We are talking about Snorkeling or surface finswimming. From June to September every year, we can offer you the opportunity to go into the completely protected zone of the Marine Area, to observe the hundreds of species of marine animals and plants that populate it. In small groups, accompanied by the WWF staff you will be able to swim among the schools of dream fish (Sarpa salpa), white sea bream and damselfish (Chromis chromis). Thanks to the skill and experience of the WWF guides, you may come across the rarest brown meagre (or corb), or be able to spot sea creatures that might otherwise escape more inexperienced eyes, such as blennies, nudibranchs, sponges, anemones and many others.
WHERE
The itineraries proposed within the marine area wind along the coast, at the foot of Miramare Castle, along a shallow underwater path among the rocks and a few metres from the shore. Every summer there are departures offered from Miramare’s protected beach or from the port of Grignano, where you take the Reserve’s boat to reach the diving area.
WHO
Snorkeling is a way of observing the underwater environment that suitable for everyone, adults and children. The only requirement is to be able to swim and to use the simple, necessary equipment: mask, snorkel and fins.
WHY
But why go guided seawatching at the Miramare Reserve when you can ‘snorkel’ freely outside the protected area? There are at least two good reasons!
The first reason is the extraordinary density of population and biodiversity of marine organisms present in Miramare, due to the so-called “Reserve effect”: Over thirty years without fishing and without disturbance from men or boats have made this stretch of sea a truly heavenly place.
The remarkable presence of species found in only a few of metres depth is also the result of another phenomenon that is known as ‘zone compression’. This is a rapid succession of increasingly dark environments, which develop over the depth of only a few metres, and condense different situations of light, that elsewhere would evolve over tens of metres in depth. This is a phenomenon that is in fact, typical of the whole of the Gulf of Trieste.
Species that in other places would be found at a great distance from one other, live in close contact here and at Miramare you can see this very well.
For the 2026 season, the snorkeling excursion schedule officially starts on Wednesday, July 1st!
The programme is currently being finalized: more details coming soon!
For the 2026 season, the seawatching excursions will exceptionally depart from the Port of Grignano, where participants will board a boat to reach the snorkeling site.
WHEN:From July 1st to August 30th
Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
DURATION: Approximately 2 hours
MEETING: Port of Grignano – Nautical Clubs side
COST: €30 per participant
Special discounts available for FVG Card holders
FACILITIES:
Fins and wetsuits are provided free of charge on loan if participants do not have their own equipment. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own mask and snorkel; otherwise, they will also be provided by the organization. All participants will also receive a voucher for one free entrance to BioMa, redeemable at any time during the year.
REQUIREMENT: Participants must be able to swim and use snorkeling equipment.
RESERVATION: Excursions must be booked online. The excursion calendar will soon be available on this website.
Translation by Vicki Ann Holder