Pula, with its stunning coastline and proximity to the beautiful Brijuni Islands, is a perfect place to combine good food with memorable scenery. Whether you’re after a relaxing cruise with a gourmet lunch or an active day with swimming and cliff jumping, Pula offers a variety of lunch experiences that suit different tastes and schedules. We particularly like the Pula: National Park Brijuni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks for its combination of scenic beauty, delicious onboard food, and ample opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. It’s an excellent choice if you want to enjoy a full day on the water while sampling Croatian cuisine.
For those who prefer a shorter, all-inclusive escape, the Pula: Brijuni National Park Cruise, Lunch and Beach Escape offers a well-rounded experience with unlimited drinks and a relaxing stop at Fažana Beach. If you’re looking for a more flexible private option, the Port Bunarina: Private Boat Trip with Optional Lunch lets you customize your day with snorkeling, cliff jumping, and a fresh onboard meal. Below, we detail each of these top choices to help you find the perfect fit for your Pula visit.
1. Pula: National Park Brijuni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks
This tour offers a five-hour cruise through the stunning Brijuni Islands, with lunch and drinks included. The boat is a traditional wooden vessel, giving you a cozy, authentic maritime experience as you explore the 14 islands of the national park. You’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters and relax on pristine beaches. The onboard chef prepares three different delicious lunch options, so you can enjoy Croatian specialties while soaking up the sun.
What sets this tour apart is its balance of scenic cruising, active swimming stops, and a relaxed atmosphere. The two-hour island stop allows plenty of time for a walk, a dip, or a quick ice cream — all while surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic limestone beaches. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly crew and the quality of the food. One noted, “The green islands, white beaches, and clear waters are a sight to see,” which perfectly captures the experience.
This tour is perfect for travelers looking for a comprehensive, scenic day on the water with the added bonus of a tasty meal. It’s a fantastic way to combine nature, relaxation, and good food in one outing.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for active travelers who want a full day of exploring, swimming, and Croatian cuisine aboard a traditional boat.
2. Pula: Brijuni National Park Cruise, Lunch and Beach Escape
This four-hour cruise is the perfect quick getaway, combining spectacular views of the Brijuni Islands with a tasty, all-inclusive lunch and unlimited drinks. Departing from Pula, the boat “EUROPA” is designed for passenger comfort, and the crew is experienced and friendly. During the trip, a live guide shares stories about the islands, giving you some context behind the stunning scenery.
The highlight is the 2.5-hour stop at Fažana Beach, a charming seaside town with calm, clear water ideal for swimming, relaxing, or exploring. Guests often comment on how the trip balances sightseeing with relaxation, noting that “the water in Fažana was crystal-clear and perfect for swimming.” The onboard lunch is described as fresh and well-cooked, providing good value for the inclusive price.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a shorter, hassle-free trip with plenty of opportunities for swimming and a scenic cruise. It’s ideal if you prefer to explore within a limited timeframe but still want the comfort of drinks and a good meal.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, shorter option for those who want a mix of island views, swimming, and Croatian food without a full day’s commitment.
3. From Pula: Half-day NP Brijuni cruise with Lunch & Swimming
This half-day cruise offers a relaxed way to see all 14 Brijuni Islands while enjoying a delicious lunch and unlimited soft drinks and wine. The boat is a modern catamaran, providing stability and comfort during the trip. Besides sightseeing, you’ll get the chance to swim in protected waters, perfect for snorkeling or just cooling off. The guide on board shares insights into the islands’ history and natural features, making the journey both educational and scenic.
The tour also includes a visit to Fažana, a charming village known as “Little Venice,” which adds a cultural touch to the experience. Guests praise the balanced itinerary, noting the ample time for swimming and the quality of the included lunch.
This option is suited for travelers who want a mid-length tour that combines sightseeing, swimming, and local culture, all from the comfort of a modern vessel. It’s a good choice if you prefer a more relaxed pace but still want to see the highlights of Brijuni.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a shorter, relaxing cruise with a tasty meal and some time for swimming, perfect for families or couples.
4. Port Bunarina: Scenic Boat Trip with Lunch & Swimming
For those seeking a more adventurous day, this full-day tour from Port Bunarina delivers. You’ll explore beaches, caves, and islands of southern Istria aboard a boat that offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. Highlights include a visit to Kamenjak Cave and the chance to jump from cliffs into the sea — perfect for thrill-seekers.
The boat features a traditional style, and a local, freshly prepared lunch with drinks is served onboard. Guests love the scenic views of the coastline and the freedom to choose between a private or shared tour, making it flexible for different group sizes.
The tour’s biggest draw is its combination of active pursuits and scenic beauty, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures and want to explore hidden beaches and caves. The inclusion of a traditional lunch adds a nice local flavor.
Bottom line: An excellent pick for active travelers who want to combine cliff jumping, snorkeling, and scenic island hopping with a good meal.
5. FAZANA Boat Tour Galebove stijene – NP Brijuni with Lunch
This small, family-owned boat tour focuses on intimate, personalized experiences around Brijuni National Park. The Galebove stijene takes you on a 4-hour cruise with stunning coastal and island views, complemented by a delicious onboard lunch. The tour emphasizes nature and scenery, with explanations from a local guide about the area’s flora, fauna, and geology.
Guests consistently praise the breathtaking scenery and the more intimate setting, which feels like a day out with friends rather than a crowded tour. The swimming opportunities are highlighted as well, with clear waters perfect for relaxing in the sun after a hearty lunch. One reviewer noted, “The scenery explained by a local guide made the trip even more special,” which emphasizes the personal touch.
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a more relaxed, boutique experience with a focus on natural beauty and cultural insights, all with a small group atmosphere.
Bottom line: A top choice if you prefer a more personal, relaxed cruise with excellent scenery and local flavor.
6. Port Bunarina: Private Boat Trip with Optional Lunch
For travelers who want exclusivity and full customization, the Private Boat Trip from Port Bunarina is the ultimate choice. Up to 11 people can sail for about five hours around the scenic islands of southern Istria. You can plan your own adventure, choosing to do snorkeling, cliff jumping, or simply relaxing and taking in the views of the Porer Lighthouse and island scenery.
An optional traditional Croatian lunch can be added, featuring freshly prepared dishes tailored to your preferences. This tour is highly flexible, with the possibility of exploring Fratarski and Frašker Islands at your own pace. Reviews point out the stunning scenery and the advantage of having a dedicated captain and crew to cater to your interests.
Ideal for groups, families, or couples who want a personalized, luxury experience that blends adventure with comfort. Keep in mind, this is a premium-priced tour, reflecting its tailored nature.
Bottom line: Best for private groups seeking an exclusive, customizable day with options for swimming, cliff jumping, and gourmet onboard meals.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Pula
Picking the right tour depends on what you want most from your day. If you’re after a full-day scenic adventure that combines exploration, swimming, and Croatian cuisine, the Pula: National Park Brijuni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks offers outstanding value. For a shorter, more relaxed trip with unlimited drinks and a quaint village stop, try the Brijuni Cruise, Lunch, and Beach Escape. If you prefer a private, tailored experience with maximum flexibility, the Port Bunarina Private Boat Trip is hard to beat.
Consider your budget, the amount of time available, and whether you want an adventurous or laid-back day. For those on a tighter schedule, the half-day or shorter cruises are ideal, while multi-hour trips suit travelers looking for a full experience. Booking early is recommended, especially for private or popular tours during peak season.
Final Thoughts
From scenic boat cruises and cultural explorations to private adventures, Pula offers a variety of lunch experiences that showcase its stunning coastal beauty. If you want to combine delicious Croatian meals with spectacular views, options like the Pula: National Park Brijuni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks are hard to beat. For those seeking active fun and customization, the private boat trips deliver exactly that.
No matter which experience you choose, booking ahead will ensure a seamless and memorable day on the water. Now, all that remains is for you to pick your adventure and enjoy the best lunch in Pula.