Pula: Brijuni National Park & Swimming Tour (in Faana)

Discovering the Brijuni Islands & Faana: A Relaxed Croatian Escape

If you’re considering a day trip from Pula that combines stunning scenery, cultural sights, and a refreshing swim, the Brijuni National Park & Swimming Tour could be just what you’re after. While I haven’t tried it myself, I’ve looked into what makes this trip appealing and what to keep in mind.

What we really like about this tour is its balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure—a scenic cruise around the islands paired with a relaxing swim in Faana’s inviting waters. Plus, the inclusion of food and drinks on board adds convenience, making it feel like a true escape without extra fuss.

One potential consideration is the duration: the whole experience runs about 6 hours, which is good but might be a bit full for travelers craving more flexible or less structured days. Still, it’s generally suitable for those who want a comprehensive yet laid-back excursion.

This tour suits travelers who love nature, easy cruises, and a touch of local culture, especially if you’re short on time but want the best of Istria’s coast and islands. Families, couples, or anyone seeking a worry-free day on the water should find it a good fit.

Key Points

• Discover the beauty of the Brijuni Islands and their 14 different parts, blending nature and history.
• Enjoy a scenic 2-hour cruise with food and drinks included, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Relax with a swimming break in the clear waters of Faana, a peaceful fishing town.
• Learn from a guided tour that offers insights into the area’s ecological and cultural highlights.
• Value for money: At $65 per person, the combination of cruise, food, drinks, and swimming offers solid bang for your buck.
• Flexible booking and cancellation: Keep your plans adaptable with the option to reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Details of the Experience

Starting Point and Ease of Access

The tour departs from Pula’s harbour, specifically near the port authority in front of the yellow police building. The boat, named Arena, is easy to find, and given the short walk from central Pula, most travelers won’t struggle to get there. Since the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, you’ll want to arrive a bit early to ensure smooth boarding.

The Cruise: Scenic and Relaxing

Once aboard, the experience quickly shifts into a scenic adventure. The crew, described as friendly and attentive, will serve a freshly grilled meal—with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian—plus drinks like wine, water, and juice. The cruise lasts about 2 hours, giving plenty of time to soak in the views of the islands’ coastlines, rocky shores, and maybe even catch a glimpse of dolphins, as one reviewer mentioned.

The guided aspect means you’ll get some insight into the islands’ natural beauty and history, making the cruise more than just a boat ride. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the panoramic views, often leaves travelers feeling relaxed and recharged.

The Brijuni Islands: Nature Meets Culture

Brijuni is a protected national park since 1984, known for its diverse ecosystems and cultural history. While we don’t have detailed info about specific stops within the park, the general idea is that you’ll see a variety of scenery—possibly native flora and fauna, along with historical sites or remnants. The cruise offers a good overview rather than an in-depth exploration, but for most, that’s enough to get a sense of these beautiful islands.

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Swimming Break in Faana

After the cruise, you’ll head to Faana, a small fishing town famed for its clear, turquoise waters and charming streets. The four-hour window here is perfect for swimming, strolling, and enjoying local eateries. The beaches in Faana are described as beautiful, with bars and water activities available, making it an ideal spot to unwind after the boat ride.

Practical Considerations

• The tour ends back at the starting point, so no long transfers are needed.
• The price of $65 per person includes lunch, drinks, and a guided tour, which many would agree offers good value considering the scenic cruise and swimming time.
• Note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to meet at the harbour or arrange your transport independently.
• The tour is available in multiple languages, including German, Italian, English, and Croatian, making it accessible to many travelers.

What Real Travelers Say

One review highlights the dolphins spotted during the trip, which can be a magical bonus for nature lovers. The other review simply states it’s a “very nice tour around several islands,” emphasizing the beauty of the scenery and the overall value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a relaxing day combining boat travel, scenic views, and swimming without the hassle of complicated arrangements, this tour is a solid choice. It appeals to those who enjoy nature, easy-paced activities, and appreciate good value for money.

It’s also suitable for travelers who want a taste of the local environment and cultural highlights without committing to a longer or more intensive excursion. Not ideal if you prefer private tours, in-depth cultural visits, or have mobility issues, since the main focus is on the cruise and a swimming stop.

The Sum Up

This Brijuni National Park & Faana swimming tour offers a laid-back way to experience some of Istria’s most beautiful coastal scenery without the need for extensive planning. The combination of a scenic cruise, cultural insights, and a relaxing swim makes it appealing to travelers who want a hassle-free, enjoyable day on the water.

The value for money is notable, especially with drinks and lunch included, and the scenery—paired with the chance to see dolphins—can make the experience quite memorable.

It’s best suited for those who want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and leisure, and don’t mind a group setting. If you’re after a comfortable, well-organized day with stunning views and a peaceful swim, this tour could be just right.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? No, the tour starts at the Pula harbour near the port authority, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation there.

How long is the entire tour? The experience lasts about 6 hours, including the cruise, lunch, and swimming break.

What is included in the price? You get the cruise, guided tour, freshly cooked lunch, and drinks (water, juice, wine).

Are drinks alcohol included? Yes, alcoholic drinks are part of the provided refreshments.

Can I cancel the booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available? Tours are available in German, Italian, English, and Croatian.

Is this tour suitable for children? The information doesn’t specify, but given the nature of the cruise and swimming, it’s likely suitable for most ages unless mobility or safety concerns apply.

What should I bring? A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and some cash for extras in Faana if you want to buy souvenirs or additional drinks.

How scenic is the cruise? Very—expect beautiful coastlines, islands, and possibly wildlife sightings like dolphins.

Is the tour good value? Most reviews and the included amenities suggest yes—especially considering the combination of cruise, food, drinks, and swimming.

Overall, if you value a straightforward, scenic, and relaxing experience in Croatia’s coast, this Brijuni & Faana trip is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: