How to reach the FIRST SNORKELING LOCATION IN IČIĆI?
The Ičići coastal promenade runs right above the sea, and next to Villa Florida it hides a real treat for all snorkeling enthusiasts.
You can enter the sea using the steps that lead from the promenade down to the concrete platform beneath a small bridge, above which a huge oak tree extends its branches.
You can start exploring right in the shallows near a small rock that resembles a mushroom in shape.
What interesting sights does the first snorkeling location in Ičići offer?
In the shallows, the seabed is covered with small pebbles that gradually turn into larger rocky boulders, dropping down—sometimes steeply—onto a sandy bottom.
In both calm and windy weather, underwater visibility is remarkably clear, and the seascape stretches wide and far before you.
Even from the shallow water, you can spot a solitary, fairly large rock on the sandy bottom at a depth of 12 meters—an awe-inspiring sight.
The rocky boulders are overgrown with green and red algae of various shapes—an ideal habitat for black wrasse, which love hiding in holes and crevices, and here you can see them in great numbers. They swim in all directions, giving the impression of great underwater bustle. You’ll easily recognize them by their black color, while young individuals are a vivid blue, almost neon in brightness. If you manage to take a closer look, you’ll notice they are very similar to tropical coral reef fish, as they belong to the same family. They look as if they can’t wait for someone to play hide-and-seek with them. They’re quick to hide, but the moment you turn your head, they’re already back around you.
Many fish visit this location and patrol it constantly. Schools of small and large salema can be recognized by their golden-yellow stripes and yellow eyes. They slowly graze the algae, moving from rock to rock. Schools of ornate wrasse dart by quickly, recognizable by their transverse black stripes and pointed snout. You can often see them jostling with damselfish. With their long snouts they break open sea urchins, which are their favorite treat.
The curious painted comber will keep you company as you explore the underwater world, while the annular seabream and cardinalfish will watch from a distance to see what you’re up to.
In the shallow labyrinth of rocky passages beneath the villa’s terrace, you will almost certainly encounter a school of mullets, which enjoy lingering in the shallowest parts. If you approach them slowly, you’ll be able to observe them up close for quite some time. Here, the algae are painted in every shade of pink and light purple—almost unreal!
This snorkeling spot hides yet another surprise—a small colony of yellow corals at just 2 meters of depth. They look like tiny golden-yellow flowers and usually live in shaded areas and at the entrances of caves. You will find them on the most exposed rock with an iron ring at the top, just below the cliff.
But these aren’t the only corals you can find here. Beautiful specimens of cushion or stone coral can also be seen at just 5 meters of depth. Individual colonies are scattered all the way down to the sandy bottom. They have a rounded, knob-like shape and a pale yellow color. This coral is the only one in the Mediterranean capable of forming a coral reef.
On this seabed you can see a remarkable number of green balls and tiny spherical shapes that may look like sponges, but they are not. They are green algae, which play an important role in oxygenating the underwater habitat through photosynthesis. They are also excellent indicators of environmental health, and given their abundance, they serve as true guardians of the Ičići seabed.
Around the larger rocky boulders you may notice a sea "nest” made of algae that resembles a bird’s nest. It is built by the diligent rainbow wrasse, which you can easily recognize by the little sprig of algae it often carries in its mouth. It is a small fish, around 10 centimeters long, light green in color, with a spot on its gill cover outlined in red and turquoise. The male constantly tends to the nest, and interestingly, he is the one who takes care of the offspring and fiercely defends his home.
Here you can also spot the brown wrasse, a smaller fish with a very distinctive appearance. Its elongated snout curves upward as if showing off, but it is actually very timid. It also builds a nest, but from shells and small snails.
In the shallows, you can observe the yellow goby and the sharp-nosed goby up close. Their details will fascinate you, especially their zig-zag swimming pattern. In certain spots you may feel cooler water—these are underground freshwater streams flowing down from Mount Učka. You’ll notice that in these areas the algae display more intense, striking colors.
You can continue exploring this snorkeling location along the coastline, where various species of gobies hide, along with peacock wrasse with their marbled patterns, and even the red-mouthed goby, which you will immediately recognize by its strikingly red lips—almost as if they were painted on.
Let’s stay safe while exploring the first snorkeling location in Ičići!
At this spot, the shallows are in the shade during the afternoon, making it a true refuge during the summer heat.
If you are in good freediving condition and choose to explore deeper areas on the sandy bottom, keep in mind that local fishermen often pass through here with their boats on their way to the small sports marina. Before diving, assess the direction in which the boats are moving so you can stay safe and relaxed.
The most beautiful snorkeling is when the sea is calm—and always in good company.
You can download the map of the FIRST SNORKELING LOCATION by clicking
Location explored, underwater map created, and site description prepared by: Barbara Unković (Underwatter Affair)
Photos: Anton Unković
Text adapted by: Dijana Blažević (Ičići Tourist Board)