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

Pula’s best surprise may be out on the water, not behind another town gate. This three-hour kayak trip paddles along stretches of coast that you cannot reach on foot, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and a supervised cliff jump. Guides such as Erik, Stefan, and Vanya have been praised for keeping things friendly, safe, and fun.

I like two things right away: GoPro photos and underwater footage are included, so you can leave your phone in the dry bag, and beer and water are part of the price rather than an afterthought. The main catch is important: the sea cave mentioned in older trip descriptions was closed by the Croatian government in March 2025, so this tour no longer enters it.

Key points at a glance

• The sea cave is no longer visited: It was closed in March 2025, so expect coastal kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping instead.
• Your action is photographed: GoPro cameras capture kayaking, jumps, and underwater scenes, with the images sent by link after the trip.
• The paddle is a real workout: The route to the swimming areas can take about 30 minutes, depending on the group’s pace.
• Drinks are included: You receive bottled water and beer, with the legal drinking age set at 18.
• Equipment is supplied: Kayak, life jacket, dry bag, neoprene, and snorkeling equipment are included.
• The group can be fairly large: The maximum is 30 people, though some departures have had about 10 to 20 participants.

Paddling away from Valkane

The meeting point is at Puls Events, Valkane, in Pula. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the official start, since late arrivals may hold up a group that is preparing boats and safety equipment.

You receive a kayak, life jacket, dry bag, neoprene, and snorkeling gear. The dry bag is useful for keeping small essentials with you, while other belongings can be left secured at the start point according to the information provided for the activity.

The kayaks are described as easy to handle, including double boats and three-person boats. That makes this a practical first kayaking experience, particularly if you share a boat with someone stronger or more experienced. You still need a moderate level of fitness. Paddling across open water for several hours is not a passive sightseeing ride.

The route out to the main swimming area can take around 30 minutes. That time varies with wind, sea conditions, and how hard the group paddles. I would treat the outward journey as part of the activity, not a quick transfer. You get changing views of Pula’s shore, but you will need to keep working the paddle.

Coastal scenery only reachable from the sea

The chief reason to book this outing is access. A kayak lets you look back at Pula from the water and reach small coastal spots that are not part of a normal walking tour. You are close enough to stop for a swim, yet moving slowly enough to notice the rock formations and clear water around the coast.

This is a more active way to see Pula than a standard boat cruise. You help move the kayak, choose your pace within the group, and take part in the stops rather than simply sitting on deck. The payoff is a closer connection with the coast, but the tradeoff is effort.

The setting can change with the time of day. One account describes kayaking back during twilight, while other departures finished in the morning. Do not assume every start time includes an evening return. Check the departure you are booking if the light matters to you.

Guides add local color along the way. Erik has been singled out for restaurant suggestions and extra information about Pula, while Stefan and Vanya have been praised for helping with photos and staying attentive to the group. Guide assignments can change, but the trip is designed around an escort who gives instructions and keeps the group together.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the new cave limitation

The swimming stops are a central part of the tour. You can get out of the kayak, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, and look for fish around the rocky shore. The water experience is strongest on a calm, clear day, when you can see beneath the surface without fighting much chop.

The activity description once centered on a sea cave. That is now out of date. The cave was shut by the government in March 2025, and the current trip does not enter it. This matters because older photos and descriptions may still show people swimming inside the cave.

You can still expect a coastal outing with snorkeling and swimming, but you should not book it specifically for cave access. If the cave was the deciding factor, choose another activity or confirm the current route directly with Puls Events before paying.

There is also a small equipment point worth checking. The supplied equipment list includes snorkeling gear, but one person reported receiving goggles without a snorkel. If you need a snorkel rather than simply goggles, ask the operator before departure. That is especially sensible if holding your breath is difficult.

Cliff jumping with sensible limits

Cliff jumping provides the trip’s biggest burst of excitement. The guides organize the activity at suitable points and take photographs and video as people jump. You are not required to jump, so you can watch from the kayak or swim instead.

The highest point is specifically off-limits for safety reasons. That is good practice, even if it slightly reduces the thrill for anyone expecting a large jump. You should follow the guide’s instructions, check the landing area, and skip the activity if you feel unsure.

The mix of paddling, swimming, snorkeling, and jumping works well because it breaks up the physical effort. It also gives the group different ways to enjoy the coast. Families can take part at their own comfort level, while more active adults can make the most of the water stops.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Accounts describe children aged four, ten, and thirteen taking part, as well as older adults including people around 70. Those examples show that the activity can suit a broad age range, but they do not remove the need for reasonable fitness, comfort around water, and adult supervision.

GoPro photos are a genuine part of the value

The photo service is one of the strongest features here. Guides use GoPro cameras to record kayaking, snorkeling, cliff jumps, and underwater scenes. You receive a link to download the photos and videos, generally within a couple of days.

This changes the feel of the outing. You do not need to risk your phone in the kayak or interrupt the experience to take pictures. The guides can also capture action shots that are hard to get from a boat or from shore.

Some guides appear to put real effort into directing people into good positions. That can mean a more polished set of holiday pictures, though you should not expect a private photo session. On a larger departure, the guides divide their attention among the group.

Air photographs taken by drone are not included. Separate photos are also not included, so the included GoPro package is the standard photography service. If you want aerial images, ask about the extra cost before the start.

Beer, water, and the real price

The listed price is $60.49 per person. For that amount, you receive the kayak, safety gear, neoprene, dry bag, snorkeling equipment, guide, water, beer, and the photo and video package. When you add the value of the equipment and images, the price is reasonable for an active half-day outing.

It is not the cheapest way to see Pula’s coast. You are paying for staff, boat equipment, safety management, drinks, and photography, not just a rented kayak. If you only want to paddle quietly for an hour, this is more than you need.

The drinks are included, but the timing may vary. One account says they were available at the cave stop, while the cave is no longer part of the route. Think of beer and water as a refreshment included during the outing, not a promise that a drink will be waiting at every stop.

One practical money tip: check the Puls Events website before booking through a third-party platform. A person on one departure reported paying about €25 more through the outside booking site than others in the same group. Prices can change, but comparing the direct rate is sensible.

Group size, pace, and atmosphere

The maximum group size is 30 people. That sounds large for kayaking, but the actual feel depends on the departure. Some outings have had about 10 people and two instructors, while another had around 20.

A larger group may mean more waiting at swimming or jumping stops. It can also make the paddle pace less predictable. On the positive side, the guides have experience keeping larger groups organized, and the activity does not necessarily feel crowded once the kayaks spread out.

The tone is informal. Guides are often described as relaxed, humorous, and easy to approach. This is not a formal lecture about Istrian history. You get useful local information, safety directions, and some explanation of the coast and its marine life, delivered in English.

That casual style suits people who want an outing with energy and conversation. If you prefer a quiet, tightly scripted nature trip, the joking, beer stop, and group activity may feel less refined. I would choose this for fun and access rather than for a detailed academic account of Pula.

What to wear and bring

Wear a swimsuit under comfortable sports clothing. Bring water shoes, a hat, towel, and sunscreen. Water shoes are particularly useful around rocky entry points and swimming areas.

Neoprene is supplied, but weather and water temperatures can still affect comfort. Kayaking in April has been described as enjoyable, with a peaceful atmosphere, but spring conditions are not the same as midsummer conditions. Check the forecast and dress for the day.

Keep valuables to a minimum. The dry bag handles small items, and the photography service means you can manage without carrying a phone on the water. You should still bring any essential medication in suitable waterproof protection and tell the guide about relevant health concerns.

The information supplied mentions a health questionnaire before diving, although this is primarily a kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and cliff-jumping activity. Anyone with asthma, heart problems, or another condition that could affect strenuous activity should consult a doctor and tell the operator in advance.

Who should book this Pula kayak tour?

I would recommend it to active families, couples, first-time kayakers, and friends who want several activities in one morning or afternoon. The double kayak is manageable, guides help beginners, and you can choose whether to jump from the cliffs.

It is also a good fit if you care about photographs. The included footage saves you from buying a waterproof camera and gives you images of moments you could not easily record yourself.

You may want another option if you dislike open-water paddling, have limited mobility, or want a slow sightseeing cruise. The trip calls for moderate fitness, and the route can involve a 30-minute paddle in each direction. Anyone expecting the sea cave shown in older descriptions should not book without confirming the updated route.

The outing is offered in English and requires at least two people per booking. It returns to the same meeting point at Valkane, and public transportation is nearby. The stated duration is about three hours, though some departures have run longer when the group was enjoying the stops.

Cancellation and weather details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

Good weather is required. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is important for a sea activity, since wind and rough water can affect both comfort and safety.

My verdict: book it for the coast, not the cave

I would book this tour if I wanted an active introduction to Pula’s shore, especially with the included GoPro photos, underwater footage, drinks, and equipment. It offers more than a simple kayak rental and gives you several ways to enjoy the water.

Book with realistic expectations. The sea cave is closed, the paddle requires effort, and a group of up to 30 can affect the pace. Check the direct Puls Events price, confirm the snorkeling gear if you need a full mask-and-snorkel setup, and arrive early.

For a lively half-day on the coast, this is good value. For cave access, a large cliff jump, or a quiet private paddle, it is not the right choice.

FAQ

Where does the kayak tour start?

The tour starts at Puls Events, Valkane, 52100, Pula, Croatia.

Where does the activity finish?

The tour ends back at the meeting point in Valkane.

How long does the kayak tour last?

The stated duration is approximately three hours. Some departures have lasted longer when the group spent extra time at the stops.

Is the sea cave included?

No. The sea cave mentioned in older descriptions was closed by the government in March 2025, and the current tour does not enter it.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a kayak, life jacket, dry bag, neoprene, and snorkeling equipment. One account reported receiving goggles without a snorkel, so confirm the exact setup if that matters to you.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and beer are included. The minimum drinking age for alcoholic beverages is 18.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. GoPro photos and videos, including underwater footage, are included. Air photos from a drone and separate photo services are not included.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, children can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should also have a moderate level of physical fitness.

Is cliff jumping required?

No. Cliff jumping is an optional part of the activity. The highest cliff point is not permitted for safety reasons.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear sports clothing and a swimsuit. Bring water shoes, a hat, towel, and sunscreen. You should arrive 30 minutes before the official start time.