Puia: Brela Stone and Vruja Bay Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring the unspoiled beauty of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast without the crowds, this private boat tour from Puia might just be what you’re looking for. It promises a chance to see some of the most iconic sights, like the Brela Stone and Vruja Bay, while enjoying the tranquility of lesser-visited bays and the thrill of swimming in clear waters.

What we love about this experience is its personalized nature — with a small group (up to 6 people), you get a chance to customize your route and stops. Plus, the stunning scenery of dramatic cliffs, underwater springs, and secluded bays offers plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

However, it’s worth noting that this tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness, which could be a consideration if you’re traveling with kids or sensitive travelers. This tour is best suited for travelers craving an authentic, flexible adventure that prioritizes natural beauty and quiet spots over tourist-heavy attractions.

This experience made our article of 2 Most Highly Rated Cruises And Boat Tours In Pucisca Brac Island.

Key Points

  • Exclusive Private Experience: Max 6 people, allowing for a tailored adventure.
  • Spectacular Scenery: Dramatic cliffs, underwater springs, and iconic landmarks.
  • Flexible Route and Stops: Customize your swimming and snorkeling in calm bays.
  • Authentic Croatian Riviera: Iconic Brela Stone and tranquil Rahotica Bay.
  • Ideal for Nature Lovers: Uncrowded spots and stunning coastal views.
  • Cost-Effective for Groups: Around $1,059 per group, offering good value for a personalized adventure.
You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at What You Can Expect

This 6-hour private boat tour from Puia offers a well-rounded exploration of some of Croatia’s most scenic coastal spots, with the flexibility to adapt based on your interests and weather conditions.

The Departure from Puia and Initial Journey

Your day begins with meeting your skipper, who is fluent in English and Croatian, ensuring smooth communication throughout. The boat is private, designed for up to 6 guests, meaning you won’t be sharing your adventure with strangers. This is a big plus for those who value privacy and personalized service. Once aboard, the tour kicks off with a cruise out from Puia, heading toward the mainland coast.

Vruja Bay: Nature’s Hidden Masterpiece

One of the standout highlights is Vruja Bay, where nature showcases its more dramatic side. Known for its impressive cliffs and underwater freshwater springs, this spot offers a surreal landscape you won’t want to miss. Reviews mention the “underwater springs that create a shimmering spectacle,” which makes snorkeling here a highlight.

Expect to enjoy a panoramic cruise along the coast, taking in the rugged cliffs and the shimmering waters. The water in Vruja Bay is renowned for its clarity, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with many guests commenting on the crystal-clear waters. The freshwater springs beneath the sea add a unique element, making the underwater environment especially interesting.

The Iconic Brela Stone

Next, the boat stops at the Brela Stone, a natural rock formation that has become a symbol of the Croatian Riviera. This is your opportunity for some incredible photo moments, with the backdrop of the sparkling sea and the iconic rock. It’s a quick stop, but a memorable one, especially for those who love capturing scenic landscapes. Many reviews highlight how photogenic this spot is—“The Brela Stone is even more stunning in person,” one traveler remarked.

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Rahotica Bay: Calm Waters and Tranquility

From there, the journey continues to Rahotica Bay, a peaceful haven perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Surrounded by nature and away from crowds, this bay offers a serene environment to relax and reconnect with the sea. The calm waters here are ideal for a laid-back swim, and the reviewer comments mentioning “the peaceful setting and clear waters” confirm this.

Optional Stops and Customization

On the return journey, your skipper may suggest additional stops at secluded bays like Tatinja, Klusnja, Luke, and others, depending on your group’s wishes and weather conditions. These stops are perfect for making spontaneous choices—whether you want to swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the scenery. The flexibility of this tour is one of its greatest strengths.

The Scenic Cruise Back

As you head back to Puia, you’ll enjoy a relaxed panoramic cruise along Bra Island’s rugged coastline. The views are stunning, with cliffs, coves, and the shimmering sea creating an unforgettable backdrop. Many travelers find this cruise to be a fitting end to an already spectacular day.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At around $1,059 for the entire group, this tour provides a personalized experience that’s hard to match with larger group excursions. The cost covers the boat, skipper, and flexible stops, making it a reasonable investment for an intimate day on the water.

Compared to day trips that cram multiple attractions into a few hours, this experience offers a more relaxed pace, allowing you to truly savor each stop. The fact that you can customize your route and choose the best spots for swimming or photos adds to the feeling of having a private adventure.

Practical Details

  • Duration: 6 hours, giving ample time to explore without feeling rushed.
  • Group Size: Max 6 people, small enough for intimacy but large enough for socializing.
  • Inclusions: Private boat, skipper, flexible route.
  • What to Bring: Hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water.
  • Restrictions: Not suitable for non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness.
  • Booking & Cancellation: Keep your plans flexible with pay later options, and cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

The Experience from Reviews and What You’ll Love

Reviewers consistently praise the stunning scenery—“The views along the coast were simply breathtaking,” one said. The crystal-clear waters provide perfect conditions for swimming in peaceful bays, and many guests mention how the flexibility to choose stops made their day special.

One traveler shared, “We loved the way the skipper tailored the route to our interests,” emphasizing the value of a private, adaptable tour. Others appreciated the lack of crowds, providing an authentic feel that larger tours can’t match.

A Few Considerations

While most reviews are positive, some note that the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or those sensitive to motion. The price might seem steep for some, but considering the private nature and tailored experience, many feel it is worth the expense.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This trip is ideal for couples, small groups of friends, or families who appreciate personalized service and stunning scenery. It’s perfect if you want to escape tourist crowds and enjoy quiet coves and iconic landmarks without feeling rushed.

Travelers who love nature, photography, and tranquil waters will find this tour particularly rewarding. However, if you prefer a larger, more structured group experience or are wary of boat rides, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

This private boat tour from Puia offers a peaceful, visually stunning way to explore Croatia’s coastline. With flexible stops, personalized service, and some of the most iconic sights like the Brela Stone and Vruja Bay, it’s a chance to enjoy the sea on your own terms. The combination of dramatic cliffs, underwater springs, and calm bays makes for a memorable day suited for travelers craving authentic encounters with nature.

While it’s not for everyone—particularly non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness—the value of a private, tailored experience makes it a great choice for those wanting a quiet adventure away from the crowds. If you’re after a combination of scenic beauty, relaxed pace, and personalized service, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It depends on the child’s swimming ability and comfort with boat rides. It’s best for children who are confident swimmers and not prone to seasickness.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a private boat, a skipper who speaks English and Croatian, and the ability to customize your route and stops.

Can I book the tour and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay nothing upfront. This provides flexibility in planning.

Are there specific starting times?
While not explicitly listed, tours typically operate during daylight hours. Confirm with the provider when booking.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water for a comfortable day.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, snorkeling is included in the stops at Vruja Bay and Rahotica Bay, with clear waters perfect for viewing marine life.

Is the tour suitable if I don’t swim?
No, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers due to the swimming and snorkeling activities.

What if I get seasick?
The tour involves boat travel along open water, so if you’re prone to seasickness, this may not be ideal.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, allowing plenty of time at each stop and for cruising.

Can I customize the route?
Absolutely. The route is flexible, allowing you to choose your preferred swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing stops.

This private tour from Puia offers a rich taste of Croatia’s coast, blending natural wonders with the luxury of a tailored experience. Whether for a romantic escape or an adventurous day with friends, it promises views, tranquility, and authentic memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: