Pula: National Park Brijuni/2 swimming stops/lunch/drinks

If you’re eyeing a day of sun, sea, and stunning landscapes in Croatia, a boat trip around Brijuni National Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, fun, and good food. This tour, offered by MB Ulika, promises a relaxed day exploring the archipelago on a traditional wooden boat, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and unwind on a picturesque island.

What we love about this experience is the chance to combine scenic cruising with active swimming spots, plus the onboard meal that’s cooked fresh by a chef. It’s a great way to enjoy the Croatian coast without much hassle. However, the trip does have some considerations—mainly, the route can change due to weather, and some stops might feel a bit short if you’re eager to linger.

This tour suits travelers looking for an easy, all-in-one day out—families, couples, or groups of friends who want a balance of relaxation, light adventure, and authentic local scenery. If you like a splash of excitement with your sightseeing, and value good food and friendly guides, this could be a perfect fit.

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

Key Points

• Scenic cruise on a traditional wooden boat through the Brijuni Islands.
• Two swimming stops with opportunities to jump, slide, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
• Delicious onboard lunch with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes.
• Free time on St. Jerolim Island to relax, walk, swim, or snorkel.
• Informative guides enhance the experience with local insights.
• Weather-dependent route adjustments possible, so flexibility can be key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Croatian Coastal Experience

We begin the journey in Port Pula, a harbor loaded with history and maritime charm. It used to be the biggest port of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, and the atmosphere here hints at stories of seafarers and empires. Meeting at the ‘Excursion Ulika Pula’ office, just across Tito’s park and near the boat tanks, travelers are quickly immersed in the maritime vibe.

The boat itself is a classic wooden vessel, adding a nostalgic touch to the cruise. It’s spacious enough for a comfortable ride, and the open deck offers fantastic views of the coastline and islands. The cruise is a leisurely panoramic journey, giving you a taste of Croatia’s stunning seascape, with numerous photo opportunities along the way.

First Stop: Refreshing Swim from the Boat

Almost immediately, the boat halts for the first swimming stop. Here, you can jump off the boat into the sparkling water or use the inflatable slide—a highlight for many. Guests have noted how much fun it is to slide directly into the sea, especially for families with kids or anyone craving a quick splash. Reviewers mention that some wished the swim stops were longer, but the boat crew makes the most of the time available, ensuring everyone gets a chance to cool off.

Cruising to Brijuni & Lunch Preparation

As the boat continues toward Brijuni Island, the scenic views of the archipelago unfold. The highlight here is the onboard lunch, prepared fresh by a chef. You’ll choose from a fish (mackerel with salad), meat (chicken breast with salad), or vegetarian options (zucchini and peppers). Several reviews praise the quality of the meal, calling it “delicious” and “well-prepared,” which adds real value at this price point.

The lunch is served on the boat, allowing you to relax while enjoying your meal and drinks—wine, water, or Fanta—provided to keep you refreshed. It’s a simple but satisfying meal that complements the day’s relaxed pace.

Second Swim & Snorkeling at St. Jerolim

After lunch, the boat stops at St. Jerolim, one of the main islands within Brijuni National Park. This is where you’ll get around two hours of free time to explore, swim, snorkel, or simply lounge. Many guests love the opportunity to swim in the clear waters and snorkel among fish, with some even reporting sightings of dolphins during the trip.

The reviews highlight how well-organized the stop is: “The islands were so pretty, and we really enjoyed our time there,” said one traveler. The time feels generous enough to walk around, wade into the water, or relax on the rocky shores.

However, a few wished for a tad more time at this stop, especially for swimming, which many agree is the best part of the trip.

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The Experience on the Water

Throughout the cruise, guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge. They share insights about the islands and local history, adding context to the stunning scenery. The crew also sets up the inflatable slide, which is a hit with children and adults alike.

Weather can influence the route—if the forecast is poor, the captain might adjust the stops or change the route entirely. This flexibility ensures safety but can sometimes mean missing out on certain sights or activities.

The total duration of the trip is around 8 hours, with the boat returning to Port Pula around 5 p.m. The group size tends to be moderate, enough for lively interactions but not crowded or overwhelming.

Value for Money

At $59 per person, this tour offers a compelling balance of scenery, activity, and food. The inclusion of a freshly cooked onboard meal and drinks makes it feel like a good deal, especially considering the scenic stops and the chance to snorkel in some of the clearest waters you’ll find in Croatia.

While it doesn’t include the €7 entrance fee for St. Jerolim (cash only), many guests find that the experience and the ambiance outweigh this small extra cost.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Based on reviews, several aspects consistently impress travelers. Knowledgeable guides bring the islands alive with interesting tidbits, making the trip more than just a boat ride. The scenery is often described as “beautiful,” with clear waters and picturesque islands perfect for photos and relaxing walks.

The food and drinks onboard get high praise—well-prepared, tasty, and a nice touch to have a sit-down meal while taking in the views. The inflatable slide and swimming stops add fun, especially for families or those wanting a quick splash to break up the trip.

Many reviewers also appreciated the flexibility and responsiveness of the crew, especially when bad weather caused route changes or delays.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you enjoy cruising in comfort, swimming in beautiful waters, and having a delicious meal included, this is an excellent choice. It’s particularly ideal for families with kids, given the fun slide and the safe swimming stops, but adults looking for a scenic day out will also find plenty to love.

Those seeking a relaxed pace with a touch of adventure—like snorkeling or walking on islands—will leave satisfied. However, if you’re prone to seasickness or want more time on land, you might find the stops a bit brief.

This tour offers a great value for its price, combining scenic beauty, active fun, and local flavor, making it a memorable Croatian coastal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at the ‘Excursion Ulika Pula’ office, near Tito’s park and the boat tanks, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport.

How long is the trip?
The entire excursion lasts approximately 8 hours, with the boat returning around 5 p.m.

Are drinks included?
Yes, drinks such as water, wine, and Fanta are provided onboard with the meal, but drinks on the island are not included.

What are the food options?
You can choose from fish (mackerel with salad), meat (chicken breast with salad), or vegetarian (zucchini and peppers). The onboard chef prepares these fresh.

Can I snorkel during the trip?
Absolutely. The waters are clear, and snorkeling is encouraged at the stops, especially around St. Jerolim, where many guests enjoy observing fish.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, kids enjoy the swimming, slide, and island exploration. The crew is friendly and helpful, making it family-friendly.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a laid-back yet engaging day on the Croatian coast, this Brijuni Islands tour hits the sweet spot. The combination of scenic cruising, swimming stops, tasty food, and friendly guides offers great value. You’ll love the way the trip balances relaxing in nature with a dash of fun, especially with the inflatable slide and snorkeling opportunities.

While the stops might feel a bit short for those eager to linger, the overall experience is well-organized and enjoyable. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with some active water fun in a beautiful setting.

If you’re after authentic Croatian scenery, good local food, and a memorable day on the water, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: