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

This Pula tour to the Brijuni National Park offers an engaging experience on the Croatian coast for just $59 per person. Departing from Port Pula, the adventure spans 6.5 hours, with plenty of time to enjoy two swimming stops, a delicious onboard lunch, and exploration of the beautiful islands. This cruise is perfect for those who enjoy water activities, scenic views, and a relaxed pace, although it’s best suited for travelers comfortable on a boat, as it’s not designed for those prone to seasickness.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of nature, fun, and good food. You’ll take a charming wooden boat around the 14 islands of Brijuni, with opportunities to jump and slide from the boat’s inflatable slide and swim in crystal-clear waters. The lunch options—including fish, meat, and vegetarian choices—are prepared onboard by a chef, adding a tasty touch to the day. Plus, a stop at St. Jerolim island provides about 2 hours of free time for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beach. The reviews highlight the friendly crew, excellent food, and stunning scenery, making it a popular choice for families and groups.

Key Points

• Includes two swimming stops with the chance to slide and jump from the boat
• Delicious onboard lunch with three menu options: fish, meat, or vegetarian
• Cruise around the Brijuni Islands on a traditional wooden boat
• Stop at St. Jerolim with around 2 hours of free time for swimming or relaxing
• Drinks included onboard, but drinks on the island are extra
• Duration of 6.5 hours, departing from Port Pula with two different meeting points

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Cruising the Brijuni Islands on a Wooden Boat

This tour takes place on a charming wooden vessel that sails through the 14 islands of Brijuni National Park. The boat offers a relaxed platform for sightseeing, swimming, and enjoying the sea breeze. The cruise begins at Port Pula, the largest port from the Austro-Hungarian era, setting a historically interesting scene for your day.

Throughout the cruise, the captain and crew guide guests around the park, providing insights into the area’s natural beauty. The large inflatable slide on the boat adds a sense of fun, allowing travelers to jump and slide into the sea during the stops. The cruise duration between stops varies from 35 to 40 minutes, ensuring a steady rhythm of sightseeing and water fun.

First Swimming Stop in Pula’s Waters

The first break takes place close to Port Pula, where you can swim, jump, or slide from the boat. This short stop sets the tone for a lively day, with crystal-clear water perfect for cooling off. It’s an ideal way to get a head start on your water adventures, with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy.

This initial swimming session is appreciated for its convenience and the opportunity to ease into the day. The inflatable slide is a highlight for those who enjoy a bit of extra entertainment, especially kids or those young at heart. No matter your swimming skill, this spot offers a refreshing introduction to Croatia’s coastal beauty.

The Charm of Brijuni National Park

The cruise continues toward Brijuni Island, Croatia’s oldest national park. The boat stops here for about 1.5 hours of sightseeing and relaxation. During this time, travelers can explore the natural scenery, walk along trails, or enjoy the stunning views.

The park’s landscape features lush greenery, scenic coastlines, and a peaceful atmosphere. The guides share interesting facts about the islands’ history and ecology, enriching the experience. This stop is also perfect for snorkeling in clear waters, with the chance to see marine life beneath the surface.

The Onboard Lunch Experience

One of the memorable aspects of this tour is the lunch prepared onboard by a chef. Guests choose from three delicious options: fish (mackerel with salad), meat (chicken breast with salad), or vegetarian (zucchini and paprika). The meals are served during the cruise, offering a fresh and flavorful Croatian dining experience.

The lunch menu receives praise for its quality and variety, making the trip suitable for different dietary preferences. The drinks onboard are included, with options like water, wine, and Fanta. However, drinks on the island are extra and payable in cash.

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Exploring St. Jerolim Island for Two Hours

After lunch, the boat stops at St. Jerolim, a smaller island within the park. Here, travelers enjoy approximately 2 hours of free time to swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach. The waters around St. Jerolim are crystal-clear, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and observing marine life.

The reviews mention that more time on Jerolim could be appreciated, but two hours generally offer enough opportunity to enjoy the waters and scenery. The island is known for its tranquility and beautiful coastline, making it a relaxing part of the trip.

Return Cruise to Pula and Final Stops

The return leg of the cruise takes about 40 minutes, providing a final chance to enjoy scenic views and sea breezes. The ship then makes its way back to Port Pula, arriving around 5:00 PM. The whole experience combines water activities, scenic cruising, and culinary treats, offering a well-rounded day on the Croatian coast.

Practical Details and Planning Tips

The tour starts at the ‘Excursion Ulika Pula’ office, conveniently located opposite Tito’s park near the tank station. It operates with multiple departure times depending on availability. Guests should bring cash for the entrance fee to St. Jerolim (7 euros for adults, 3 euros for children aged 7-18).

The tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, so travelers need to arrange their own transportation to the meeting point. It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness, due to the boat-based nature. The guide delivers explanations in Croatian, English, German, and Italian, ensuring clear communication for a diverse group.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Cruises

This Brijuni tour is distinguished by its combination of water fun, scenic cruising, and delicious onboard lunch. The big inflatable slide and swimming stops add an element of playfulness that enhances the experience. The stop at St. Jerolim provides a peaceful break for swimming and relaxing, with ample free time.

Unlike some tours that focus solely on sightseeing, this one emphasizes interactive water activities and culinary enjoyment. The positive reviews highlight the friendly crew, good value for money, and beautiful scenery, making it a reliable choice for families, couples, or groups seeking a relaxed yet engaging day.

Final Thoughts on the Brijuni Cruise from Pula

The 6.5-hour boat tour around the Brijuni Islands offers a blend of swimming, sightseeing, and tasty food that appeals to many travelers. The price of $59 includes drinks, lunch, and multiple water stops, providing good value for a day in Croatia’s coastal waters.

While the route can be adjusted in case of bad weather, the overall experience is praised for its well-organized nature, friendly staff, and beautiful landscape. This trip is especially suited for those who enjoy water-based activities, scenic cruises, and casual exploration of Croatia’s coastal islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts from the ‘Excursion Ulika Pula’ office, with no hotel pickup or drop-off provided.

What should I bring for the day?
Guests should bring cash for the entrance fee to St. Jerolim (7 euros for adults, 3 euros for children) and any additional drinks or souvenirs.

Are the swimming stops suitable for all?
The stops are designed for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, but the tour is not suitable for those prone to seasickness.

What are the lunch options?
The onboard lunch includes fish (mackerel with salad), meat (chicken breast with salad), and vegetarian (zucchini and paprika), all prepared fresh onboard.

How long is the free time on St. Jerolim?
Travelers enjoy approximately 2 hours of free time on St. Jerolim for swimming, relaxing, or snorkeling.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, the tour offers a ‘Reserve & Pay Later’ option, allowing you to book your spot without upfront payment and pay up to 24 hours before the tour.

What languages are available during the tour?
The live guide delivers explanations in Croatian, English, German, and Italian.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The captain may change the route or cancel the trip if the weather conditions are unfavorable, so flexibility is important.

Is there anything else I should know before booking?
Be sure to arrive on time at the meeting point, bring cash for the island entrance fee, and prepare for a fun, water-filled day exploring Croatia’s coastal beauty.

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