Istria's maritime flora and fauna: what you can discover on the water
Underwater world: A kaleidoscope of life
A lively world is hidden beneath the surface of Istria’s waters. While snorkelling or diving, you can observe magnificent schools of fish. Typical are the shiny golden mullets, elegant perch and nimble sardines. If you are lucky, you may even come across the majestic Caretta caretta sea turtle, which seeks shelter in these waters.
The rocky shores are covered in colourful anemones and sea urchins. Be careful not to accidentally step on one of these spiny inhabitants while swimming! Another highlight is the red gorgonian coral, which grows on steeply sloping reefs and impresses with its bright colour.
Dolphins: The stars of the Adriatic
A special moment on your sailing trip is the encounter with dolphins. The bottlenose dolphins, which are native to the area, love to play in the bow waves of boats. Have your camera ready when they appear next to your boat! They are particularly common in the waters around Rovinj and Poreč.
Remember to give the animals their space. Dolphins are curious, but will voluntarily come closer if they feel safe.
Seabirds: masters of the skies
Elegant gulls and cormorants soar over the sea. The long-necked cormorants often dry their feathers on rocks or harbour piers – a perfect photo opportunity! The shearwaters, which glide just above the surface of the water and are known for their hunting skills, are particularly impressive.
Inland, near the lagoons, you can observe flamingos and herons. These places are particularly suitable for taking a break from sailing to unpack your camera or binoculars.
Maritime flora: green oases in the sea
Istria’s flora is also unique. Posidonia seagrass meadows, which look like underwater gardens, sway in the clear water. These meadows are not only beautiful, but also essential for the ecosystem. They provide a habitat for numerous animals and purify the water.
On land, you can discover wild herbs such as thyme and sage growing along the rocky coast. Their scent accompanies you when the breeze blows from the land.
Tips for observing nature
- Respect nature: Don’t leave any rubbish behind and avoid loud behaviour that could disturb the animals.
- Use binoculars: A good pair of binoculars will help you to observe seabirds and other animals from a safe distance.
- Go on a discovery tour: Plan stops at nature reserves such as Cape Kamenjak, where the flora and fauna are particularly diverse.
Our summary
The maritime flora and fauna of Istria make every sailing trip an unforgettable experience. With open eyes and a little patience, you will experience the beauty of nature up close. Whether on the water or on land – the diversity that awaits you here will delight and inspire you.
