Pula: Dolphin Sunset Cruise to Brijuni with Dinner & Drinks

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing evening on Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast, this Dolphin Sunset Cruise to Brijuni offers a blend of scenic views, wildlife encounters, and good food—all from the comfort of a modern catamaran. While we haven’t personally sailed on this particular tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a well-rounded, memorable experience.

Two things we really appreciate about this trip: the possibility of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat (most travelers report spotting them over 80% of the time!), and the chance to enjoy a golden-hour sunset over Brijuni National Park. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the limited variety of drinks—only wine and non-alcoholic beverages are included, and some reviews mention the meal being a bit basic for the price.

This experience tends to suit travelers who love boats, scenic vistas, wildlife watching, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group, this tour offers a satisfying mix of nature, culture, and leisure.

This experience made our article of 12 Fantastic Cruises And Boat Tours In Pula.

Key Points

• Luxurious catamaran provides a stable and comfortable ride, even for those prone to seasickness.
• Dolphin watching in the wild with high chances of sightings makes for unforgettable memories.
• Sunset views of Brijuni National Park create perfect photo opportunities.
• All-inclusive drinks and dinner make the evening hassle-free and enjoyable.
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary on Brijuni’s natural and cultural highlights.
• The cost ($58) offers reasonable value for a scenic, wildlife-focused, and food-inclusive cruise.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Starting Point and Setting Sail

Your adventure begins at a meeting spot about 200 meters from Pula’s famous Roman Arena—an easy walk from many hotels and central locations. Look for the boat Ananda, a sleek, modern catamaran with a capacity of 146 but typically limited to around 100 guests for comfort. This ensures space to move around, which is especially appreciated as you’ll want to soak in the views and maybe snap some photos.

As the boat departs, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Pula’s historic skyline, including the Roman amphitheater—the city’s most famous landmark. The crew makes a point of pointing out key sights, and the relaxed atmosphere allows you to settle in and start your scenic journey.

Cruising Past Uljanik and Into the Blue

One highlight along the way is passing the Lighting Giants of Uljanik, a colorful, lit-up shipyard that transforms after sunset into a vibrant display. The boat continues past this industrial landmark toward the Brijuni Islands, with the coastline fading behind you and the open sea ahead.

Dolphins in Their Natural Habitat

One of the major draws of this tour is the chance to see dolphins. According to reviews, the likelihood of sightings is quite high—above 80%. As the boat slowly moves through the waters near Brijuni, your crew will keep a lookout, and if you’re lucky, playful dolphins will swim alongside the boat. Several travelers described it as “just magical,” and the opportunity to witness these creatures in the wild adds a genuine touch of nature’s wonder to the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sunset Over Brijuni National Park

As evening approaches, the boat reaches the golden hour, when the sunset casts warm hues over the islands and the sea. This is often the most photographed part of the trip, and the views of Brijuni’s lush islands bathed in sunset light are truly stunning. Reviewers have called this “incredible,” emphasizing how peaceful and photogenic the scene is.

Dining on the Water

After enjoying the scenery and wildlife, it’s time for dinner. The included meal offers a choice among fish, meat, or vegetarian options—a thoughtful touch for varied diets. The meal is served onboard, creating a relaxed dining experience with the gentle rocking of the boat and the sounds of the sea. Reviewers have praised the freshness of the fish and the generous flow of wine, which adds to the convivial atmosphere.

However, some mention that the meal is somewhat basic—no elaborate sides or gourmet touches—and that only red and white wine are available, along with non-alcoholic drinks. The price of $58 per person reflects a decent value considering the all-inclusiveness and the setting, but if you’re expecting a gourmet dinner, you might find it simpler than some other culinary experiences.

Expert Guides and Informative Commentary

Throughout the cruise, an expert guide provides commentary on Brijuni’s history, natural features, and wildlife, enriching your understanding of the area. Several reviews highlight guide Salma’s warm and knowledgeable approach as a definite plus.

Returning and Reflecting

As you head back toward Pula, the city lights twinkle, offering a charming end to the trip. The overall duration is about 2-3 hours, making it suitable for an evening activity that doesn’t overrun into late-night hours.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: $58 per person, which includes the cruise, dinner, unlimited wine and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, and an air-conditioned lounge area.
• Duration: Typically around 2-3 hours, perfect for an evening outing.
• Meeting Point: About 200 meters from Pula’s Roman Arena, across from the club “Pietas Julia”—an easy landmark.
• Reservations: You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.
• Cancellation: Full refunds available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.
• What to Bring: A camera for sunset photos, light layers (it can get breezy on the water), and a sense of adventure.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Others

Many travelers shared positive impressions, especially about the friendly crew and beautiful scenery. One reviewer praised the delicious food and the flowing wine, noting it made for a very enjoyable evening. Others appreciated the opportunity to walk around the boat and see different parts of the scenery, which adds to the relaxed, no-pressure vibe.

Some comments highlight that the view of Pula at sunset is spectacular, with the city’s skyline glowing as you cruise back—perfect for photographers and sunset lovers alike. The chance to see dolphins is also a major highlight, with one reviewer describing it as “really amazing,” and another calling it “magical.”

Considerations for a Smooth Trip

A few reviewers mentioned the limited drink options—beer is only available as a 0.5l, and the dinner might feel basic if you’re expecting more gourmet fare. Also, with larger groups, some travelers found that not everyone gets a perfect view of the dolphins or sunset, suggesting that smaller groups or early arrivals might improve the experience.

This tour is especially suitable for sea lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking for a relaxed way to see Pula’s sunset. It’s a good choice if you value good value for money, with drinks and dinner included, and you’re happy with a straightforward meal and simple drink options.

It also works well for families or couples wanting a scenic, wildlife-focused evening that’s not overly formal. If you’re traveling with friends and enjoy socializing over wine with stunning views, you’ll find this cruise offers plenty of opportunities to connect and unwind.

For travelers seeking a gourmet dining experience or a more private, intimate setting, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re after a lively, scenic evening with a touch of wildlife magic, this cruise hits the spot.

This Dolphin Sunset Cruise to Brijuni from Pula offers a worthwhile blend of scenery, wildlife, and culinary comfort—particularly for those who love watching dolphins and capturing sunset moments. The modern catamaran ensures a smooth ride, and the informative guides make the trip engaging. The included dinner and drinks make it a convenient all-in-one outing, saving you from fussing over reservations or extra expenses.

While the dinner is simple and drink options limited, the overall value remains strong considering the scenery, wildlife, and sunset views. The chance to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat is a highlight that adds a genuine touch of nature to this pleasant evening.

This tour is an excellent pick for relaxed travelers, sunset seekers, and wildlife watchers who want to enjoy Pula’s coast from the water without breaking the bank.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most reviews suggest it’s family-friendly, especially since the boat is spacious and the experience is relaxed. Just keep in mind the basic meal options and limited entertainment onboard.

What should I wear?
Light layers are advisable since it can be breezy on the water, especially in the evening. Comfortable shoes are recommended if you want to explore the boat or walk around during the cruise.

Can I see dolphins on every trip?
No guarantee, but the chances are high—above 80%, according to reviews. The crew actively searches for dolphins, and many travelers have been lucky.

What is included in the price?
The cruise, dinner, unlimited wine and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, and the guided commentary are included. Extra drinks like beer are available separately.

How long is the cruise?
Expect around 2-3 hours, making it an ideal evening activity that fits comfortably into your schedule.

Is the dinner suitable for vegetarians or specific diets?
Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options, and the meal is served onboard. However, the meal is described as simple—fish, meat, or vegetarian choices.

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

This cruise combines scenic beauty with wildlife encounters and a relaxed dinner atmosphere—a delightful way to enjoy Croatia’s coast after a day of sightseeing. Whether you’re a sunset lover, dolphin enthusiast, or just want a pleasant evening on the water, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable experience worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: