Pula: Brijuni National Park Tour with Island Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Istria, Croatia, and looking for a way to experience its coastal beauty without too much hassle, a boat tour of Brijuni National Park might be just the ticket. We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but from what we see and hear, it offers a balanced mix of scenic cruising, island exploration, and relaxing onboard comforts. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy being on the water, want a taste of local history, and love a good meal with drinks included.

Two things we really like about this experience are the stunning views of the islands from a traditional boat and the generous onboard drinks and delicious lunch. These elements promise a laid-back, enjoyable day without feeling rushed or overly structured. However, one thing worth considering is that you will need to pay a small entrance fee if you want to explore St. Jerolim Island, which isn’t included in the tour price. This tour is well-suited for those who want a straightforward, scenic boat trip combined with some island downtime—not necessarily a deep dive into history or nature, but a lovely way to soak up the surroundings.

Whether you’re a couple, a group of friends, or even traveling with family, this tour offers enough flexibility to suit different types of travelers. It’s perfect if you’re after a relaxing day at sea with some sightseeing, good food, and maybe a dolphin or two to keep things exciting. Now, let’s unpack all the details so you can decide if this is a fit for your trip.

Key Points

• Scenic Boat Tour: The tour provides panoramic views of all the islands that form Brijuni National Park.
• Island Stop: You get a chance to relax, explore, or swim at St. Jerolim Island, with a reasonable 2.5-hour window.
• Food & Drinks Included: Enjoy a Mediterranean-style lunch with unlimited wine, water, and sodas, making it great value.
• Wildlife & Dolphins: There’s a chance to see dolphins, which adds a bit of magic to the day.
• Knowledgeable Guides: The guide shares interesting facts about the islands and Tito’s exotic animal collection.
• Price & Value: At around $53 per person, the tour offers good value considering the included food, drinks, and scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and How It Unfolds

This tour typically begins with a pickup or meeting point in Pula, with boarding scheduled about 30 minutes before departure. Once everyone is on board, the boat—often a comfortable, traditional vessel—sets out to explore the islands of Brijuni. The entire trip offers a good balance between sightseeing and relaxing.

The boat cruise around the islands is where you’ll get your first taste of the stunning scenery—crystal-clear waters, lush islands, and a chance to spot wild animals along the way. The guide provides commentary, sharing details about the islands’ past owners, especially Josip Broz Tito, who famously collected exotic animals here, adding a layer of curiosity and local history.

Midway through the cruise, the boat stops at St. Jerolim Island. Here, you have about 2.5 hours to explore, swim, or just lounge on the scenic beaches. The opportunity to swim in clear waters is a highlight for many travelers, and the island’s natural beauty is widely praised.

Later, the boat continues along the coast of Pula and Faana, often with the chance to see dolphins if you’re lucky. The trip winds down with the boat returning to Pula, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos of the day’s highlights.

What to Expect Onboard

The boat feels cozy but spacious enough to enjoy the ride comfortably. As you cruise, you’ll be served a delicious lunch featuring traditional Mediterranean dishes—options include fish, beef, or vegetarian choices, all prepared to satisfy different tastes. The meal is complemented by unlimited white wine, mineral water, and sodas, which many reviews say add to the relaxed atmosphere onboard.

The guide is a key part of the experience—friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to share stories and answer questions. Several reviews highlight how engaging and helpful guides make the trip more memorable, emphasizing the value of good narration and local insights.

The Island Experience at St. Jerolim

The island itself is what many travelers come for. It offers scenic beaches, opportunities for swimming, or just wandering around. The natural beauty is striking, and the water is famously clear. But keep in mind, there’s an entrance fee of 7 EUR for adults and 4 EUR for children—paid in cash on the island—so budget for that extra expense.

Some reviewers mention that the time on the island is just right—not too rushed, allowing you to relax, soak up the sun, or explore at your own pace. If you prefer to stay on the boat or skip the island altogether, that’s also an option, giving some flexibility depending on your mood.

The Food & Drinks: A Highlight for Many

The inclusion of lunch and unlimited drinks stands out as a major perk. The dishes are typically Mediterranean-inspired, and the drinks—particularly the white wine—are praised for quality and quantity. Several reviews mention that the food exceeded expectations, making it good value for the overall price.

Having unlimited drinks is a real bonus, especially on a warm day, and helps create a convivial, relaxed vibe on board. It’s a simple but effective way to enhance your enjoyment of the trip.

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Wildlife and Dolphin Sightings

One of the delights of this tour is the potential to see dolphins, which many travelers find exciting. The chance to catch a glimpse of these playful creatures adds a layer of wonder. Several reviews recount seeing dolphins, which is quite special given how unpredictable wildlife sightings can be.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for those who want a laid-back day with beautiful scenery, good food, and a bit of adventure. It suits travelers who appreciate a mix of sightseeing and relaxation, and who are comfortable on a boat for several hours. If you’re traveling with family, the gentle pace and scenic stops make it a pleasant option, though the main focus is on scenery and wildlife rather than active exploration.

If you’re after a budget-friendly, scenic, and relaxed experience in Pula, this boat tour of Brijuni National Park ticks many boxes. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy Croatia’s maritime beauty, with the added bonus of a tasty lunch, unlimited drinks, and the possibility of dolphin sightings.

The highlights—stunning views, a charming island stop, and friendly guides—are well supported by positive reviews, which frequently mention the value for money. The optional island entrance fee is an extra step but manageable, and the overall experience feels like good quality for the price.

This tour is especially suitable if you’re looking for a comfortable, hassle-free day on the water with beautiful scenery and some light adventure. It’s not overly long or intense, making it a good choice for travelers looking to unwind while still taking in the sights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Travelers wanting a scenic boat experience with a relaxed pace
• People interested in local history and wildlife, especially dolphins
• Those who enjoy good food and drinks as part of their outing
• Visitors looking for a budget-friendly way to explore Brijuni Islands
• Anyone seeking a day of sun, sea, and natural beauty without strenuous activity

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes the boat trip, a Mediterranean-style lunch featuring fish, beef, or vegetarian options, and unlimited white wine, mineral water, and sodas.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience typically lasts a few hours, with about 2.5 hours allocated for the island stop at St. Jerolim.

Is there an additional fee for visiting St. Jerolim Island?
Yes, there’s a 7 EUR entrance fee for adults and 4 EUR for children, paid in cash on the island. This fee is not included in the tour price.

Can I stay on the boat instead of visiting the island?
Yes, you have the option to remain on the boat during the island stop if you prefer, giving you flexibility depending on your interests.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and cash for the island entrance fee are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the relaxed pace and scenic stops make it generally suitable for families, especially those interested in nature and gentle exploration.

How do I know if I’ll see dolphins?
Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed. Several reviews mention seeing them, which makes the trip extra special when it happens.

What is the price for this tour?
It’s around $53 per person, offering good value considering the food, drinks, and scenic experience.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight friendly, informative guides who share interesting facts and enhance the overall enjoyment.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through platforms like GetYourGuide, with flexible options to pay later or cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

In the end, if you’re looking for a straightforward, scenic, and laid-back day exploring Croatia’s beautiful coast, this Brijuni National Park boat trip offers a good mix of comfort, scenery, and local flavor. It’s a simple way to add a memorable maritime adventure to your Croatian itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: