Balzamake snorkelling location is situated within Rovinj's beautiful Zlatni rt - Golden Cape Forest Park (Punta Corrente), in the immediate vicinity of Cape Kurent. The easiest way to get to this beach is to follow directions for the Lovor restaurant, located on the Kurent Cape. Then continue along the promenade for approximately 300 meters towards the Škarabica Bay. On the left side of the promenade there is a low wall against which bicycles, the most common means of transport in this protected park-forest, are often leaned. When you reach the end of the wall, go down to the rocky coast, which is partly covered with pine trees.  

The rocks descend in a step-like shape down to the sea, but if you look at them more carefully, you will notice that the lowest part of the sunbathing area is slightly curved in the shape of a bubble, entering the sea. Right next to the coast there is a small rock emerging from the water. If you look out to the sea, you will notice the islets of Veliki and Mali Piruz on the left, and the island of Sveti Andrija - Saint Andrew on the right. This is where your exploration of the Balzamake snorkelling location can begin. Be careful when entering the sea because the rocks are covered with smooth algae and can be very slippery.  

The small rock jutting out of the sea has a crevice in the middle through which you can look to the other side. If you look closely, you might also find a sea hare hiding behind a black sponge or a warty crab carrying a sponge on its back.  

Head along the right side of the small cliff towards the sea. In the shallows there are small white pebbles which, as you go deeper, turn into large boulders. The stones are covered with a thick carpet of various brown and green algae. Stone boulders are especially adorned by whitish fans bent into a funnel, resembling flowers. This is the Padini pavonica algae, widespread in this area. This location in Rovinj is like a very lively crossroad for small fish, as fish shoals intersect from all sides.  

Keep swimming deeper and you'll notice two elongated steps that look as if someone had cut them like that a long time ago. They are overgrown with various brown algae, and decorated with large yellow sulphur sponges mixed with green velvety sponges. The walls of the steps are layered, and their shadowy crevices inhabited by red and green algae of various shapes. Between the steps, the bottom is covered with small stones inhabited by spotted urchins hiding under shells or pebbles.  

However, the most interesting inhabitants of this location are the seahorses, which can be found on the slopes of the stairs and in small crevices, like caves, at a depth of 4 to 7 meters. Their colour varies from white to intense yellow, and they can be dotted or striped. Their head is decorated with branched tentacles resembling antlers. They swim very slowly, stalk their prey almost motionless, and require very good vision. If you come near them, you will notice they are watching you closely, most likely in fear. They are not easy to spot because they have excellent camouflage. They resemble surrounding sponges and algae in colour or shape.  

The location of Balzamake abounds in wandering fish such as mullet, sea bass, sea bream and small greater amberjack. Painted combers, striped red mullets, Kner's goby, damselfish, annual sea breams and saddled breams have also found their home among large stones. At the bottom you can notice empty shells of Noah's arks and lamellated haliotis of very shiny mother-of-pearl, scattered between the rocky steps. These shells are reliable proof that an octopus lives nearby.

Interesting facts If you want to see a seahorse, keep in mind that it is not easily spotted even by a skilled diver. It takes some time for the eyes to get used to the seascape, to notice it among the algae and catch its slow movements that give it away. They look like fairy creatures and are very interesting to watch, but do not touch or disturb them. Recent research has shown that seahorses develop strong bonds with their partners and have certain rituals as a couple. If their social structure is disrupted, their reproduction rate also decreases. Due to their delicate biology and the complexity of reproduction, they are a protected species in the Adriatic Sea.  

Important notes Balzamake snorkelling location is located within a protective barrier marked by a cork line. Keep in mind that it represents the line of safety and pleasant diving because the maritime traffic here is very busy. If you want to continue your research further, it is very important that you stay within the protective barrier.