Pula: Private Brijuni Tour With Swimming, Dinner & Drinks

Planning a trip to Pula and eyeing a boat trip around Brijuni National Park? We’ve looked into this private tour to help you decide if it suits your style and expectations. It’s a popular choice for groups wanting a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, stunning scenery, and good food—all in a private setting.

What we really like about this experience is its flexible group size, accommodating up to 12 people, which keeps things intimate and relaxed. Plus, the inclusion of a freshly prepared dinner and drinks makes it feel like a special day out rather than just a boat ride. On the flip side, some reviews highlight issues like communication hiccups and the occasional mismatch between promise and reality, so it’s worth keeping those in mind when booking.

If you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy scenic cruises with a bit of swimming and a relaxed vibe, this tour could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for those looking for a more personalized, family-run experience that emphasizes good food and a laid-back atmosphere.

Key Points

• Private Group Experience: Perfect for larger families or groups of up to 12, ensuring a more personal vibe.
• Scenic Cruising & Island Hopping: Explore 14 islands in Brijuni National Park with plenty of chances for photos and relaxation.
• Swimming & Snorkeling: Enjoy time in crystal-clear waters, ideal for cooling off and exploring marine life.
• Tasty Dinner & Drinks: Choose from three different home-cooked meal options, complemented by water, orange juice, and white wine.
• Flexible & Family-Run: Operated by a family, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere, though some reviews mention communication issues.
• Cost & Value: At $647 for up to 12 people, it offers good value especially considering food, drinks, and personalized service.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience You Can Expect

This private boat tour starts in Pula’s historic port, with a focus on relaxed, family-friendly fun. You’ll hop aboard a Croatian boat, which is notably well-maintained and equipped, including sun decks, shaded seating, and onboard toilets—details that make a day on the water more comfortable. The total experience typically lasts a few hours, with plenty of time for swimming, sightseeing, and savoring the meal.

The Itinerary

After boarding, the cruise kicks off with a scenic trip around Pula’s oldest port, offering a glimpse of the city from the water. The boat then heads toward Brijuni Islands, a chain of 14 islands known for their lush greenery and sandy beaches. Here, the main highlight is the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters—an activity enjoyed by almost every guest.

During the cruise, you’ll get panoramic views of the islands, and the crew often shares interesting tidbits about the area, adding a layer of local flavor to the journey. It’s a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the scenery.

Island Hopping & Swimming

The stop at the Brijuni Islands gives you an opportunity to jump into the waters—many find this the most memorable part. The waters are described as transparent, making snorkeling enjoyable. From comments, it seems the marine life and water clarity are real selling points.

However, some reviews mention that sometimes the boat doesn’t stay in one spot long enough for a proper swim, or the bay may not be quite as secluded or pristine as some expectations. It’s worth expecting a relaxing float rather than a fully secluded beach experience.

Food & Drinks

A standout feature is the dinner, prepared fresh by the crew’s chef. Guests can select from three main options—fish with salad, chicken with salad, or a veggie dish, which caters to different tastes and dietary needs. The food is consistently praised as freshly made and delicious.

Complementing the meal, there’s unlimited water, orange juice, and white wine, which helps elevate the meal from just sustenance to a celebratory part of the day. A few reviews mention the family’s attention to detail, including snacks, drinks, and even home-made rakija, which adds a warm, personal touch.

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The Return & Views

On the way back, you’ll get to enjoy Pula’s cityscape in daylight—possibly catching sights like the famous Roman amphitheater. It’s a nice way to wind down, reflecting on a day spent in a beautiful setting.

Practical Details & Considerations

Pricing & Value

At $647 per group, the cost breaks down to roughly $54 per person if filled to capacity. Considering that the price includes boat cruise, guide, lunch, and drinks, it’s quite reasonable for a private experience. Many reviews emphasize the value, especially given the personalized service and home-cooked food.

Group Size & Atmosphere

The boat can hold up to 12 guests, making it ideal for families, friends, or small groups looking for exclusivity. The family-run nature of the operation is often highlighted as a positive—guests felt cared for and welcomed, and the atmosphere was very friendly.

What to Keep in Mind

• Not suitable for seasick travelers: The waters around the islands can be choppy for some.
• No hotel pickup: You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the port, which can be a minor inconvenience.
• Timing & Duration: Check the schedule to ensure the cruise aligns with your plans, as some reviews report shorter times in the park than expected.
• Communication: Some guests noted occasional language barriers or miscommunications, so it’s good to clarify details beforehand.

Authentic Voices: What Travelers Are Saying

Many guests rave about the family atmosphere and friendly hosts. One reviewer mentions, “The family atmosphere made you feel right at home,” which is a common sentiment. The food consistently earns praise, with comments like “delicious and freshly prepared,” and “plenty of food and drinks.”

However, there are some hiccups. A few reviews point out that the tour didn’t always go exactly as promised—some felt the boat spent less time in the park or that the swimming spots weren’t as secluded as they hoped. One traveler expressed disappointment that the promised “crystal-clear bay” was more of a public beach accessible to everyone.

Despite these concerns, most guests felt the experience was worth the cost and enjoyed the relaxed, intimate setting. The included drinks, especially the wine, seem to be a highlight for many, adding a celebratory touch to the meal.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private Brijuni tour is suited to travelers who value a relaxed, personalized experience on the water. It’s ideal for groups or families wanting a comfortable, intimate outing with good food, beautiful scenery, and opportunities to swim. If you’re looking for a quick, guided tour with lots of sightseeing and fewer personal touches, this might feel a bit slow or overly family-focused.

It’s also a good choice if you prefer to avoid large group tours and want the flexibility that comes with a private booking. Keep in mind, the experience might not be perfect if you’re expecting untouched, secluded beaches or a very structured itinerary—this is more about enjoying the water, scenery, and a home-cooked meal in a relaxed environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the experience is relaxed and scenic, it’s mostly suited for older children or teenagers who can enjoy swimming and a boat ride. Keep in mind, the tour involves being on the water, and there are no specific mentions of child-friendly amenities.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
The tour is offered in English, German, and Italian, so communication should be smooth for most travelers.

Does the price include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the port.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans need to shift.

What is included in the cost?
The price covers the cruise, guide, swimming stops, lunch, and drinks—water, orange juice, and white wine.

Are there toilets onboard?
Yes, the boat has toilets, adding convenience during the trip.

Is there a maximum number of guests?
Yes, the boat can accommodate up to 12 people, making it intimate and private.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
No, everything included in the package is covered—meals, drinks, and the cruise itself.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a camera for photos. Some guests mention that the boat has shaded and sunny areas, so dress comfortably.

Final Thoughts

This private boat tour in Pula offers a relaxed, personalized way to enjoy Brijuni National Park, especially if you’re traveling with a group who appreciates good food, scenic views, and a warm family atmosphere. The inclusion of guided swimming opportunities, multiple meal options, and drinks makes it feel like a thoughtfully curated day rather than just a generic cruise.

While there are some minor concerns about communication and the accuracy of the advertised time in the park, most guests leave feeling they received good value and a memorable experience. It’s particularly attractive if you’re after an intimate, family-run vibe rather than a crowded tour.

Overall, if you’re looking for a laid-back day on the water with tasty food and beautiful landscapes, this tour could be a lovely addition to your Croatia itinerary. Just be sure to plan your transportation to the port and manage expectations about the swimming spots and timing.

You can check availability for your dates here: