This marine park is administratively shared by the municipalities of Budva and Bar, and includes a beautiful and spacious water area in front of Petrovac - from Cape Skočiđevojka all the way to Cape Malovik on the Bar side. The status of a protected area was obtained in order to put under strict control this part of the coast and the seabed, which was under great pressure from tourism, illegal fishing and anchoring, and to preserve one of the most picturesque seascapes on our entire Riviera.
When you stand on the coast of Petrovac, the view is absolutely dominated by two distinctive rocks that emerge from the blue sea - the islets of Sveta Neđelja and Katič, after which the park is named. These two islets, with a small stone church at the very top of Sveta Neđelja, are not only a visual symbol of Petrovac and an age-old motif from postcards, but also natural barriers that hide a fascinating underwater world. The relief of the seabed itself in this part of the Budva and Bar municipalities is extremely rugged; the bottom drops sharply into the depths, forming underwater reefs, cuts and extensive sandy plateaus that are ideal for the development of marine life. In an ecological sense, Katič is an invaluable asset. The main reason for the protection of this area is the extensive and exceptionally well-preserved seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica), which stretch along the entire length of the park. These underwater forests are of key importance for the entire ecosystem of the southern Adriatic, as they function as natural spawning grounds and safe shelters for numerous economically and ecologically important species of fish, crabs and octopuses. The rocky bottom around the islands of Katič and Sveta Neđelja, as well as the underwater walls towards the bar side, are home to rich colonies of sponges, sea otters and sensitive corals, while large groupers, toothfish and sea bass hide in the crevices of the rocks. The clear and open waters of this park provide ideal conditions for sea turtles to stay, as well as schools of dolphins that can often be seen playing here, following fishing boats. The islets themselves and the inaccessible cliffs on the mainland part of the park, although constantly exposed to salt and strong summer heat, represent an important habitat for seabirds, primarily seagulls and cormorants, which find here peace and ideal places for nesting away from the summer noise. The history and tradition of this region have been facing the sea for centuries. The small church on the island of Sveta Neđelja, according to legend, was built as a vow to sailors who found salvation on that bare rock after a shipwreck, which gives this whole park a special, mystical and spiritual touch. The local population of Paštrovići and the Bar area lived for centuries from sustainable fishing and olive growing, respecting the sea as their main breadwinner. Today, Katič Nature Park is a zone where you can learn how tourism and ecology go hand in hand. A walk along the coast of Petrovac, a boat ride around the islet or diving in these crystal clear waters offers a unique experience - a space permeated with the smell of iodine and pine, where the blue of the open sea meets the tradition and hidden wealth of the undersea that we are obliged to preserve for generations to come.