In front of Vrsar lies the largest archipelago of islands and islets in Istria, which farthest harbour light is the Mramori shoal. This very shoal is our great snorkeling location. It was named after a castle remembered only by historical sources, leaving no present trace. Simply called the Lantern or the Red Lantern by local population because of its colour, it steadily secures the waterway.
A little more than one nautical mile from the Vrsar harbour, it can be reached by boat or a paddle board. However, no matter how you arrive, you will enjoy the magnificent view of Vrsar and its islets, and during clear and sharp weather, the view of the Italian Alps in the distance, covered in eternal snow.
The shallows are located on a 4-meter deep stone plateau providing easy orientation under water. The most interesting part to explore is the harbour light itself, which is teeming with life. It is surrounded by shoals of saddled seabream, damselfish, small blue fish that, like shepherds, chase flocks of bluefish. The bluefish is a relatively recent guest in the Adriatic, becoming more common due to milder winters and warmer seas. It is a fast and strong swimmer, which predatory character is revealed by its robust head with an accentuated jaw.
The concrete cone-shaped structure of the harbour light has metal parts that are completely overgrown with algae and sponges of various shapes and colours. There is someone hiding in every crevice, depending on the season. Be sure to explore the gap at the very bottom as well as the metal circle on the first step that wraps the 2 meter shallow mark. You will notice metal parts on the construction resembling a large belt. These are the remains of a former structure that has slowly caved in over time and under the waves, and are found scattered everywhere.
The shallow plateau is quite wide, so you can move away from the shoal marker and explore the site in a wider range. For orientation, always keep an eye on the shoal marker, or the harbour light. If Vrsar is behind you, then on your right you can see large boulders densely arranged. It is slightly less deep there at the top, some 3 meters on average. You can swim above them keeping to the north. You can be sure you will get surrounded by fish which is just waiting for someone to play hide and seek.
If you are in a better snorkeling condition, you can examine boulders as they hide traces of the distant past. Across the wider area, archaeologists have found evidence of Roman shipwrecks and the remains of a15th or 16th century galley, proven by the broken remains of amphorae scattered throughout the site. One can also find square and wavy nails of an oxidized, greenish colour, an integral part of a wooden ship.
If you find such an artifact, you are truly lucky! But take with you only the memory or underwater photo from this place. Keep in mind that this is a cultural asset owned by the Republic of Croatia that belongs to this sea bottom and the country. Let other visitors also experience the magic of discovering the ancient past!
On the left side of the harbour light, some 15 meters away, you will come across a sand pool featuring a sea dune outline. It is often visited by eagle rays during late summer. They can weigh up to 70 kilograms and their flat bodies look like they have wings which diameter can reach 1.5 meters. They are dark copper in colour with the head slightly separated from the body. Their tail is long and thin, hiding a poisonous spine in its root. They can often be seen in small groups lying on the sand or swimming behind each other. They are very careful.
If you need a rest after swimming and diving, climb up the harbour light by using the metal ladder that emerges from the sea. On hot summer days, you will always find a safe piece of shade there.
Be careful
At the Mramori shoal snorkeling location, the sea currents are stronger, so be careful when moving away from the harbour light. When the sea is rough, assess the sea conditions with due care.
The most pleasant trip to the Mramori shoal is in clear weather and calm sea. Enjoy your snorkeling, but always remain in pairs!
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The thematic map of the undersea can be found HERE.
Welcome to the world of snorkeling!
