Kayak tour in Pula to Valley of Tears/free drinks+photos included

Pula looks best from the water. This three-hour outing combines kayaking, snorkeling, a moderate cliff jump, and coastal views in places you cannot reach on foot. I especially like the included GoPro photos and underwater footage, plus the easygoing guides who keep the mood relaxed and help beginners find their rhythm. The main drawback is important: the sea cave described in older tour material was closed by the government in March 2025, so you should not book this expecting to enter it.

There is also a practical price point to consider. At $60.49 per person, the tour includes a kayak, neoprene, life jacket, snorkeling equipment, drinks, a dry bag, and photos, which makes it a solid package if you value the extras. Still, check Puls events directly before booking, since one guest reported paying about €25 more through a third-party booking site.

Key points to know before you paddle

• The sea cave is no longer part of the route: It was closed by the government in March 2025, despite appearing in older descriptions and photographs.
• GoPro photos and underwater footage are included: Guides photograph kayaking, snorkeling, and cliff jumps, then send the files by email or sharing link.
• The tour lasts about three hours: Some outings may run longer, but plan for at least a half-day around the activity.
• Cliff jumping is optional: You may jump from approved lower points, but the highest point is not allowed for safety reasons.
• The group can reach 30 people: Smaller groups have been reported, but you should be ready for a social outing rather than a private paddle.
• You need moderate fitness: Kayaking on open water takes effort, and you should arrive in swimwear, sports clothes, water shoes, a hat, towel, and sunscreen.

Starting at Valkane in Pula

The tour begins at Puls events in the Valkane area of Pula, at 52100 Pula, Croatia. You should arrive 30 minutes before the official start time. That early arrival matters because the guides need to organize equipment, answer questions, and get everyone ready before the group reaches the water.

The meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity ends back where it starts. No transfer is included, so you will need to make your own way to Valkane. The mobile ticket is convenient, and confirmation normally arrives when you book, unless you reserve within six hours of departure. Last-minute confirmation then depends on availability.

At the start, you receive the equipment included in the price: kayak, life jacket, neoprene, dry bag, and snorkeling gear. The dry bag is useful for small essentials, though the guides also photograph much of the outing, so you may not need to bring your phone onto the water.

Wear a swimsuit under sports clothing, and bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, and water shoes. Water shoes are especially sensible around rocky shores and entry points. You should also leave room for wet gear and avoid bringing anything you cannot afford to get splashed.

Paddling along Pula’s open coast

The first major part of the outing is the paddle itself. The route takes you along sections of coast that are accessible only from the sea, giving you a different view of Pula than you get from roads, beaches, or city walks.

For many people, this is the best part of the tour. You move at water level, see the shoreline from a quieter angle, and have time to stop for photographs. The paddle to the former cave area has taken about 30 minutes for some groups, depending on pace and motivation. That is long enough to feel like a real outing, but not so long that kayaking takes up the entire day.

A double kayak is easy for beginners to manage when both paddlers work together. Families have also used three-person kayaks, including a parent with a 10-year-old daughter. The guides provide help, and several first-time kayakers found the activity approachable.

Still, do not mistake easy equipment for effortless exercise. Paddling on open water can tire your shoulders and arms, especially if the sea is choppy or you are not used to kayaking. The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, so it is best for people who can paddle steadily, get in and out of a kayak, and swim or move comfortably in the water.

The group size can reach 30 people, although some outings have had around 10 or 20 participants. With a larger group, the pace is set by the slowest paddlers and the guides need to keep everyone together. The benefit is a friendly, social atmosphere. The tradeoff is less quiet time and less individual attention than you would receive on a private tour.

What the cave closure changes

Older descriptions of this excursion center on entering a sea cave, snorkeling from inside it, and taking photographs there. That part of the experience is no longer available. The cave was shut down by the government in March 2025, and the operator now states clearly that the group will not enter.

This is more than a minor itinerary adjustment. The cave was a major reason some people booked the outing, so you should judge the tour on its current offer: kayaking along Pula’s coast, snorkeling at permitted locations, a beach or swim stop, cliff jumping from approved points, drinks, and photography.

You may still see striking rock formations and coastal scenery from the water, but do not rely on older photos or past descriptions when deciding. If entering a cave is your main goal, choose another activity. If you mainly want a lively three-hour sea outing with several activities included, the revised route may still suit you well.

Some past outings included a beach stop and a long break in place of the cave visit. That pause can be pleasant, but it may feel too long if you expected constant activity. Ask about the current stop sequence when you arrive, since the route can depend on conditions and the closure.

Snorkeling, swimming, and cliff jumping

The tour adds variety by mixing kayaking with time in the water. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with neoprene, which can make the experience more comfortable outside the warmest summer months.

The water stops give you a chance to leave the kayak, look below the surface, and see the coast from another angle. Underwater footage is part of the photography package, so you can enjoy the swim without trying to protect your phone or camera.

One equipment detail deserves a note. At least one outing provided goggles but not a breathing tube, which was a problem for a participant who could not hold their breath for long. Equipment may vary, so if a snorkel is important to you, confirm what is supplied before departure. Do not assume that snorkeling gear always means both mask and snorkel.

Cliff jumping is optional. You can watch, swim, or take photographs if you would rather stay on the water. The operator does not allow jumps from the highest point because of safety concerns. That rule is sensible, but it also means the most dramatic jump shown in old social media content may not be part of your day.

The guides supervise the activity and explain what is safe. Even so, you should make your own choice based on comfort, swimming ability, and conditions. There is no prize for making a jump you do not want to make.

The guides and the easygoing atmosphere

The guide team is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Erik has been praised for bringing humor and useful advice about Pula, including restaurant suggestions. Stefan and Vanya have also been singled out for attentive guiding and enthusiastic photography.

The general tone is relaxed rather than formal. The guides help with the kayaks, explain safety points, keep the group moving, and take time to set up photographs. That informal style works well for friends, couples, and families who want an active morning without a stiff lecture.

Families have included young children and older parents. One family brought a four-year-old, while another included 70-year-old parents who were treated with patience and care. That does not mean the activity is effortless for every age. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the sea conditions, paddling distance, and water entry still require sound judgment.

You should also expect a group activity, not a personal coaching session. The guides are there to support everyone, so beginners may receive help when needed, but advanced paddlers should not expect a challenging technical route.

GoPro photography is a real part of the value

The included photography changes how you experience the day. Guides use GoPro cameras to record kayaking, snorkeling, cliff jumps, and underwater scenes. In some cases, they take hundreds of photographs and send a link within a couple of days.

That is useful in a practical way. You can keep your phone in the dry bag, pay attention to the water, and still come home with photographs of moments that would be hard to capture yourself. The guides also give directions for poses and jumps, which helps if you want more than casual snapshots.

The package includes tour photos, but not drone photographs or separately selected photos. If aerial images are important to you, they are not included. The exact method and timing for receiving the files can vary, though email or a sharing website has been used.

Photography can also affect the rhythm of the outing. One guest preferred spending more time looking at the coast rather than repeatedly posing. If you dislike staged pictures, simply tell the guides. You can enjoy the scenery and let the photographers work around the group.

Beer, water, and the price

The listed price is $60.49 per person. Included drinks are bottled water and beer, with the legal minimum drinking age set at 18. One outing offered drinks mainly during the break, rather than continuously while paddling, so think of the beer as a welcome refreshment at the stop, not an open bar.

The value is strongest when you count the equipment and media package. A kayak rental, life jacket, neoprene, snorkeling equipment, dry bag, guide service, beer, water, and GoPro photos would cost money separately. You also get a three-hour coastal outing with several activities rather than a short paddle around a small section of shore.

I would still compare the direct price with the online booking price. One participant reported paying roughly €25 more through a third-party site than people who booked directly with Puls events. Prices can change, but checking the provider’s own website is a sensible step before you pay.

The tour requires at least two people per booking. It also depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the activity, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Who should book this Pula adventure?

I would recommend it to first-time kayakers, couples, active families, and friends who want several experiences in one morning. It is particularly useful if you want to see Pula from the water but do not want to organize kayak rental, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, drinks, and photography separately.

It also suits people who like a social atmosphere. The guides are friendly and playful, and the beer stop adds to the casual mood. If you enjoy a quiet private paddle, however, a group of up to 30 may feel too busy.

Think carefully if you have limited mobility, dislike open-water exercise, or are uncomfortable getting into a kayak. The activity requires moderate fitness, and children must stay with an adult. Anyone with asthma, heart problems, or another medical condition should consult a doctor before taking part. A health questionnaire is required before water activities involving underwater participation, and some conditions may prevent participation.

The excursion is not recommended within 48 hours of flying. Keep that timing in mind when planning the final days of your holiday.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want good value through variety: kayaking, snorkeling, a supervised cliff-jump option, refreshments, equipment, and memorable GoPro footage in one package. The friendly guides and beginner-friendly approach make it a strong choice for a first sea-kayaking experience around Pula.

Do not book it for the sea cave. That section is closed as of March 2025, and older photographs may give you the wrong idea. Check the current direct price, confirm the snorkeling equipment, arrive 30 minutes early, and treat the activity as a moderately active group outing. With those expectations, this is a fun and practical way to spend a Pula morning.

FAQ

How long does the kayak tour last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours, though some outings have run longer. Plan enough time beyond the stated duration in case the group moves at a relaxed pace.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Puls events in Valkane, 52100 Pula, Croatia. The activity finishes back at the same meeting point.

Is the sea cave included?

No. The sea cave was closed by the government in March 2025, and the tour no longer enters it.

What equipment is provided?

The package includes a kayak, life jacket, dry bag, neoprene, and snorkeling equipment. You should confirm the exact snorkeling setup if having a breathing tube is important to you.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. GoPro photographs and footage, including underwater images, are included. Drone photographs and separately requested photos are not included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and beer are included. The minimum drinking age is 18, and drinks may be provided during the stop rather than throughout the paddle.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is described as suitable for all age groups, but participants still need moderate physical fitness.

Is cliff jumping required?

No. Cliff jumping is optional. The highest point is not permitted for safety reasons, and you can choose to watch or remain in the water instead.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.