Pula: National Park Brijuni/2 swimming stops/lunch/drinks

If you’re eyeing a day of sunshine, sea, and scenic views, the Pula: National Park Brijuni tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines wildlife, history, and relaxation. While I haven’t personally taken this trip, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a popular choice for visitors wanting a taste of Croatia’s stunning coastline and natural beauty without the hassle of planning every detail.

What makes this tour appealing are three standout features: the chance to cruise around the 14 islands in a charming wooden boat, opportunities for multiple swimming and snorkeling stops, and the delicious onboard lunch with drinks. Plus, the inclusion of a stop at St. Jerolim Island adds a layer of exploration and leisure.

One possible consideration is the limited swimming time—some reviewers mention they’d appreciate more time at each swim spot, especially on Jerolim. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of gentle adventure, scenic cruising, and downtime for swimming or relaxing on islands. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups seeking a balanced day in Croatia’s outdoor paradise.

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Key Points

Scenic boat cruise through the 14 islands of the Brijuni National Park
Multiple swimming and snorkeling spots with fun inflatable slide for added excitement
Gourmet onboard lunch with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian meals
Stop at St. Jerolim Island for around 2 hours of free time, swimming, and island exploration
All drinks included onboard, with optional additional purchases on the island
Family-friendly but not suitable for seasickness-prone travelers

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

This tour begins in Pula’s vibrant port area, historically significant as the largest port of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. From here, your vessel—a charming wooden boat—sets sail on a journey that promises both visual delight and physical activity.

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The First Swim Stop: Jump, Slide, and Splash

As soon as you leave port, the boat halts for the first swimming stop. This is where the fun really kicks in. You can simply dip into the clear waters or take a leap off the boat’s deck. The standout feature here is the large inflatable slide—a hit among kids and adults alike. Reviews such as Zara’s highlight how much fun they had “swimming and sliding from the boat,” with the slide adding an extra thrill to a relaxing swim.

Cruising Towards Brijuni National Park

Sailing further, you’ll marvel at the scenery—crystal-clear waters, lush islands, and the sense of being part of something special. The boat ride itself is an experience, combining the warmth of Croatian hospitality with beautiful vistas. Guides are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, with one reviewer noting how “the crew was very nice and extremely helpful,” which makes all the difference when you’re out at sea.

Lunch: A Feast on the Water

Midday, your chef will fire up the grill for a freshly prepared onboard meal. You get to choose from three options:

Fish (mackerel with salad)
Meat (chicken breast with salad)
Vegetarian (zucchini and paprika)

This lunch is regarded as delicious, and reviews mention how “everyone enjoyed the food.” While the price is $59 per person, considering the quality of the meal and the included drinks, many find it offers good value. The experience of eating fresh, grilled food while floating in the middle of the sea makes for a memorable dining scene.

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A Stop at St. Jerolim Island

Post-lunch, the boat pulls into St. Jerolim, one of the 14 islands making up the National Park. Here, travelers get about two hours of free time—plenty of opportunity to swim, snorkel, or just soak up the sun. The island itself is described as “beautiful,” and the reviews echo this sentiment, with visitors loving the chance to explore or relax.

Some mention they wish they had more time on Jerolim, especially for swimming. Entrance fees are modest—7 euros for adults and 3 euros for children from 7-18 years—and are paid in cash. It’s worth noting that drinks on the island are not included, so bringing cash for additional beverages or souvenirs is wise.

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Wrapping Up the Day

Returning to Pula around 5 PM, the tour ends where it began. Throughout the journey, the crew is praised for their flexibility—changing activity order on bad weather days to maximize sunshine, making the experience more enjoyable.

What’s Included and What to Budget For

Included:

Delicious onboard lunch
All drinks onboard (water, wine, soda)
Guided boat cruise around the national park

Not included:

Hotel pickup or drop-off (must be arranged separately)
Entrance fee to St. Jerolim (7 euros for adults, cash only)
Drinks on the island, which are payable locally

Travelers should bring cash for extras like the island entrance fee and additional drinks or snacks. Also, it’s advisable to wear swimwear, bring a towel, and have your snorkeling gear ready if you want to explore underwater.

The Experience from Reviews

Multiple reviewers, like Lisa, appreciated how “brilliantly organized” the trip was, noting the staff was very friendly and helpful. Families seemed to particularly enjoy the tour, with Joshua mentioning it’s a “great trip for families” and that the guides made the experience smooth and fun. The food consistently receives praise, with Zara calling the meals “lovely,” and Kathy highlighting that her teenage kids loved the activities, even with less-than-ideal weather.

The excitement of spotting dolphins, as one reviewer shared, adds a special touch on some days, while others appreciated the boat’s ability to adapt the route to ensure sunshine and fun for everyone.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This Brijuni Islands cruise offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a straightforward, organized day that combines outdoor activity with comfortable group excursions. The inclusion of multiple swimming stops and the chance to explore a beautiful island makes it suitable for families, couples, or anyone wanting a laid-back yet engaging Croatian day trip.

If you love water activities, delicious food, and stunning coastal views, you’ll find plenty to love here. However, if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a more structured sightseeing experience without swimming, this might not be the best fit. The tour offers enough flexibility for a memorable day on the water—just bring your sense of adventure and a good dose of curiosity.

FAQs

What is the main mode of transportation for this tour?
It’s a charming wooden boat that cruises around the 14 islands of the Brijuni National Park, providing scenic views and a comfortable setting for your day.

How long is the boat trip?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the tour includes stops for swimming, eating, and exploring, ending back at the port around 5 PM. Most of the day is spent on the boat and at the stop at St. Jerolim.

Are drinks included during the cruise?
Yes, all drinks onboard are included—water, wine, and soft drinks—making it easy to stay refreshed.

Do I need to bring cash?
Yes, for the entrance fee to St. Jerolim (7 euros for adults, 3 euros for children aged 7-18) and any additional drinks or souvenirs on the island.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s family-friendly and suitable for children who enjoy water activities, but be aware that some reviews suggest the stops could be a bit short for very young kids or those wanting more swimming time.

What should I wear or bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater. Don’t forget cash for extras and a hat or sunglasses for sun protection.

Wrapping Up

This Brijuni Islands boat tour is a fantastic way to experience Croatia’s stunning coastline and natural parks without the hassle of organizing each detail. The combination of scenic cruising, fun swimming stops, and delicious food creates a full day of enjoyment that appeals to a variety of travelers. With friendly staff, flexible options, and beautiful scenery, it’s especially suited for families and outdoor lovers who want a comfortable yet adventurous day.

Whether you’re chasing a peaceful retreat or a lively day on the water, this tour offers good value and authentic Croatian charm—making it a memorable highlight of any trip to Pula and Istria.