Where to find it
The southernmost islet in the Vrsar archipelago is called Koversada (locally “Koveršada”). Its name is said to come from religious converts who lived here in isolation during the 16th and 17th centuries—on what was then a remote islet—to avoid societal judgement and build a new identity in peace. In the late 1970s, it was connected to the nearby mainland by a bridge; before that, workers and supplies arrived by boat.
Today, Koversada is part of Croatia’s oldest and largest naturist camp—a familiar destination to naturism lovers. Naturism, a movement founded between the two world wars, celebrates living freely in nature, without clothes.
Actually, nudity enjoys ancient roots: in ancient Greece, nude athletic contests, celebrations, and public events were common—Greek Olympians even competed nude. In camp Koversada, the annual Miss Koversada contest was the most anticipated event of the season, celebrating healthy and beautiful bodies. As part of the festivities, a whole ox would be roasted on a spit to complete the celebration.
Nowadays there is also a “textile” (clothed) camp called Koversada Covered Campsite, surrounded by lush greenery that provides a welcome sanctuary from the summer heat.
On the southern side of the islet, below the Blue Bar, there’s a snorkeling spot with a view toward the entrance of the submerged canyon valley of Lim Bay—which is protected for its natural value, both on land and underwater.
Underwater Wonders
Below the terrace you'll find a paved sunbathing area with steps leading down to a small pier with a handrail. From there, a submerged wall extends under the water. The shallow seabed is rocky and covered with small pebbles—on a sunny day, it turns the sea a fascinating turquoise.
That “wall” is actually an unused concrete pipe covered in soft, pink-tinged algae that look like fluffy little balls. Feel free to gently touch them—they are surprisingly soft.
Occasionally, through the wall you’ll find a small opening to peer through. The wall ends broken, sloping toward a sandy pebbled trail. Occasionally, you might spot fragments of amphorae—evidence of this area’s ancient history.
If you're lucky, you might also see an octopus hiding there—mimicking its surroundings, even geometric patterns on stones. Octopuses love hiding in holes and cavities, and this pipe makes a perfect home. Take your time, let your eyes adjust to the dimness—maybe you’ll spot one. If it's home, you might even find tiny remnants of her meal—crab shells or bits of mollusks—because octopuses are tidy tenants.
This submerged wall can serve as your lookout—or you can swim along it like a runway. If you gently paddle, you may see schools of razorfish (cipale) passing by on their way toward Lim Bay. You might even dive in amongst them!
This wall is like an underwater playground for many fish—such as gobies, wrasses, blennies, and other small sea dwellers. At the wall’s end, you’ll often find shoals of black gobies “playing hide-and-seek” around it.
Around the wall, the seabed forms a sort of miniature natural lagoon. In the shallows, around larger rocks and crevices, you’ll find schools of juvenile fish. Nearby, you might spot silversides (salpe) grazing on algae—recognizable by their yellow stripes with golden reflections. They are often accompanied by black-striped fish called “baraji” or “fratri,” named after the dark stripe behind their head like a monk’s collar.
Safety first!
This snorkeling spot lies inside a protected barrier marked by a floating buoy line. Keep in mind that maritime traffic here is busy—if you choose to explore closer to the shoreline beyond the buoy line, remain alert at all times.
Welcome to the world of freediving!
