National Park Brijuni Tour with Swimming on St. Jerolim Island

If you’re considering a day trip from Pula, the National Park Brijuni Tour with Swimming on St. Jerolim Island offers a blend of scenic cruising, island exploration, and relaxation. It’s a popular choice for visitors wanting to see Croatia’s famous archipelago without too much hassle. While it promises a memorable experience, there are a few important details to keep in mind before booking.

What drew us in are the stunning panoramic views of the islands and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters—two highlights many travelers mention. Plus, the lunch service with grilled fish or meat and unlimited drinks adds to the value, making it a more complete package. On the flip side, one possible drawback is that some reviews point out the limited visibility of all 14 islands during the cruise, which can feel a little rushed or underwhelming for island-hopping enthusiasts.

This tour would suit those who want a relaxed, guided day out that balances sightseeing with beach time, especially if you’re interested in enjoying some local Croatian cuisine along the way. It’s also a good fit for travelers who appreciate easy logistics and a friendly crew ready to communicate in several languages, making it accessible for broad audiences.

Key Points

• Scenic cruising around all 14 islands with informative guides in multiple languages
• Relaxing stop on St. Jerolim Island, perfect for swimming and sunbathing
• Includes a tasty lunch with grilled fish or meat, plus unlimited drinks, which adds great value
• Limited island visibility? Some reviews mention only seeing 4-5 islands, not all 14, due to boat issues or timing
• Good for a laid-back day with a focus on relaxation and light sightseeing
• Free admission to Brijuni National Park but note that the island of St. Jerolim requires an entrance fee

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Logistics

The journey kicks off at 11 am from Pula Harbour, right in the heart of the city. The boat, named Ana, is equipped for a comfortable 6-hour adventure, which includes cruising, sightseeing, and the island stop. The duration—around six hours—gives you enough time to enjoy each part without feeling rushed, but keep in mind that the actual experience is dictated by weather and boat conditions, which can sometimes lead to changes in plans.

The Panoramic Cruise around Brijuni

The most prominent part of this tour is the two-hour cruise around all 14 islands of the Brijuni National Park. From the water, you’ll get a fresh perspective on sights like Vanga Island, Tito’s residential island, Minor Fort on Mali Brijun, and the safari park.

We loved the way the crew guides you through these sights in several languages, making the experience accessible to international visitors. The views are genuinely lovely, especially with the sunlight bouncing off the calm waters. However, some travelers, like Arianna, have reported that they only saw about 4 or 5 islands because of boat issues or time constraints—so don’t expect to see every tiny islet up close.

The Lunch Experience

Included in the tour is a delicious lunch featuring grilled fish (makrell), a burger option, or vegetarian choices, served with salad and bread. This is a standout feature, particularly if you’re a foodie or just enjoy a good meal while traveling. The drinks are unlimited white wine, Fanta, and water, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery without constantly worrying about ordering.

Visit to Brijuni National Park and St. Jerolim

After the cruise, the main event is the stopping at St. Jerolim, affectionately called The Island of Peacocks. The stop lasts about three and a half hours, giving you ample time for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring. The island boasts magnificent beaches and clear waters, perfect for a refreshing dip.

You’ll have the opportunity to relax on beaches that are described as beautiful, with some reviews mentioning the rich underwater world—ideal if you’re into snorkeling or just want to float in calm seas. The island’s natural rocky coastline offers a different kind of sunbathing experience, though some visitors like Vladimira found the access to the sea a bit challenging because of the rocky terrain and pointed rocks.

The island is also inhabited by peacocks, adding a charming, almost whimsical touch to the scenery. You might enjoy the peaceful, unspoiled vibe here, especially after the boat cruise. However, remember that entrance to St. Jerolim does have a small fee (€5 for adults, reduced for children), so prepare for that extra expense.

Return to Pula

Following the relaxing island stop, the boat heads back to Pula Harbour, arriving around 4:30 pm. It’s a comfortable schedule for a full-day trip, giving you the afternoon free to explore or relax further.

What Travelers Say About This Tour

Reviews paint a mixed picture. While the majority rate it positively, some common themes emerge. Several travelers appreciate the stunning views and friendly multilingual staff. One reviewer, Ronny, appreciated the quick and friendly response when the original plan was canceled.

On the flip side, Arianna expressed disappointment that they only saw about 4 or 5 of the 14 islands and experienced a boat engine problem that prevented the stop at St. Jerolim on the original schedule. Her words, “We were a bit disappointed,” highlight that technical issues can impact the experience.

Vladimira’s review was more critical, describing St. Jerolim as overcrowded and difficult to access, with limited opportunities to sunbathe comfortably. Her tone was quite negative, calling it “like an island for lepers”—which, while harsh, underscores how some find the natural rocky landscape less ideal for relaxing beach days.

The Food and Drinks

The inclusion of lunch and unlimited drinks is often praised, especially given the reasonable price of around $60 per person. The grilled fish or burger options are straightforward but satisfying, and the wine and Fanta are a nice touch for keeping everyone refreshed. This aspect makes the tour feel more comprehensive, especially if you’re not looking to fuss over meals during your trip.

The Value for Money

Considering the price of $59.95, the tour offers a decent balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and food. The fact that admission to the national park is free adds value, but keep in mind the small fee for St. Jerolim if you want to swim there. For many, the trip’s success hinges on the weather and boat conditions, which are outside the operator’s control but worth considering when planning your day.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for relaxed travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides and prefer a laid-back pace. It’s suitable for those interested in light sightseeing, good food, and a peaceful island escape. If you’re eager to visit all 14 islands thoroughly, this tour might feel a bit limited, but if you’re happy with the highlights and some relaxing beach time, it’s a good pick.

It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate friendly guides speaking multiple languages and want a hassle-free day trip. However, if you’re looking for a more adventurous island-hopping experience or want to explore hidden corners, you might find this tour a little too curated.

The Sum Up

The National Park Brijuni Tour with Swimming on St. Jerolim Island offers a pleasant, well-organized way to experience some of Croatia’s most iconic islands without the stress of planning every detail. You’ll enjoy the calm waters and stunning scenery from the boat, combined with the opportunity to relax on a peaceful island with beautiful beaches and peacocks roaming around. The included lunch and unlimited drinks add a nice touch of convenience and value for the price.

That said, it’s worth knowing that some travelers have only seen part of the islands or faced boat issues, which can affect the overall impression. If you’re a traveler who values a gentle pace and easy access to scenic spots with some swimming and sunbathing, this tour checks quite a few boxes. It’s less suited for thrill-seekers or island-hoppers who want to explore every nook and cranny in detail.

Ultimately, this trip delivers a relaxing slice of the Croatian coast, perfect for unwinding, enjoying good food, and soaking in lovely ocean views. Just keep expectations in check regarding the number of islands viewed and potential weather disruptions, and you’ll likely have a satisfying day.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, with the cruise itself around 2 hours and the island stop roughly 3.5 hours.

What time does the tour start and end?
It departs at 11 am from Pula Harbour and returns around 4:30 pm.

Is food included?
Yes, a lunch with grilled fish or meat, salad, bread, and unlimited drinks (wine, Fanta, water) is part of the package.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the island of St. Jerolim requires an entrance fee of about 5 euros for adults. Children 0-6 are free, 7-12 pay 3 euros.

Can I swim on the island?
Yes, the stop on St. Jerolim is designed for swimming and relaxing at the beaches.

What if the boat breaks down or weather is bad?
The tour is subject to weather conditions. In case of cancellation due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Boat issues can lead to alternative plans, as one review noted.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the relaxed pace and scenic stops make it appealing to most travelers with children, especially those comfortable with boat rides and beach time.

How many people are on the tour?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, which keeps things feeling intimate without being crowded.

Is it easy to reach the meeting point?
Yes, the tour starts near public transportation in Pula, making it accessible for most travelers staying in the city.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, scenic day with a mix of boat cruising, good food, and some beach relaxation, this tour could be just right. Just remember to set your expectations about how many islands you’ll see and be prepared for possible weather hiccups.