Fazana: Brijuni National Park Scenic Boat Tour & Swimming

Exploring the Brijuni National Park Scenic Boat Tour & Swimming Experience

The Brijuni National Park Scenic Boat Tour departing from Fazana offers a captivating 1.5-hour journey through the archipelago, visiting all 14 islands of the park. This tour is perfect for those eager to see Croatia’s stunning coastal scenery and enjoy a memorable swimming stop. The trip is operated by kristina tours and includes a lively boat cruise, sightseeing, and a swimming activity on St. Jerolim Island, with crystal-clear waters and abundant fish.

One of the key draws is the opportunity to explore every corner of this protected area, from Veliki Brijun with its historic villa and Roman remains, to the famous fish-shaped island of Gaz. The tour balances scenic views, cultural sights, and relaxing swimming in warm, inviting waters. While the entrance fee to St. Jerolim costs 7 euros for adults and 4 euros for kids, it’s straightforward to pay on-site, with cash only. The tour’s pace and timing are flexible, with options for returning at 2 PM, 4:30 PM, or 5 PM, depending on your preference.

This experience is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a short yet enriching escape. The friendly crew serves complimentary cold drinks, adding to the relaxed vibe. Keep in mind that high heels, handcarts, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed on the island, which is important for accessibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5-hour boat cruise from Fazana, including swimming stop at St. Jerolim.
• Visit all 14 islands of Brijuni National Park, such as Veliki Brijun, Mali Brijun, Gaz, and Titos Island.
• Highlights include historic landmarks, Roman settlements, and a safari park with exotic animals.
• Swimming and snorkeling are offered in crystal-clear waters on St. Jerolim, with up to 5 hours available.
• The tour features live guides speaking Croatian, English, and German.
• Entrance fee for St. Jerolim is 7 euros for adults and 4 euros for children, payable cash on the spot.

Starting Point and How to Find the Boat

The tour begins at the main pier in Fazana, specifically on the Kristina boat, which is the 3rd boat on the left side of the pier. Coordinates 44.92726516723633, 13.802990913391113 help locate the meeting point. The meeting time aligns with the scheduled tour start, and it’s easy to identify Kristina, the boat used for this trip.

How the Route Unfolds: From Fazana to the Islands

The journey begins at Fazana with a brief guided cruise of approximately 75 minutes. During this time, the crew shares insights into the wild nature and historic sites visible from the boat, such as Vila Kastel once owned by Austrian aristocrat Paul Kuppelwieser in 1893.

As the boat approaches Veliki Brijun, travelers can see Roman ruins and the famous villa. The safari park with exotic animals is located here, adding a unique element to the visit. The smaller Mali Brijun features Fort Minor, now a summer theatre, while the fish-shaped Gaz island offers a quirky, recognizable silhouette. Passing Vila Brijunka and the lighthouse Peneda overlooking Pula completes the scenic cruise.

The Highlights of Veliki Brijun Island

Veliki Brijun is the largest island, notable for its historic villa, Roman artifacts, and the safari park. The villa Kastel is a prominent feature, once owned by Paul Kuppelwieser. Visitors can enjoy observing exotic animals in the safari park, adding a touch of adventure to the trip. The island also offers beautiful natural scenery and the chance to learn about its aristocratic past.

More Great Tours Nearby

Mali Brijun and Its Fort Minor

On Mali Brijun, the Fort Minor has been transformed into a summer theatre, providing a charming backdrop for photos and exploration. This smaller island presents a more intimate setting compared to Veliki Brijun, with historical structures and lush greenery. It’s a pleasant stop that enriches the overall experience.

Gaz Island and the Unique Fish-Shaped Island

The fish-shaped island of Gaz is one of the most easily recognizable spots in the park, offering distinctive views and photo opportunities. Its shape makes it stand out among the other islands, and it adds a playful element to the cruise route. Passengers enjoy the scenic sailing past this island, appreciating its quirky silhouette.

Titos Island and Vila Brijunka

Pass by Titos Island Vanga and Vila Brijunka, which add to the diversity of the archipelago’s scenery. Vila Brijunka showcases a historic building with views over the water, while Titos Island hints at the area’s political history. The lighthouse Peneda, overlooking Pula’s harbor, marks the final scenic point before arriving at St. Jerolim.

Swimming and Snorkeling at St. Jerolim

The highlight for many is the stop at St. Jerolim, where swimming in clear waters with abundant fish becomes the main activity. Up to 5 hours are available for relaxing in the water, snorkeling, and taking photos of the lively underwater scenery. The island itself is a paradise with peacocks wandering freely and a restaurant offering local food and drinks, making it easy to spend a pleasant few hours here.

Practical Details: Entrance Fees, Food, and Accessibility

To access St. Jerolim, an entry fee of 7 euros for adults and 4 euros for children applies, payable cash at the island’s entrance. The restaurant on the island provides tasty food and cold drinks at reasonable prices, perfect for a break after swimming.

Accessibility is limited, as high-heeled shoes, handcarts, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed on the island. The tour is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs aboard the boat.

Flexibility and Return Options

Depending on the day’s schedule and number of guests, the return to Fazana can be scheduled at 2 PM, 4:30 PM, or 5 PM. It’s advisable to coordinate the return time with the tour guide and captain for a smooth experience, especially if planning to stay longer on the island or explore more.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The combination of a scenic boat ride, cultural sights, and a generous swimming break makes this tour appealing. Its short duration of just 1.5 hours allows for a relaxing escape from the city while still experiencing the beauty of Brijuni’s islands.

The friendly crew and live multilingual guides add warmth to the experience, making it accessible to international visitors. The price point is reasonable, considering the boat transport, island access, and guided commentary.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This scenic boat trip is well-suited for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a quick but comprehensive tour of Brijuni’s islands. It’s an excellent choice for those interested in history, wildlife, natural beauty, and water activities.

However, travelers with mobility issues should note the restrictions on certain mobility aids and high heels. The swimming stop is ideal for those comfortable with water activities, and the pet-friendly nature makes it a good option for dog owners.

The Final Word on the Brijuni Boat Tour

In total, the Fazana: Brijuni National Park Scenic Boat Tour & Swimming offers a well-rounded experience that balances scenic sailing, historic exploration, and relaxing swimming. Its accessible pricing and flexible schedule make it an attractive choice for anyone wanting a taste of Croatia’s natural and cultural riches in a brief, enjoyable outing.

While it might not cover every island in exhaustive detail, it delivers stunning views, engaging sights, and plenty of time to swim and unwind. For a short escape to Croatia’s famous archipelago, this tour provides value, comfort, and beautiful memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an option for returning later or earlier?
Yes, the tour offers options to return at 2 PM, 4:30 PM, or 5 PM, with the exact time to be coordinated with the guide and captain.

How much does the island entrance cost?
The entrance fee for St. Jerolim is 7 euros for adults and 4 euros for children, payable cash upon leaving the boat.

Can I stay longer on St. Jerolim after the scheduled stop?
The tour schedule includes up to 5 hours for swimming and relaxing on the island, but additional time can be arranged by coordinating with the crew.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially since the swimming activities and family-friendly environment make it suitable for kids, provided they are comfortable with water activities.

Are food and drinks available on the island?
Yes, there is a restaurant on St. Jerolim offering tasty food and cold drinks at reasonable prices.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, and you can reserve and pay later to keep your plans flexible, with full cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby