The island of Lošinj, widely known as the island of vitality, is once again pushing the boundaries of its tourist offerings, providing sea and nature lovers with a unique opportunity to dive into its turquoise depths without getting their fins wet. In a pioneering step on the Croatian and Mediterranean tourist scene, the Tourist Board of the Town of Mali Lošinj has presented a revolutionary digital project "Snorkeling Views 360°". This innovative tool allows for the virtual exploration of the marvelous underwater world not only of the island of Lošinj but of the entire accompanying archipelago, which includes the picturesque islands of Ilovik, the sandy Susak, and the floral Unije. Following the success of last year's project of interactive panoramas of Lošinj's beaches, which paid special attention to locations designated for dogs, the Tourist Board continues to digitize its natural treasures, making them accessible to everyone, at any time, and from anywhere in the world.

A Digital Gateway to the Blue of the Adriatic

The "Snorkeling Views 360°" project is the culmination of extensive and dedicated fieldwork. To create this impressive virtual experience, it was necessary to carry out more than 120 demanding dives and record over 20 hours of spectacular drone footage. All this material was carefully processed and transformed into more than 90 intertwined high-resolution underwater and aerial panoramas. The result is an interactive and fluid platform, intuitive to use and fully adapted to all types of devices – from smartphones and tablets to large desktop computer screens. Users can now, through simple and modern navigation, virtually sail through the archipelago, explore hidden coves, and literally dive into the crystal-clear sea to discover the secrets hidden beneath the surface. This tool is perfect for planning a holiday, allowing divers and swimmers to pre-select locations that best suit their interests and skills, while also providing a fascinating insight into the beauties offered by the island of Lošinj to those who may never have the chance to dive.

Each of the more than 140 recorded panoramas, whether aerial shots showing turquoise lagoons or underwater ones revealing life on the rocks, offers an opportunity for detailed exploration. This digital adventure invites you to discover the hidden beauties of the Adriatic, and you can start it all with a single click on the link: start your underwater adventure.

Explore the Hidden Treasures of the Lošinj Archipelago

The Lošinj archipelago rightly bears the epithet of a diver's paradise. Its underwater world is characterized by extraordinary biodiversity and fascinating geological formations. The virtual tour takes you through a labyrinth of rocky gorges, natural caves, and over steep cliffs that plunge into the deep blue. Locations like Cape Margarina and Vele Stijene, known for their vertical walls, offer breathtaking scenes and represent a real challenge even for experienced freedivers. On the other hand, protected coves like Valdarke and Balvanida offer a calmer environment, where, with the help of a diving lamp, the mysterious inhabitants of dark rock crevices can be discovered. The coves of Javorna and Tomozina, with their gentle and accessible sea entrances, are perfect for beginners and families, and are rich in motifs for unforgettable underwater photographs. Each location offers a unique experience, and the crystal-clear sea, which characterizes the entire area, ensures excellent visibility, sometimes over thirty meters, making every dive special. Exploring these locations, whether virtually or in reality, reveals why Lošinj is a favorite destination for all sea lovers.

Posidonia – The Lungs of the Mediterranean in Lošinj's Undersea

One of the key elements of the Lošinj underwater landscape are the dense and vast meadows of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Although from the surface they may look like dark patches on the seabed, these meadows represent one of the most important and productive ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea. Posidonia, which is endemic to the Mediterranean, is not an alga but a true plant with roots, a stem, and leaves, and its role is crucial for the health of the sea. Due to its ability to produce huge amounts of oxygen through photosynthesis, it is often called the "lungs of the Mediterranean". One square meter of a Posidonia meadow can produce up to 14 liters of oxygen per day. In addition, these meadows act as natural filters that purify the sea and improve its transparency by binding suspended particles. Their dense roots stabilize the seabed and prevent coastal erosion, acting as a natural barrier against waves. They are also a key habitat, spawning ground, and feeding area for more than 100 species of fish and hundreds of other marine organisms. Due to its exceptional importance and endangerment from human activities such as anchoring, Posidonia is a strictly protected species in Croatia. This project, therefore, also has a strong educational component, raising awareness about the fragility and importance of preserving these underwater forests.

Traces of History Beneath the Sea Surface

The seabed of the Lošinj archipelago is not only a treasure trove of natural beauty but also a silent guardian of a rich and turbulent history. For millennia, ancient sea routes passed through these waters, and shipwrecks and their cargo testify to the importance of this area as a trade and maritime hub. The mentioned fragments of ancient ceramics, which can be noticed in some locations, are just a part of the story. Recent archaeological research has uncovered a real historical treasure. For example, in Čikat bay, on a seabed covered with sand and Posidonia fields, the remains of a modern-era shipwreck were discovered with elements of the ship's construction, four ship cannons, an anchor, and a multitude of ship's pottery and cannonballs. Near the island of Susak, at the Margarina reef, the remains of a Roman shipwreck with a cargo of construction material, including marble columns, were recorded. To bring a part of this history closer to the public, a unique Underwater Historical Park has been opened in Čikat bay. The park features 11 exhibits, including replicas of cannons, ancient amphorae, and, as the main attraction, a life-size replica of the "Apoxyomenos" statue, the original of which was found in the waters of Lošinj. This provides a unique opportunity for divers to experience a blend of diving and history at a depth of 5 to 15 meters, confirming that Mali Lošinj offers experiences that go beyond the usual tourist offer.

Sustainable Tourism and a Prestigious Recognition

Commitment to preserving natural and cultural heritage and a focus on sustainable development have brought the island of Lošinj the prestigious international recognition Green Destinations – GOLD AWARD. With this, Lošinj became the first destination in the entire Mediterranean to boast a gold label for responsible tourism. This award confirms that the development of tourism on the island is based on high ecological standards and care for the community. A project like "Snorkeling Views 360°" is a perfect example of such a philosophy. It allows for mass accessibility and promotion of the most sensitive natural resources without any negative impact on the environment. Virtual diving reduces the pressure on actual locations while educating visitors about the importance of sea conservation. This is proof that investing in sustainable tourism pays off and that modern technology can be a powerful ally in protecting nature for future generations.

Safety and Responsibility First

Although virtual diving carries no risks, the Tourist Board of the Town of Mali Lošinj strongly promotes the importance of safe and responsible behavior during actual time spent in the sea. The basic rule is to never dive alone. Diving in pairs significantly increases safety. Also, it is crucial to use a dive float or buoy to clearly mark the diver's position and make it visible to vessels. It is important to know and respect one's own limits and abilities and to always stay close to the shore. Respect for nature is an imperative. This means that shells, snails, starfish, or any other living organisms must not be taken from the sea. Likewise, archaeological artifacts are not to be touched or removed – they are protected by law and belong to our common heritage. Any waste you bring with you must also be taken away. The sea should be left exactly as you found it – untouched. The most beautiful and only souvenir you should take from the depths are impressive photographs and unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Besides the underwater world, don't forget to explore the beautiful beaches of the island, which are also presented through a similar innovative project. You can find more information at the link: discover the beaches of Lošinj.