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

Exploring the Pula: National Park Brijuni Tour — A Genuine Look

If you’re considering a day trip around Croatia’s Brijuni Islands, this tour offers quite an appealing package. It combines scenic cruising, swimming, and island visits, all wrapped up with a tasty onboard lunch. We’ve seen plenty of reviews praising the overall experience, and from what we gather, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a taste of Croatia’s coastal beauty without too much fuss.

What we really like about this tour is the combination of activities — especially the chance to jump and slide from the boat’s inflatable slide, which adds a bit of fun for everyone. Another highlight is the delicious, chef-prepared lunch with options for different tastes, making it more than just a quick boat ride. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves a fair amount of time on water, which might not suit travelers prone to seasickness.

This trip is best suited for those looking for a relaxed, scenic day filled with swimming and light sightseeing rather than intense hiking or cultural deep-dives. Families, groups of friends, or anyone eager to enjoy Croatia’s stunning coast from a comfortable boat are likely to enjoy this experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic boat cruise around Brijuni Islands with multiple swimming stops
• Fun inflatable slide from the boat that adds a playful element
• Onboard lunch with three different delicious options
• Stop at St. Jerolim for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the island
• Flexible timing and route adjustments due to weather considerations
• Includes drinks onboard, making it a relaxed, all-in-one experience

An Honest Look at the Brijuni Islands Boat Tour

Planning a day to explore Croatia’s coast often feels overwhelming because options are plentiful, and details matter. This tour, run by MB Ulika, offers a well-rounded taste of what the Brijuni National Park has to offer, all from the comfort of a charming wooden boat. During the 6.5 hours, you’ll experience a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and dining that feels thoughtfully organized.

Starting Point and Departure

Your journey begins at the Excursion Ulika Pula office, conveniently located opposite Tito’s park near the tank station. It’s a straightforward meeting spot, which is a relief if you’re not familiar with Pula’s ports. The tour kicks off with a 35-minute cruise from Pula, giving you your first glimpse of the Croatian coastline while settling into your boat.

The First Swimming Stop

After the initial cruise, you’ll stop for a 40-minute swim from the boat. This moment is often highly praised — travelers love the chance to jump into the clear waters, especially with the inflatable slide for extra fun. One reviewer even mentioned that their kids “had so much fun onboard” and loved being allowed to slide and jump, which is a big plus if you’re traveling with family.

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Cruising to Brijuni Island

Next, the boat sails towards Brijuni National Park, which is the oldest in Croatia and consists of 14 islands. This part of the trip lasts about 1.5 hours, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and listen to guides offering insights (in Croatian, English, German, and Italian). We appreciate that the route can be adjusted in case of bad weather, which shows flexibility and safety prioritization.

Lunch with a View

Once on Brijuni, it’s time for the onboard lunch, prepared fresh by your chef. The menu offers three choices: fish (mackerel with salad), meat (chicken breast with salad), or vegetarian (zucchini and paprika). Several reviews highlighted how tasty and generous the meals are, with some mentioning that they even received extra food. It’s a good value considering the cost — $59 per person — especially since drinks are also included, making it a relaxed meal without needing to hunt for food later.

Island Stop at St. Jerolim

The highlight for many is the two-hour stop at St. Jerolim, one of Brijuni’s islands. Here, you can swim, snorkel, or simply walk around and soak up the sun. The clear waters and the chance to explore underwater life appeal to many, with some reviews noting the richness of fish and the opportunity to see dolphins. One traveler mentioned they saw dolphins “near Fazana and farther out,” which adds a magical element to the day.

While the island stop is generally well-loved, some reviewers wished for a bit more time to swim and explore. The 2-hour window is decent but not overly long, so if your priority is extended swimming or snorkeling, plan accordingly.

Return Journey and Final Cruise

The return cruise lasts around 40 minutes, giving you a final chance to enjoy the views and relax on the water before heading back to Pula. It’s a calming way to wind down, especially if you’ve had a busy day full of water activities.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The real selling points are the scenic cruising combined with fun activities like sliding and jumping, and the well-prepared onboard meal. The reviews echo this sentiment — travelers frequently mention the helpful crew, the good food, and the beautiful scenery.

Many guests have described their experience as “very well organized” with “friendly staff” and “fantastic” views. The optional extra to visit St. Jerolim for swimming and snorkeling is particularly popular, and some mention dolphins being seen during the trip, which can be a real highlight.

Practical Considerations

Since entrance to St. Jerolim costs €7 for adults and €3 for kids (cash only), those planning to go ashore should be prepared for this small additional expense. Drinks on the island are available for purchase but aren’t included, so consider bringing some cash if you want to snack or hydrate further.

Weather can influence the experience — if the forecast is poor, the captain might change the route or cancel the trip altogether, so it’s wise to keep an eye on weather conditions.

Who Will Love This Trip?

This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of swimming and light sightseeing. It’s particularly good for families and groups who enjoy water activities and good food but don’t need a packed cultural itinerary. It’s also suitable if you’re traveling with kids who’ll love the inflatable slide and the freedom to jump into the water.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re after a hassle-free way to explore Brijuni Islands, this tour offers a clear value. The boat cruise is charming and laid-back, the swimming stops are refreshing, and the onboard lunch is surprisingly good for a day trip. You’ll love the relaxed pace and the chance to enjoy Croatia’s coastal waters without worrying about transportation or planning.

However, if you’re seeking deep cultural insights or more time on each island, you might find this tour a bit light on historical or cultural content. Also, if seasickness is a concern, be prepared or consider whether this type of boat trip suits you.

This experience is a friendly, enjoyable way to soak up Croatian coastal scenery, with plenty of opportunities to relax and have fun in the water.

FAQ

Is food included in the tour?
Yes, a delicious onboard lunch is included, with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes.

Are drinks included?
Yes, drinks are provided onboard, making it easy to stay refreshed throughout the day.

How long is the swimming stop?
The first swim stop from the boat lasts about 40 minutes, and the island stop at St. Jerolim is around 2 hours.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance to St. Jerolim?
Yes, entrance costs €7 for adults and €3 for children (cash only), and is paid directly on the island.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for the island entrance fee and any extras, along with swimming gear, sunscreen, and a towel.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially for families with kids who enjoy water activities and slides. Just consider the water safety and weather conditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if the weather is bad?
The captain can change the route or cancel the trip if weather conditions are poor, so check the forecast and stay flexible.

In the end, this tour offers a fun, scenic day with great value, especially if you enjoy swimming, good food, and relaxed sightseeing. It’s a nice way to experience Croatia’s coast without overcomplicating your day, making it a solid pick for travelers of all ages who want a taste of Brijuni’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: