing stretch of sand popular with locals. The nearby cliffs ensure the water stays calm, but it’s also the reason you should consider wearing a wetsuit for your snorkelling session – the extra shade means the water’s slightly colder. Visibility is fantastic, and ladders lead to the water in areas where there’s no sand. The water’s incredibly clear, and highlights include the sponges, algae and a wide range of fish.

Mljet Island

This small island, to the north of Dubrovnik, has the largest coral reef in the Mediterranean, so you’ll find plenty of marine life here. Many of the top snorkelling spots are easiest to access by boat, which is why the island is one of Croatia’s top sailing destinations. Advanced snorkellers should consider checking out the octopus and scorpionfish-filled Rikavica Caves on the southern coast, along with the Veliko Jezero saltwater lake, which is part of Mljet National Park.

Krapanj Island

The island, 300m (984ft) from the mainland, is one of the best places to check out sea sponges. The species you’re most likely to spot are Dalmata fina sponges (the ones you’ll see in most people’s bathrooms) and elephants’ ear sponges. We suggest heading to the western side for the best snorkelling armed with a pair of neoprene shoes – most beaches have pebbles, not sand. Exploring the area by yacht? We suggest mooring at the nearby Solaris Yacht Marina – it’s one of the most beautiful marinas we’ve found, surrounded by a thick pine forest.

Susak

Just off the west coast of Susak island, the beautiful Margarina reef is a great snorkelling spot for beginners due to its shallow depth. There’s plenty to see here, ranging from the remains of a shipwreck to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful sea creatures. We’d suggest sticking to the southwest side of the island, where submerged rocks and sea caves attract a wide range of weird and wonderful marine creatures, usually keen to put in an appearance.

Makarska Riviera

A chunk of coastline which stretches from Brela to Gradac, the Makarska Riviera is a popular destination with snorkellers and scuba divers as well as sunbathers. Snorkel here and expect to see octopuses and starfish as well as larger creatures such as dolphins. Brela, at the Riviera’s northern end, is home to the Blue Flag Punta Rata beach and its enormous semi-submerged boulder, which graces more Croatian postcards than we can count. It’s also a brilliant snorkelling spot, famous for its turquoise water.

Kršine Beach

This beach on Cape Kamenjak offers memorable views of Fenoliga Island, as well as sublime snorkelling, although it’s best suited to confident swimmers due to the strong currents. Multiple companies offer guided snorkelling trips here, and almost all will visit Kršine Beach among other nearby beaches and sea caves. Keep an eye out for monk seals and dolphins, especially if you’re exploring the area by yacht – dolphins, in particular, love swimming up to larger vessels.

Lastovo Island

It’s Lastovo island’s diversity that makes it such a great snorkelling spot – you’ll find everything from fluorescent corals and pastel-hued starfish to the wrecks of fishing boats, all visible to snorkellers. The varied landscape means it’s easy to find your ideal snorkelling spot, too. If you’re arriving by boat, consider heading for the eastern side, which has beautiful bays and dramatic cliffs – and plenty of opportunities for impromptu snorkelling sessions off the side of your yacht.

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