Pula isn’t just about Roman ruins and lively streets—it’s also a fantastic place for memorable lunch experiences on water. Whether you’re craving a relaxing boat ride with fresh seafood, swimming stops in crystal waters, or exploring islands with a local guide, Pula offers some of Croatia’s most authentic and scenic dining options. We especially love the Brijuni Boat Tour for its plush cruise and gourmet lunch, and for a more laid-back day, the Kamenjak Uvala Polje Boat Trip delivers stunning views, caves, and a tasty onboard meal. If you’re drawn to adventure mixed with good food, the Blue Cave and Cres boat trip combines both beautifully. Below, you’ll find a selection of the best tours, each with its own unique flavor.
Quick Overview
Our list includes full-day and half-day cruises, many that include local Croatian cuisine, unlimited drinks, and opportunities to swim or snorkel in clear waters. Some tours focus on the Brijuni National Park, offering chances to see exotic animals and Roman ruins, while others highlight the wild coast of Kamenjak with cliff jumps and cave swims. Whether you’re into luxury boat trips, family-friendly excursions, or adventure-packed cruises, there’s something here for every appetite and interest. For a detailed look at each, keep reading.
1. Brijuni Boat Tour with Lunch & Drinks – Swim Stop Included
This 5-hour cruise takes you around the stunning Brijuni National Park from Pula, with an emphasis on relaxation and scenery. Starting with a pass along the 4.5 km Pula Bay, the tour showcases the coast of Istria and the famous islands that once hosted Yugoslav leader Tito. The highlight is the luxury ship “Europa” providing a comfortable platform for sightseeing.
What makes this tour stand out is the freshly cooked lunch and unlimited drinks, including wine, water, and soft drinks, all served onboard. You’ll have opportunities for swimming at tranquil spots, with a stop at the Lost Beach, known for its peaceful setting. Reviewers praise the friendly staff, the beautiful island views, and the delicious on-board meal, often mentioning the fresh mackerel and chicken as highlights. The cruise also offers lots of photo opportunities of the islands, forts, and lighthouses.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a stress-free, scenic cruise with good food and plenty of swimming. The high rating (5.0/5 from 163 reviews) speaks to its popularity.
2. 5h Kamenjak Uvala Polje Sandra Boat Trip from Medulin with Lunch
For about $54, this 5-hour trip from Medulin offers a relaxed coastal experience with a focus on nature, caves, and local cuisine. The tour kicks off with a welcome drink, then cruises for around 50 minutes to Kamenjak Nature Park, a rugged coastline full of secluded bays and caves.
The highlight is a guided swim into underwater caves, which is a rare chance to see marine life in an untouched environment. After cruising past the Porer lighthouse, you’ll enjoy a delicious onboard lunch with options catering to various tastes. The trip is ideal for those who want to combine water activities with scenic views.
Reviews are glowing, especially about the friendly crew and the fresh food. Many mention the comfortable boat ride and the opportunity to relax on Uvala Polje, spending a couple of hours soaking up the sun. This tour suits travelers who appreciate a casual, nature-focused day with a good meal.
Bottom Line: A great mix of sea caves, scenic coastlines, and tasty food, suited for nature lovers and families alike.
3. Pula: National Park Brijuni/2 swimming stops/lunch/drinks
This cruise is a 4.5-star option that explores the 14 islands of Brijuni National Park while including two swimming stops. The tour’s biggest draw is the opportunity to jump and slide from the boat using a large inflatable slide, which makes it perfect for families or those who enjoy a bit of water fun.
The onboard catering features three delicious lunch options, prepared fresh by the chef, and unlimited drinks—wine, mineral water, and soda. The tour’s live guide shares insights about the islands’ history, wildlife, and Roman ruins, adding an educational layer to the trip. Reviewers remark on the excellent value for money and the beautiful waters for snorkeling.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a fun, active day with the bonus of history and wildlife, plus an all-inclusive meal.
4. Rio excursion – Swim break with lunch
At number 4, this relaxed 5-hour cruise from Pula offers a laid-back experience with swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. The boat’s crew handles navigation, giving you the freedom to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
The trip includes lunch, featuring traditional Croatian cuisine served onboard, with options like fish, chicken, or vegetarian dishes. Travelers especially appreciate the crystal-clear waters and the sights of sea caves and islets along the coast. The trip is ideal for those who want a combination of water fun and scenic cruising without much fuss.
Reviews highlight the friendly staff and the quality of the meal. Some mention the daring cliff jumps, adding an adventurous twist. It’s a good pick for active travelers and families who enjoy a combination of relaxation and water activities.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those looking for adventure, good food, and relaxing swims in a scenic setting.
5. From Pula: Half-day NP Brijuni cruise with Lunch & Swimming
This half-day cruise offers a balancing act—view the 14 islands of Brijuni, enjoy lunch, and swim in the park’s pristine waters. The tour is led by a certified guide on a modern catamaran, which offers a smooth ride.
The lunch menu includes local specialties and unlimited drinks, making it a good value for around $52. The tour stops at Fazana and includes a visit to Sveti Jerolim Island, where snorkeling or relaxing are both options. Reviewers appreciate the informative guide and the opportunity to explore multiple islands in a short time.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers who want a half-day with history, nature, and good food, all with a comfortable boat ride.
6. Fd boat-trip Medulin – Blue cave – Cres + lunch + dolphin search
At number 6, this 9-hour adventure combines exploring caves, island hopping, and marine life. It begins with a scenic cruise through the Medulin archipelago, then stops at the famous Blue Cave for swimming and snorkeling in its stunning blue waters.
Travelers rave about the freshly prepared lunch onboard—offering fish, meat, or vegetarian options—and the chance to spot dolphins while searching along Cres. The tour’s long duration makes it ideal for those craving a full-day adventure, with plenty of photo ops and swimming.
Reviewers find it value-packed, praising the helpful staff and the crystal waters. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want a full day of exploration, food, and marine encounters.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adventurous travelers who want a long, active day with snorkeling, caves, and dolphin spotting.
7. Pula: All-Inclusive Brijuni Boat Tour w Lunch, Drinks & Swim
This all-inclusive half-day trip is a crowd favorite, rated 4.2 from 275 reviews. It offers a panoramic cruise around the 14 islands of Brijuni, with a fresh local lunch and unlimited drinks. The tour’s special feature is a swim stop in a peaceful bay, with crystal-clear waters perfect for relaxing or snorkeling.
The boat is equipped for comfort, and the live commentary keeps you informed about the islands’ Roman ruins, wildlife, and secrets. Reviewers mention the value for the price, noting the delicious meal and stunning scenery.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an all-in-one experience—scenery, wildlife, history, and food—without sacrificing comfort.
8. Stop on Island & National Park Day Cruise with Lunch Drinks
This 5-hour tour combines island hopping, lunch, and swimming in Brijuni National Park. It is led by a professional guide and includes a visit to Sveti Jerolim Island, where snorkeling is a highlight.
The lunch onboard is freshly prepared, with unlimited drinks including wine and soda. Reviewers appreciate the friendly captain, beautiful scenery, and the opportunity to see wild peacocks and exotic fish. It’s especially well-rated for its personal touch and quality food.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a guided, relaxed day with a taste of wildlife and history along with good food.
9. Day trip to Rovinj and Poreč with lunch from Pula and Medulin
At number 9, this 8-hour trip combines visits to Rovinj and Poreč with a traditional Istrian lunch. Walking through cobblestone streets in Rovinj feels like stepping into a postcard, and in Poreč, you can explore the famous basilica.
The trip includes transport, local guide, and lunch, rated highly for its approachability and local flavor. Reviewers note the timing of the stops as well as the quality of the cuisine. It’s perfect for culture and history lovers who want to see more of Istria in one day.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a full-day cultural experience combined with local food and scenic towns.
10. Port Bunarina: Scenic Boat Trip with Lunch & Swimming
This scenic cruise offers a relaxed day exploring the beaches, caves, and islands of southern Istria. Starting from Port Bunarina, the boat visits Kamenjak Cave and provides swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping opportunities, perfect for those who love active water fun.
The lunch onboard is traditional, and the crew offers local insights. Customers praise the spectacular views and friendly atmosphere. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a half-day of adventure with customizable options (private or shared).
Bottom Line: Ideal for families and active travelers who want a mix of exploration, swimming, and local cuisine.
11. FAZANA Boat Tour Galebove stijene – NP Brijuni with Lunch
This smaller, family-owned boat offers an intimate cruise around Brijuni’s Galebove stijene, with a delicious lunch onboard. The boat’s small size allows for a more personal experience and closer views of the coastline.
The scenery is explained by a local guide, and the tour includes swimming and snorkeling in clear waters. The lunch options are praised for their freshness, and the highlight is exploring the secluded parts of the park.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prefer a more personalized, less crowded experience with excellent local insight.
12. Medulin – Kamenjak 5h boat trip with lunch & drinks on Sandra Boat
Topping the list with over 1,594 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, this 5-hour cruise from Medulin is a popular favorite. It explores Kamenjak National Park, with multiple stops for swimming, cave exploring, and secluded beach lounging. Lunch and drinks are served onboard, making it a true all-in-one experience.
Guests rave about the friendly staff, delicious food, and the variety of stops that include sea caves and quiet coves. The boat features modern facilities like Wi-Fi and restrooms, ensuring comfort along the way.
Bottom Line: For value and variety, this tour is hard to beat, especially if you want a comprehensive, fun-filled day with excellent reviews.
$53.95 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Cruise
When selecting among these tours, consider your priorities: Do you want a full-day adventure with caves and dolphin spotting (Blue Cave trip) or a relaxed half-day with scenic island views (Half-day NP Brijuni)? Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the value-packed trips like the Kamenjak Boat Tour or the All-Inclusive Brijuni (link). If you’re traveling with family or love personalized service, the Fazana Galebove stijene tour offers a cozy, small-group experience.
Book early, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred date. Check if your trip includes lunch, drinks, and swimming stops—most do, but specifics vary. Match your interests—be it history, wildlife, adventure, or relaxing beaches—to the tour that makes your Pula trip unforgettable.
Pula’s water-based lunch experiences range from leisurely scenic cruises to active adventures in caves and coves. Whether you opt for the luxurious Brijuni cruise, the adventure-filled Cres trip, or the family-friendly island explorations, each offers a taste of Croatia’s stunning coast combined with good food and plenty of water fun. Consider your vacation style, and you’ll find the perfect way to combine sea, sun, and a great meal in Pula.