NP Brijuni Island Swimming & Dolphin Watching Sunset Cruise

An Engaging Day at Sea with Swimming, Dolphins, and Sunset Dining in Pula

The NP Brijuni Island Swimming & Dolphin Watching Sunset Cruise offers an appealing blend of outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, and scenic relaxation. Priced at $65.94 per person, this 6-hour tour departs from Pula Harbor at 2:30 PM aboard the Boat Ana. It’s perfect for those seeking a mix of swimming, wildlife watching—especially dolphins—and memorable sunsets, all complemented by a delicious onboard dinner.

This tour is suitable for most travelers, with a friendly and professional crew guiding you through a well-paced itinerary. The experience features a swimming stop at St. Jerolim Island, a panoramic cruise around all 14 Brijuni Islands, and the chance to spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat, which adds an exciting element to the voyage. Keep in mind, there is a small admission fee of 7 EUR for the island, payable in cash.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $65.94 for approximately 6 hours of sea adventure.
• Multiple Highlights: Includes swimming at St. Jerolim Island, dolphin watching, scenic cruise, and a sunset dinner.
• Beautiful Locations: Explores the Brijuni National Park, a protected marine area with 14 islands.
• Food and Drinks: Features a delicious onboard dinner, with options including fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes, served with wine, Fanta, or water.
• Wildlife Encounters: Offers a high chance of spotting wild dolphins in their natural environment.
• Practicalities: The tour starts at 2:30 PM, with a meeting point at Riva, Pula, and is suitable for most travelers, with most weather conditions considered.

Starting from Pula Harbor to Scenic Seas

The tour begins at Pula Harbor precisely at 2:30 PM, where Boat Ana awaits to take you on this exciting journey. The meeting point is at ARENA BOAT TOURS on the Riva, a central location accessible by public transportation. The afternoon timing ensures you’ll enjoy both daylight and the stunning sunset views, making the most of your time at sea.

The tour’s maximum group size of 30 travelers keeps the experience intimate yet lively. The friendly crew and multilingual guide (offering explanations in English, German, and Italian) make navigation straightforward and insightful, enriching your understanding of the area’s natural beauty.

Swimming and Relaxing at St. Jerolim Island

The first stop is at St. Jerolim Island, part of the Brijuni National Park. Here, travelers get 2.5 hours of free time to swim in crystal-clear waters and lounge on the beautiful beach. This spot is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and inviting waters, perfect for a refreshing dip or just relaxing under the sun.

The beach bar offers drinks to unwind after swimming, and the admission fee of 7 EUR is payable in cash for access to the island. The beach and water are among the main highlights, providing a peaceful setting away from busy tourist spots.

Scenic Cruise Around the Brijuni Islands

Following the swimming stop, the tour continues with a 3-hour panoramic cruise around all 14 islands of the Brijuni National Park. This protected marine zone is home to diverse wildlife, including the possibility of spotting wild dolphins in their natural habitat, an activity highly appreciated by travelers.

The cruise offers breathtaking views of the islands’ unique landscapes and the surrounding sea. Guides explain the significance of the park and point out notable features, making this part both relaxing and informative. The high likelihood of dolphin sightings adds an element of wildlife excitement, though it’s important to remember that sightings are not guaranteed, as highlighted in reviews.

Sunset Dinner with Delicious Food and Drinks

As the sun begins to set, the boat arrives at a spot where a delicious onboard dinner is served. The menu includes grilled fish, meat, or a vegetarian option, catering to different dietary preferences. Accompanying the meal are white wine, Fanta, and mineral water, creating a pleasant dining experience with spectacular sunset views.

Passengers can enjoy this 2-hour dining session while taking in the magical Adriatic sunset, a moment often described as unforgettable. The dinner service is well-regarded, though some reviews note that the quality of the white wine can vary in warmth under the sun.

The Return Journey and Night Views of Pula

The cruise wraps up with a 30-minute scenic return voyage to Pula, passing the illuminated Uljanik cranes and the city’s harbor by night. This part of the experience offers a peaceful, picturesque end to the afternoon, with views of the Lighting Giants show at the Uljanik shipyard adding a touch of evening magic.

Travelers get one last chance to soak in the sea breeze and admire the glowing harbor before returning to their starting point. The tour ends back at the Riva in Pula, where all participants can reflect on a varied and memorable sea adventure.

Practical Details and What’s Included

This cruise includes a swimming stop at St. Jerolim Island, dinner with your choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes, and refreshing drinks—white wine, Fanta, and water. The friendly crew and multilingual guide enhance the experience, providing helpful insights along the way.

Not included is the €7 admission fee for St. Jerolim Island, payable in cash. The tour operates in most weather conditions, with a full refund or alternative date offered if canceled due to poor weather. The minimum number of travelers is required for the tour to run, but cancellations are handled smoothly, with full refunds available 24 hours in advance.

The Reviews: Strengths and Limitations

The average rating of 4.1 out of 5 reflects overall satisfaction, particularly highlighting the dolphin sightings, delicious food, and friendly guides. Multiple reviews praise the scenic cruise, the opportunity to see wild dolphins, and the generous drinks served onboard.

Some comments note the lack of guaranteed dolphin sightings and variable quality of the food and wine. One review mentions disappointing service from a young staff member, but this seems to be an isolated incident. The tour offers a memorable afternoon at sea with a good balance of wildlife, scenery, and dining.

Why This Tour Is a Good Choice

This NP Brijuni Island tour suits travelers seeking a mix of swimming, wildlife, and scenic views in a manageable half-day format. The combination of beach time, island cruise, and sunset dinner provides variety and relaxation. The possibility of dolphin sightings adds a special touch, though it’s not a guaranteed experience.

The well-organized schedule and friendly crew make for a smooth day out, especially for those interested in exploring the natural beauty of the Brijuni Islands while enjoying the comforts of a boat with onboard dining.

Final Thoughts on the NP Brijuni Island Swimming & Dolphin Watching Sunset Cruise

The NP Brijuni Island Swimming & Dolphin Watching Sunset Cruise offers a compelling way to experience Croatia’s stunning coast and marine life within a comfortable 6-hour window. Its affordable price point and varied activities—from swimming and wildlife to scenic cruising and sunset dining—make it an attractive option for visitors.

While dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, the chance to see them in their natural habitat enhances the appeal, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. The delicious dinner, paired with spectacular sunset views, rounds out this well-rounded sea adventure.

This tour is best suited for outdoor lovers, foodies, and those eager to enjoy the natural beauty of the Adriatic in a relaxed setting. Its moderate pace and multilingual guides make it accessible and enjoyable for most travelers. If you’re looking for a balanced day at sea with plenty of memorable moments, this cruise stands out as a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $65.94 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 2:30 PM and ending back in Pula.

What activities are included?
The tour features swimming at St. Jerolim Island, a scenic cruise around 14 Brijuni Islands, wild dolphin watching, and a sunset dinner onboard.

Are dolphins guaranteed to be seen?
No, dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed, as they depend on natural conditions.

What is included in the dinner?
A delicious grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian dish is served, accompanied by white wine, Fanta, and mineral water.

How much does admission to St. Jerolim Island cost?
The admission fee is 7 EUR per adult, payable in cash.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Riva, Pula, at the ARENA BOAT TOURS meeting point and ends back at the same location.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and cash for the island admission fee. The tour supplies drinks and a meal onboard.

Is this tour suitable for children or with service animals?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If canceled due to poor weather, the tour will be rescheduled or a full refund provided.

This NP Brijuni Island Swimming & Dolphin Watching Sunset Cruise combines the best of Croatia’s coastal scenery, wildlife, and delicious cuisine, offering a relaxing yet lively afternoon at sea.