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

Pula’s Valley of Tears kayak tour is really a coastal adventure built around paddling, swimming, snorkeling, and optional cliff jumping. The best parts are the access to quiet coastal spots that are hard to reach on foot and the excellent GoPro record of your day, including underwater images. Beer and water are included, too. The main catch is important: the sea cave described in older trip accounts was closed by the government in March 2025, so the current tour does not enter it.

I like that the guides keep the mood relaxed while still watching safety, and that you do not need to carry a phone to get good action shots. I also like the mix of activity and free time, since you can paddle, swim, look for fish, or simply enjoy the coast. Kayaking for much of three hours can be tiring, and the highest cliff jump is not allowed.

Key points about this Pula kayak outing

• GoPro photos and underwater footage are included, so you can leave your phone in the dry bag.
• The sea cave is no longer part of the route after its closure in March 2025.
• Beer and bottled water are provided, though one account says drinks were served at the rest stop rather than throughout the trip.
• Cliff jumping is optional, and the highest point is off limits for safety.
• You paddle for roughly 30 minutes each way to reach the main activity area, depending on the group.
• The tour suits families and first-time kayakers, but you still need moderate fitness and comfort around open water.

Paddling out from Valkane in Pula

The tour begins at the Puls Events meeting point in Valkane, Pula. You should arrive 30 minutes before the official start, since the group needs to organize equipment and get onto the water. The activity lasts about three hours and returns to the same meeting point.

You receive a kayak, life jacket, dry bag, neoprene gear, and snorkeling equipment. Sport clothing, a swimsuit, water shoes, a hat, towel, and sunscreen make sense. Put valuables in the dry bag, but keep them to a minimum. The guides handle the photography, which is one of the great advantages of this trip.

The kayaks are available for singles, doubles, and three-person arrangements. One family used a three-person kayak with a 10-year-old child, while other groups found the double kayaks easy to control. If you have never kayaked before, the guides offer a friendly introduction rather than assuming you already know what you are doing.

You paddle along Pula’s sea edge, heading for areas that are best reached from the water. The outward trip takes about 30 minutes for many groups, though the exact time depends on how strongly everyone paddles. That detail matters. This is not a short photo ride with five minutes of paddling. You spend a real part of the outing working the kayak.

I would treat the paddle as part of the attraction. From the water, you get a different view of the coast, and the steady rhythm gives the tour its active feel. Still, if you dislike repetitive exercise, three hours may feel long. The guide team keeps the pace together, but you should expect to contribute.

The current route and the closed sea cave

Older descriptions of this outing focus heavily on a sea cave, and many earlier accounts describe swimming into it, snorkeling near its entrance, and stopping for drinks. That is no longer accurate. The cave was closed by the government in March 2025, and Puls Events says the tour does not enter it.

This is the single most important point to check before booking. You may still see older photographs or comments showing cave visits, but the present route cannot promise that stop. The tour can still include coastal scenery, swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and photography, but you should book it for the wider sea adventure rather than for cave access.

That change also means the exact stop pattern may vary. The experience includes a rest and activity area along the coast, but the supplied details do not name a replacement site. You might paddle to a beach or another accessible section of shoreline, depending on conditions and the day’s plan.

The loss of the cave is a real drawback for anyone choosing this specifically for an underground swim. On the other hand, the core activity remains intact. You still reach parts of Pula’s coast that are difficult to see from land, and the guides can adapt the outing around safe swimming and snorkeling areas.

Snorkeling, swimming, and the cliff-jump option

The water stop is where the tour becomes more than a simple kayak trip. You can use the provided snorkeling equipment to look below the surface, swim near the coast, and take part in cliff jumping if you want to. Neoprene gear is supplied, which is useful when the water feels cool, particularly outside the main summer season.

The snorkeling equipment is listed as included, though one participant reported receiving goggles without a snorkel. If breathing through a snorkel is important to you, confirm the current equipment arrangement before you go. This is a small point, but it can change the experience for anyone who cannot comfortably hold their breath.

Cliff jumping is optional. You can watch, swim, or remain in the kayak instead. The guides do not permit jumping from the highest point, a rule stated clearly for safety. That makes this better suited to people who want a bit of excitement without treating the activity like a stunt show.

You should also understand that this is not a scuba trip. The safety information mentions a health questionnaire before diving, and says that certain medical conditions, including asthma and heart conditions, may prevent participation. If you have a relevant condition, consult your doctor before booking. Flying within 48 hours of diving is discouraged, although the main activity here is kayaking, snorkeling, and jumping rather than scuba.

The combination works well for mixed groups. A confident swimmer can snorkel and jump, while another person can stay in the kayak and enjoy the scenery. Families with children have used the outing successfully, but children must be accompanied by an adult. You remain responsible for deciding what feels comfortable.

Guides who keep the mood light

The guide style is one of the tour’s strongest features. Erik was singled out for his lively personality and useful suggestions about Pula and local restaurants. Stefan and Vanya were praised for attentive hosting and for directing people into good positions for photographs.

Names can change from one departure to the next, so do not book on the assumption that a particular guide will lead your group. The wider pattern is clear: the hosts aim for a casual, social outing rather than a stiff lecture. They explain safety, help with the kayaks, share local information, and keep an eye on the group during swimming and jumping.

That relaxed tone works especially well for first-time kayakers. You can ask for help without feeling awkward, and the guides are involved in the fun rather than standing apart from it. Several accounts describe the outing as feeling more like time spent with friendly companions than a formal group excursion.

The tradeoff is group size. The maximum is 30 people, though some departures have had about 10 and others around 20. Two guides have handled groups of that size, but a larger departure can feel less personal. The water spreads people out, so it may not feel crowded all the time, yet the pace is still set by the group.

Photos that make the price easier to justify

Puls Events uses GoPro cameras to record kayaking, snorkeling, and cliff jumping, including underwater scenes. The photo and video link is generally sent by email within a couple of days. This has practical value: you can leave your phone behind instead of risking it in salt water or trying to take pictures while handling a kayak.

The guides do more than snap random pictures. They have been praised for positioning people for cliff-jump shots, group photos, and action footage. If you want strong images, listen when they direct you. A few minutes of cooperation can give you photos that are much better than hurried phone pictures.

The standard package includes tour photos, but drone photos and separate individual photo requests are not included. If aerial images matter to you, ask about the extra cost before departure. Do not assume every image will be a private portrait or that a drone will be used automatically.

Photography can also affect the rhythm. One person preferred more time enjoying the coast instead of posing, while others considered the large collection of images a major benefit. You can tell the guides if you want a quieter stretch. The best approach is to enjoy the actual outing first and treat the GoPro material as a useful bonus.

Beer, water, and the value of the $60.49 price

At $60.49 per person, this tour includes more than a basic kayak rental. You receive the kayak, life jacket, dry bag, neoprene, snorkeling gear, a host, bottled water, beer, and the photo package. The combination of equipment and media gives the price solid value, especially if you would otherwise rent a kayak and pay separately for photographs.

The included drinks add to the easygoing atmosphere, but they are not necessarily available every minute. One account says the drinks were offered at the cave stop, while other descriptions refer to beer stops and plenty of drinks. Since the cave is now closed, the exact serving point may have changed. Think of beer and water as included refreshments, not an unlimited bar.

There is also a price warning. One person paid about 25 euros more through a third-party booking site than others who booked directly with Puls Events. Before paying, compare the current direct price with the online agency price. The booking terms may differ, but checking takes little time and could save a noticeable amount.

For the money, I would rate the tour as good value if you want a complete half-day activity with photos. It is less compelling if you only want a brief paddle or if the closed cave was your main reason for booking. The value rests on the full package: active time, guides, equipment, refreshments, and images.

Who will enjoy this three-hour outing

I would choose this tour if you want to see Pula from the sea and prefer an active morning to a bus tour. It suits couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who can follow instructions and handle several hours around the water.

First-time kayakers are welcome, and the equipment is supplied. You do not need to be a specialist, but moderate physical fitness is required. The paddle out and back takes effort, and wind or sea conditions can make kayaking feel harder.

This is also a good choice for people who like a social atmosphere. The guides encourage conversation and humor, and the group shares the same swimming and photo stops. If you prefer silence, solitude, and complete control over your pace, a private kayak rental may suit you better.

The outing is less suitable if you need guaranteed cave access, dislike open-water activities, or cannot swim comfortably. Cliff jumping is not compulsory, but the tour still centers on the sea. Children must have an adult with them, and the minimum booking is two people.

The tour is offered in English. It is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not provide a transport service from hotels. Plan your own route to Valkane and allow extra time for arrival.

What to pack and how to prepare

Wear a swimsuit beneath sport clothing and bring water shoes, a hat, towel, and sunscreen. Water shoes are more useful than bare feet around rocky shore areas, and sunscreen matters even when the air feels cool.

Bring only what you can safely store in the dry bag. The meeting point can hold other belongings, but the precise storage arrangements should be confirmed when you arrive. Since the guides take the photos, there is little reason to carry an expensive phone on the water.

Arrive 30 minutes early. A late arrival can hold up the group or mean you miss the safety briefing. The tour requires at least two people per booking, and the maximum group size is 30.

Weather matters. The experience requires good conditions, and a poor-weather cancellation brings either another date or a full refund. For your own flexibility, avoid scheduling this on the final few hours of your Pula stay.

Should you book the Pula Valley of Tears kayak tour?

Book it if your priority is kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, optional cliff jumping, and professionally taken action photos. The guides have a strong record for friendliness, safety, and humor, while the equipment and refreshments keep the planning simple.

Do not book it expecting the famous sea cave. That stop is closed, and older descriptions no longer match the current route. I would also compare the direct Puls Events price before paying $60.49 through another seller.

With those limits understood, this remains a lively way to see Pula’s coast from the water. The best fit is an active visitor who wants a social three-hour outing and a ready-made album afterward, not someone seeking a quiet paddle or a guaranteed cave visit. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, which gives you some protection when plans change.

FAQ

Where does the Pula kayak tour start?

The tour starts at Puls Events kayak tours in Valkane, 52100 Pula, Croatia, and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the kayaking experience last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours. The route includes kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and optional cliff jumping.

Is the sea cave included?

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

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a kayak, life jacket, dry bag, neoprene, and snorkeling equipment.

Are drinks included?

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

Are photos included in the price?

Yes. Tour photos and GoPro footage, including underwater images, are included. Drone photos and separate photo requests are not included.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need previous kayaking experience?

No previous experience is stated as a requirement. You do need moderate physical fitness and should be prepared to paddle for part of the three-hour outing.

Is cliff jumping required?

No. Cliff jumping is an optional part of the experience. The highest cliff jump is not allowed for safety reasons.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of bad weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.