Snorkelling site – Pod Zvoni Cove

To get to this snorkelling site, put out to sea from Mošćenička Draga and head south to Pod Zvoni Cove, 2.7 NM away from the harbour, below Golovik.

You will recognise the cove by the protruding headland Debela and a semi-open cave distinguished by its high vault and a small roof with a jagged edge on which one longer ‘tooth’ is prominent – the remnant of a stalactite from the distant past.

Locally, it is said that another stalactite hung from the roof until recently, and there were perhaps even more of them in the past. Pod Zvoni means Under the Bell, and on closer inspection of the cave, the resemblance is apparent.

The snorkelling site is located on the northern side of the cove, starting from the shallows under the semi-open cave and continuing all the way to the headland.

Points of interest:

At the bottom of the cove, you’ll notice a small fisherman’s house with a slipway for boats. Start your snorkelling tour right in the shallows of Pod Zvoni. The bottom features large stones covered with green algae forming small and larger balls, with red algae swaying to the rhythm of the waves.
In the shallower water under the roof of the cave, the pebbles are white and smaller. The sea here is slightly cooler because of two freshwater springs, and on the bottom are numerous red starfish. Notwithstanding their attractive appearance, they are actually predators. If you swim further along the rocks, you’ll come across a stone roof that hides a colony of Astroides calycularis, a rare, orange-coloured stony cup coral. This is a strictly protected species and should not be touched.

Continuing further, on your right you’ll notice how the wall curves, and here opens the entrance to a cave, into which you can swim. It is incredible what marine wealth is hidden in this small cave! Right below its entrance, at a depth of 7 m, you’ll come across another strictly protected species, a large and branched, orange-coloured antlers sponge coral (Axinella polypoides). Next to it two there are two other smaller corals of the same species, and a fan-shaped yellow gorgonian. Immediately below the cave, you’ll notice a light purple sponge (Dysidea avara). The bottom in front of the cave is covered with calcified red algae in light pink and soft yellow, with larger rocks from under which yellow gorgonians protrude like fans.

On the bottom here you can also see octopuses skilfully hiding in holes and cracks in the rock.

This snorkelling site is rich in fish such as two-banded sea bream, saddled seabream, damselfish, sharpsnout seabream or gilthead seabream, and even some larger dentex. In the shallows, you can also observe various other types of fish: gobies, blennies, wrasses and schools of small salema porgies. Most probably you’ll be joined by the Mediterranean rainbow wrasse, which can be easily recognised by its bright green and orange band on the side.

Recommendation:

This snorkelling site is in the shade most of the day: a real refuge from the summer heat! However, if you bring an underwater lamp, you’ll experience snorkelling on a whole new level and enjoy every detail. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before putting out to sea because the best experience is when the sea is calm. Also, remember that you should never snorkel alone – always in company!