Brijuni National Park Boat Excursion from Pula. With a visit to the island

If you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water with a glimpse of Croatia’s stunning islands, the Brijuni National Park boat excursion from Pula offers a well-rounded experience. While the trip is not without its quirks, it’s a popular choice for travelers seeking a blend of scenic sailing, cultural insights, and seaside leisure.

What makes this trip stand out? We love the professional guides who share engaging stories about the park’s history and Tito’s exotic animal collection, as well as the delicious Mediterranean lunch served on deck. On the flip side, some travelers find the lack of detailed commentary and limited island activities a bit disappointing. This tour is best suited for those who appreciate a leisurely cruise with plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the views, rather than a rigorous exploration.

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

Key Points

• Relaxing cruise with stunning views of the Croatian coast and islands
• Onboard Mediterranean lunch with unlimited drinks
• Knowledgeable guides providing insights into the park’s history and wildlife
• Free time on St. Jerolim Island for swimming and sunbathing (entrance fee not included)
• Ideal for families and those seeking a laid-back day on the water
• Good value considering the included food, drinks, and transport

An Introduction to the Tour Experience

This boat trip from Pula to Brijuni National Park is geared toward travelers craving a break from city life and a chance to unwind while enjoying scenic sailing. It’s not a rigorous sightseeing expedition but rather a relaxed, social outing that combines gentle navigation around the islands with opportunities to explore a tiny bit of local history and nature.

Two aspects we particularly like are the professional guidance that enriches the trip with stories about Tito’s exotic animals and the comprehensive onboard meal. For a modest price of approximately $66 per person, you get transportation, a hearty lunch, unlimited drinks, and a guided tour—what’s not to love?

However, a potential consideration is that the commentary can be somewhat limited, and some reviews note the lack of detailed narration once on the water, which might leave some guests guessing about what they’re seeing. Plus, the island stop at St. Jerolim is somewhat minimal—mostly swimming and sunbathing—so if you’re after a full-day cultural or historical experience, this might not be your perfect fit.

This tour fits best for travelers who want a casual, scenic day with plenty of time to relax, take photos, and enjoy good food and company.

What You’ll Experience: The Itinerary in Detail

The Initial Departure from Pula

The trip kicks off at Pula harbor, where you’ll board a comfortable, traditional vessel. The start time ensures you get a good amount of daylight for scenic cruising, and the group sizes are capped at 65, so it’s not too crowded. The boat’s design—facing forward and rear—offers various vantage points for snapping photos or just soaking in the views.

As you set sail, the guide will start sharing snippets of the park’s history, particularly Tito’s fascination with exotic animals, which once made Brijuni a unique zoo of sorts. Many reviews highlight how the guides are multilingual and very friendly, adding a layer of professionalism and friendliness to the experience.

Cruising Around Brijuni Islands

The highlight of the first two hours is the sightseeing tour of the islands. Expect to see the lush scenery, luxury villas, and perhaps spot some native wildlife, as the guide shares interesting facts along the way. We loved the way the guide’s commentary gave life to the scenery, turning a simple boat ride into a mini-lesson about Croatian history and nature.

The Mediterranean Lunch and Drinks

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the lunch served on board. You’ll choose from fish, meat, or vegetarian options, with many reviewers commenting on how the fish dishes were especially good—some even say they enjoyed it more than meals at local restaurants. The unlimited drinks—white wine, mineral water, Cola, Fanta—are available throughout, making the cruise feel even more like a leisurely party on the water.

Island Stop at St. Jerolim

The tour’s only stop on land is at St. Jerolim Island, part of the national park, where visitors have about three hours to explore, swim, or sunbathe. Entrance is not included in the tour price, and guests must buy a €7 ticket (or €4 for children) from the park’s custodian.

While some reviews describe the island as a perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming, others note that the facilities are limited, with only a small beach and a modest bar/cafe. Shade is scarce, so bring sun protection if you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach.

Returning to Pula

After your free time, the boat departs back to the harbor, giving you more chances to relax and enjoy the views. Some travelers have noted that the crew is friendly, although a few mention issues like smoke onboard or limited commentary during the return leg.

The Value of the Tour: Is it Worth It?

Considering the price of around $66, this tour offers good value for money. The included lunch and unlimited drinks alone make it appealing, especially as many comparable excursions charge extra for meals or drinks. The guided commentary adds educational value, turning what could be a simple boat ride into a more engaging experience.

However, the limited island activities and minimal commentary on land might disappoint travelers expecting a more in-depth exploration. Some reviewers mention the small size of the island and lack of shade, so it’s more about swimming and relaxing than sightseeing.

Pros:

• Comfortable, traditional ship with scenic routes
• Well-organized with friendly, multilingual guides
• Tasty Mediterranean lunch with unlimited drinks
• Free time on St. Jerolim for swimming and relaxing
• Small group size enhances comfort and attention

Cons:

• Limited commentary once on the water, leaving some guessing about sights
• Island stop is brief with minimal facilities
• No included entrance fee to the park, so budget accordingly
• Some guests report less engaging activities or limited shade on the island

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat excursion is perfect for families and couples seeking a relaxing day out on the water, with beautiful scenery and good food. It’s ideal if you enjoy a laid-back pace, scenic views, and light sightseeing rather than a deep cultural or historical tour. Those who love snorkeling or sunbathing will find the island stop especially appealing.

If you’re after a more detailed exploration of Croatian history, museums, or large beaches, you might want to look elsewhere. But if your goal is a good-value, scenic cruise with friendly guides and tasty food, this trip will serve you well.

FAQ

Is transportation to and from the harbor included?
No, the tour includes transportation from Pula harbor to the islands, but hotel pickup or drop-off is not included.

How long is the total trip?
It lasts about 5 hours, including the cruise, lunch, drinks, and free time on St. Jerolim Island.

Do I need to buy tickets for the park or the island?
Yes, a €7 ticket per adult (and €4 for children) is paid separately on St. Jerolim Island. This covers the entrance fee, not the tour itself.

What kind of food is served onboard?
A Mediterranean-style meal with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes. Many find the fish especially tasty, and the meal is considered good value.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, the open bar includes white wine, mineral water, Cola, and Fanta available throughout the cruise.

Is swimming allowed at the island stop?
Yes, you can swim and sunbathe on St. Jerolim Island. Bring water shoes and goggles if you want to maximize your experience.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18, mainly due to alcohol service onboard.

What are the reviews saying?
Guests generally find the trip enjoyable, praising the guides, the scenery, and the lunch. Some mention the limited shade and minimal activities on the island as drawbacks.

Final Thoughts

The Brijuni National Park Boat Excursion from Pula offers a relaxing, scenic day that balances gentle sailing, educational tidbits, and seaside leisure. It’s best suited for those who want to unwind, enjoy good food, and explore a beautiful island or two without the hassle of heavy sightseeing.

The experience delivers decent value for money, especially considering the included meal, drinks, and guided commentary. While some may find the island stop somewhat limited and the commentary light, most travelers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and stunning views.

If your idea of a perfect day involves a peaceful boat ride punctuated with swimming, sunbathing, and casual exploration, this tour will likely meet your expectations. It’s a charming way to see the Croatian coast from the water and enjoy a taste of Brijuni’s natural beauty.

To sum it up, this boat trip is a delightful option for travelers who prioritize comfort, scenic beauty, and good food over extensive sightseeing. It’s especially suitable for families, couples, or groups looking for an easy, enjoyable day on the water with authentic Croatian charm. Just come prepared for some sun, bring your goggles, and enjoy the gentle cruise through one of the Adriatic’s most picturesque spots.