Pula: Brijuni National Park Tour with Island Visit

When it comes to exploring Croatia’s coast, few experiences match the charm and variety of a boat trip around Brijuni National Park from Pula. This tour offers a blend of sightseeing, wildlife, swimming, and a taste of Mediterranean cuisine—all wrapped up in a comfortable, scenic journey. For travelers who love discovering new islands and enjoy a good story along the way, this trip has plenty to offer.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to see all the islands of Brijuni from the water—a perspective that reveals just how many different tiny islands make up this protected area. Plus, the chance to swim at St. Jerolim Island and explore the local wildlife, including animals that Tito kept as pets, adds a personal touch that’s hard to find elsewhere. One potential downside is that the ticket for St. Jerolim is an extra expense—a small fee in cash—but it’s well worth it for the scenic beaches and swimming opportunities. Overall, it’s ideal for those who appreciate good value, engaging guides, and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.

This tour suits travelers looking for a mix of nature, history, and leisurely fun on the water. Whether you’re on a family holiday, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, the combination of scenic views, wildlife, and local flavors makes it a memorable outing.

This experience made our article of We Rank The 11 Best National Park Tours In Pula.

Key Points

• Unbeatable views of all Brijuni Islands from a traditional boat
• Includes a delicious Mediterranean lunch with unlimited drinks, including local wine
• Chance to swim and explore at St. Jerolim Island, known for its scenic beaches
• Wildlife sightings, including animals that Tito kept in his collection
• Informative guides sharing stories and facts throughout the trip
• Flexible timing at St. Jerolim, allowing for either exploration or relaxation

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Departure

Your adventure begins in Pula, where boarding the boat is scheduled 30 minutes before departure. This slight buffer gives you time to settle in, grab some photos, and get ready for the journey. The vessel is described as comfortable, and the group size tends to be manageable, making it easy to hear your guide and ask questions.

Sightseeing and Narration

As the boat pulls away from Pula’s coastline, your guide starts weaving stories about the islands’ history and Tito’s eccentric collection of exotic animals. Brijuni’s reputation as a famed summer retreat for Tito brings a layer of intrigue, and the guide’s knowledge makes the tour engaging without overwhelming.

Along the route, you’ll enjoy views of the islands and the chance to spot wild animals. Reports from previous travelers mention dolphins often join the boat, adding an extra thrill to the experience. We loved the way the guide balanced storytelling with opportunities for photos and relaxation, making the cruise feel personal and well-paced.

Lunch and Drinks

As the boat cruises along the coast of Pula and Faana, a delicious Mediterranean-style lunch is served. The menu offers grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for all. The quality of the food gets good reviews, with many noting it was both tasty and plentiful.

What makes this meal special is the unlimited drinks—white wine, mineral water, Coke, and Fanta—so you can sip away as you take in the view. Many reviews mention the excellent wine selection, which adds that extra touch of hospitality. This meal and drinks package offers great value, especially considering the scenic backdrop and friendly service.

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Island Stop at St. Jerolim

After lunch, the boat makes a stop at St. Jerolim Island, an unspoiled spot with scenic beaches and clear waters. Here, you have the option to stay for about 2.5 hours or remain on the boat—giving you flexibility depending on your preferences.

This stop is a highlight for many travelers. You can swim in the calm waters, sunbathe on the beaches, or walk around to explore this small island’s natural beauty. The waters are described as exceptionally clear, perfect for a refreshing dip. Several reviews mention how the island’s beaches and scenery exceeded expectations and provided a relaxing break from the boat.

Wildlife and Animal Encounters

A notable feature of this tour is the chance to see animals that Tito kept during his lifetime. The guide shares stories about some of the exotic creatures on the island, adding an unusual twist to the experience. If you’re lucky, dolphins might appear during the cruise—surpassing expectations and delighting everyone onboard.

Return Journey and Sunset

As the day winds down, the boat heads back along the coast, giving you ample time to enjoy a last look at the scenery. If timing aligns, you might catch a beautiful sunset over the sea—adding to the peaceful, almost cinematic finish to the trip.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour covers:
– The boat trip itself, with comfortable seating and scenic views
– A delicious traditional Mediterranean lunch with grilled options
– Unlimited white wine, mineral water, soda, and Coca-Cola/Fanta

However, the entrance fee to St. Jerolim (7 EUR for adults, 4 EUR for children) is paid separately in cash, which can catch some travelers off guard. We recommend bringing cash for this purpose, as it directly supports island maintenance and access.

Duration and Group Size

Most travelers find the timing ideal—about a full day with approximately 2.5 hours on the island. The group sizes tend to be moderate, allowing for personal interaction and less crowded spaces. The boat departs and returns to Pula, making it convenient for those staying in the city.

Practical Tips

Pack essentials like sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. Don’t forget cash for the island entry fee. The boat environment is family-friendly, and the relaxed schedule makes it suitable for all ages. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions, although previous reviews suggest the boat ride is generally smooth.

Authentic Experiences from Fellow Travelers

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts and stories, making the trip educational as well as fun. The scenic views and beaches are consistently highlighted as breathtaking, with clear waters perfect for swimming.

Travelers also appreciate the good value for money, especially considering the included lunch, drinks, and the chance to see wildlife and scenic islands. Several mention encountering dolphins, which added an unexpected magic to the experience.

One traveler summed it up: “The island stop was amazing, such clear waters,” while another loved that the trip included “extra stops to see dolphins as an added bonus.” The overall consensus is that this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day with memorable scenery and friendly service.

The Sum Up: Who will enjoy this tour?

This Brijuni National Park trip from Pula is best suited for those who want a relaxed, scenic day on the water with a good balance of nature, history, and leisure. It’s perfect for travelers interested in wildlife sightings, swimming in beautiful waters, and enjoying a tasty meal with unlimited drinks. The knowledgeable guides and manageable group size ensure a friendly, informative experience.

If you’re after a straightforward, value-packed tour that combines sightseeing, local stories, and the chance to unwind on a stunning Croatian island, this trip checks all the boxes. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy a good story, scenic beaches, and a relaxed pace.

FAQs

Is the boat trip suitable for children?
Yes, the trip is family-friendly, and children can enjoy swimming, exploring the island, and the scenic boat ride. Just ensure you bring proper swimwear and cash for the island fee.

How long do we spend on St. Jerolim Island?
You have about 2.5 hours to explore, swim, or relax. It’s enough time for a leisurely visit, but you can also choose to stay on the boat.

What’s the meal like?
The lunch features grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian options, with good reviews for quality and taste. The drinks—wine, water, and sodas—are unlimited during the meal.

Do I need to pay separately for the island?
Yes, the entrance fee to St. Jerolim is 7 EUR for adults and 4 EUR for children, paid in cash on the island.

Can I see dolphins during the trip?
While not guaranteed, many travelers have been lucky enough to see dolphins swimming alongside or near the boat, adding a special thrill.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, offering flexibility. Full cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the trip.

This boat tour of Brijuni from Pula offers a delightful mix of scenery, wildlife, and culture at a reasonable price, making it a memorable way to enjoy Croatia’s stunning coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: