Experience the underwater world as if you were diving yourself, and discover the first structure of its kind in Slovenia – the Piran Sea Oasis. This unique underwater habitat provides shelter and living space for a wide variety of marine organisms and also serves as a cultivation site for species such as oysters, which are exceptional natural water filters. The structure supports a slowly developing ecosystem where diverse marine life can thrive.
This experience is suitable for individuals, couples, families, and small groups of friends or colleagues who are nature lovers, as well as for school groups.
After a brief introduction on land, you’ll board a pontoon boat and head toward the Piran Sea Oasis – a unique underwater site where we strive to create a balance between human activity and nature.
During the boat ride, we’ll present the characteristics of the Slovenian sea, the factors influencing its changes, and the importance of preserving marine biodiversity. We'll also touch on the pressures facing our coastal waters and share the efforts of the local community – from fish farmers and divers to marine biologists – to protect it.
A special focus will be on the origin and development of the Piran Sea Oasis, an innovative underwater structure first envisioned over 30 years ago by Ugo Fonda – a diver, fisherman, founder of the Fonda Fish Farm, and passionate advocate for marine protection.
Once we reach the Oasis, we’ll anchor at the floating platform and, with the help of an experienced underwater drone pilot, explore this vibrant marine world. On screen, you'll observe life in and around the structure and discover a wide variety of marine organisms that have made it their home – from lesser-known species like tubeworms, tunicates, cnidarians, and mollusks to oysters, mussels, and many types of fish that now use the Oasis as a shelter and food source. Together, we’ll even try to identify some of the observed species.
Right next to the Piran Sea Oasis, you’ll also see a unique and innovative sustainable growing site – a true underwater art gallery made up of over 80 artistic interpretations of the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis). These artistic elements serve as experimental surfaces for testing the suitability of various materials for marine organism settlement and aquaculture.
On the way back to shore, we’ll sail through the shellfish farming area, observe mussel growth, and explore the importance of local food production, sustainable marine farming, and the role that the Piran Sea Oasis plays in this system.
After your underwater exploration, a delicious tasting of authentic Istrian treats awaits you on land – including homemade bread, cottage cheese spread with Mediterranean herbs, Istrian cheeses, local olives, and premium extra virgin olive oil with salt from the Piran salt pans. This culinary experience will connect you with Istrian heritage and the flavorful ingredients that have shaped life by the sea for centuries. It’s the perfect way to round off your sea journey – both above and below the surface. Refreshments will also be available, including tap water infused with herbs and/or seasonal fruits.
Together with our marine conservation experts, you’ll learn why marine biodiversity is vital to the health of our planet. You’ll discover how different marine ecosystems function, how each organism – from the tiniest plankton to fish and shellfish – contributes to balance in the sea, and why their protection is critical. You’ll also learn how invasive alien species threaten this balance and how the YouSea Institute actively responds to these challenges to safeguard our coastal ecosystems.
By purchasing this experience, you've supported the work of the YouSea Institute in its broader mission to protect the sea and its organisms. Participants also have the opportunity to become members of the YouSea Institute and take an active role in preserving marine biodiversity.
The meeting point for this experience is at the Fonda Fish Farm, located at the end of the Jernej Canal, on the edge of the Secovlje Salina Nature Park – it's the last building on the left side of the road. The entrance to our courtyard, where you can park your vehicle, is marked by the Fonda sign on the right side, next to a large old olive tree.
We kindly ask visitors to arrive exactly at the scheduled time – not earlier and not later – as you will be joining a group of other guests. There may be another group before or after yours.
10
You need to take care of your own transportation.
Easy (Most guests can participate)
What Should You Bring? To ensure a comfortable experience, we recommend dressing appropriately for the season: - In summer and warm weather, bring sun protection such as sunglasses, a hat or cap, and sunscreen. - In winter or cooler weather, wear warm layers and a windbreaker to stay comfortable during the boat ride and outdoor activities.
We’ll take care of the rest – including life jackets and the underwater drone.