REVIEW · PULA
Boat tour swimming snorkeling south Istria Kamenjak Premantura
Book on Viator →Operated by Pula Boat Excursions · Bookable on Viator
Snorkel, then drift into Kamenjak’s quiet bays. This half-day private boat outing goes beyond the usual Pula shoreline, steering you toward the Kamenjak Peninsula with calm, scenic stops and plenty of time in the water. What makes it special is the personal guidance from the owner team, so you’re not just dropped into a pretty spot and left to figure it out.
I especially like the small, private-group feel, which helps the day stay relaxed instead of rushed. I also love that Davorka and Davor (the hosts) really tailor the swimming and snorkeling to what your group wants, including an extra short stop when conditions and the mood fit.
One thing to consider: this experience needs moderate physical fitness, since you’ll be swimming and may do some jumping from the boat. Also, the meeting point is not in the heart of Pula, so plan a short ride or walk to Verudela 3.
In This Review
- Key things I’d focus on before you book
- Why Kamenjak from Pula feels like a different coast
- The private boat setup: small boat, real personal attention
- Getting to the meeting point without stress (Verudela 3)
- The 4-hour rhythm: what a half day really feels like
- Stop: Kamenjak National Park and the southern Istria coastline
- Cave of Kamenjak: the water turns blue-green, and you can go inside
- Snorkeling and swimming: how the hosts make it feel easy
- Snacks, drinks, and the stories you’ll actually use
- What to bring (and what to skip)
- Price and value: where $90.70 makes sense
- Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different style)
- Should you book this private Kamenjak boat tour?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour start and end?
- How long is the boat tour?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- Is this a private tour?
- Is the tour good for snorkeling and swimming?
- What fitness level do I need?
- Can I bring a dog?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key things I’d focus on before you book

- Private boat, your own group: you won’t be squeezed into a big crowd.
- Kamenjak National Park access: bays, coves, capes, and the feel of the far-southern coast.
- Cave of Kamenjak + sea colors: you can get into the cave area and see the water shift from blue to green.
- Hosts who guide snorkeling: they look for the safest, most scenic spots for your group.
- Food and drinks onboard: snacks and beverages are part of the experience.
- Handcrafted boat: the owners’ boat is built by them, and it shows.
Why Kamenjak from Pula feels like a different coast
Kamenjak is the southern edge of Istria, with a long strip of land (about 10 km) packed with little bays and coves. On a normal day around Pula, it can feel like you’re always seeing the same shoreline angles. This tour changes that because the boat heads out toward the Cape Kamenjak area and the Porer lighthouse zone, where the coastline looks more rugged and open.
The best part is that it’s not just a sightseeing cruise. You’re there to get in the water. The hosts plan the day so you’re not constantly moving, which is key for anyone who wants a relaxing half-day rather than a speed-run of photo stops.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Pula
The private boat setup: small boat, real personal attention

This is listed as a private tour/activity, so it’s only your group on board. That matters more than people expect. With a small setup, the hosts can talk with you, answer questions as they happen, and adjust where you swim based on what your group is doing—especially if snorkeling is a main goal.
A nice bonus: the boat is hand crafted by the owners. That usually means the boat isn’t an anonymous rental; it’s something the couple knows intimately. In practice, you feel that in how smoothly the day runs and how naturally they explain the route and the places you’re visiting.
The hosting style is also clearly people-first. Davorka and Davor don’t just rattle off a script. They share what they know about the Kamenjak Peninsula, and you get a sense that they guide you where they truly want to take small groups.
Getting to the meeting point without stress (Verudela 3)

The tour starts at Pula Boat Excursions, Verudela 3, 52100 Pula, and it ends back at the same place. One review detail that’s genuinely useful: you do have to travel a bit outside Pula’s very center to reach the dock.
Plan for that. If you’re staying in the old-town area, give yourself time for a taxi, local transit, or a longer walk than you’d expect. Once you’re there, the process is straightforward, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket after confirmation (typically within 48 hours of booking, if availability works).
The 4-hour rhythm: what a half day really feels like

The tour runs about 4 hours. That’s a sweet length for this type of outing. You get enough time at Kamenjak to swim and snorkel without the day feeling like a whole travel project.
You’ll also notice the schedule isn’t just about speed. There’s some driving time before reaching the southern portion of the peninsula, and that matters because it positions you for the best access to the bays and coves. When you finally get in the water, it feels like you’re arriving where the day is meant to happen—not just squeezing in a brief swim.
Also keep in mind: the starting time can shift by up to 30 minutes earlier or later due to weather or the day’s schedule. If you like tight plans, build a little buffer.
Stop: Kamenjak National Park and the southern Istria coastline

This is the main event: Kamenjak National Park, starting from the Bay of Premantura area and working toward the Cape Kamenjak side of the peninsula. The coast here is protected natural terrain, so you get that “small world” feeling—quiet coves, natural rock formations, and wide views where the sea looks like it goes on forever.
On the way, you’ll also see the Porer lighthouse and “ice bays” (the tour describes them that way). Even if you’re not the type who cares about lighthouses, it’s a good visual anchor: it helps you orient yourself to the geography of the far-southern tip of Istria.
What you’ll likely appreciate most is that the hosts aim for places that are scenic and safe for swimming. That’s not just helpful; it also changes the experience from a casual dip into something more confident—especially when snorkeling is part of your plan.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Pula
Cave of Kamenjak: the water turns blue-green, and you can go inside
One of the standout elements is the Cave of Kamenjak area. The description is specific: natural rock formations and an attractive cave where you can go in and see clear water with blue and green tones at the same time.
In plain terms, that’s what you want from a snorkeling stop: different water colors plus interesting rock structure nearby. The cave experience also supports a wider range of comfort levels. Even if you don’t want to spend your whole time in the water, the cave area is visually interesting from the boat and from the swim spot.
The tour also includes time for jumping, swimming, and snorkeling, with opportunities around feeding fish noted as part of the experience. If you’re bringing a camera, this is where it tends to pay off—because the scene is more varied than open water alone.
Snorkeling and swimming: how the hosts make it feel easy

This tour works well if you like snorkeling, but you want the day to stay friendly and manageable—not chaotic. The hosts help you find the right spots from the boat, and they keep an eye on what the group is enjoying.
One review-specific detail I’d take seriously: the captain noticed how much the group loved snorkeling and added a short extra third stop. That tells you the itinerary isn’t just fixed motion; it can flex when there’s value in staying longer in the water.
If snorkeling is your priority, this is exactly where you’ll feel the benefits of being with a small group and with owners who guide. They’re looking for safe access points and good underwater visibility, and that saves you from wasting time.
Snacks, drinks, and the stories you’ll actually use

Food on a boat can be hit or miss on some tours. Here, it’s a positive piece of the day: you’re offered beverages and snacks, and the hosts explain what you’re seeing as you go.
What I like about that kind of commentary is that it’s not just trivia. When someone has guided this area repeatedly, their tips tend to be practical: where the coastline changes, what the rock and cave area means, and what to pay attention to while you swim.
If you enjoy learning casually while traveling, this is a comfortable format. You can ask questions during the ride, while waiting for your swimming window, or right after you get back on board.
What to bring (and what to skip)

Because the focus is swimming, snorkeling, and possible jumping, pack for water time. You’ll want swim-ready footwear if you have it, sunscreen, and something you can secure for wet handling. Don’t forget a towel if you travel light.
What you might skip: bulky “dry bag” equipment you don’t know how to use. The tour is designed for a relaxed half day, so bring gear that matches that vibe. If you already have snorkeling gear, you can bring it, but the tour is clearly structured around swimming access and guidance.
Fitness-wise, plan for a moderate level. That doesn’t mean extreme athletic effort. It does mean you should feel comfortable entering water and staying active for stretches of time.
Price and value: where $90.70 makes sense
The price is $90.70 per person for about 4 hours. On paper, that can sound steep if you compare it to a big public boat. But the value here is in the trade-offs:
- You’re paying for a private-group experience, not a crowded shared ride.
- The itinerary centers on Kamenjak National Park access, where the best swimming spots are not the same as the most crowded viewpoints.
- You get help with choosing where to swim and snorkel, plus snacks and drinks onboard.
- The boat is owner-handcrafted, and the hosts clearly invest time in making the day feel personal.
So this price is strongest if you care about the water part—snorkeling, safe swimming, and the chance to spend more time where it’s best. If you just want a quick scenic cruise with minimal effort, you might question whether this is the best fit.
Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different style)
This outing fits best if you:
- want a small, personal boat experience instead of a big-group schedule
- care about snorkeling and swimming spots
- enjoy learning on the move (Davorka and Davor share what they know about the peninsula)
- prefer a half-day that ends with you feeling refreshed, not exhausted
It may be less ideal if you:
- want a fully “sit and watch” day with no water time
- don’t feel comfortable with moderate fitness demands
- dislike traveling slightly outside the center of Pula to reach the dock
Also, if you’re traveling with a dog: dogs are allowed on request, and it’s stated for private tours only. If that matters to you, contact the provider by email before you lock in plans.
Should you book this private Kamenjak boat tour?
If you want Kamenjak’s bays and cave area without the chaos of a mass tour, I think booking makes sense. The combination of private-group comfort, a focus on swimming and snorkeling, and hosts who actively guide you to good spots is the core reason this feels worth it.
I’d especially recommend it if you’re traveling as a couple or small group and you want the day to feel like it’s built around your interests. The half-day length keeps it easy to fit into a Pula itinerary, and the snacks and drinks help the day feel complete.
If you’re set on only photos and scenic coastline from far away, look for a more purely sightseeing-focused option. But if the water is where your vacation energy goes, this is the kind of outing that turns a normal afternoon into a standout memory.
FAQ
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Pula Boat Excursions, Verudela 3, 52100 Pula, Croatia, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
How long is the boat tour?
The duration is about 4 hours (approx.).
What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is offered in English.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.
Is the tour good for snorkeling and swimming?
Yes. The experience includes swimming, snorkeling, and time at spots designed to be scenic and safe for getting in the water.
What fitness level do I need?
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, since the day includes swimming and jumping time.
Can I bring a dog?
Dogs are allowed on request, and it’s stated for private tours.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.













