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

The best part of this Pula boat trip is the mix of easygoing island scenery and active time in the water. You cruise around all 14 islands of Brijuni National Park, swim straight from the boat, then spend about two hours on St. Jerolim. I like the onboard grilled lunch and the big inflatable slide, which gives children and playful adults something to do beyond sitting on deck.

I also like that drinks are included and the crew can change the order of activities if the weather shifts. The main consideration is cost at the island stop: St. Jerolim charges €7 for adults and €3 for children aged 7 to 18, in cash. Some people may also find two hours on the island longer than needed, especially if swimming is not their main goal.

Key points to know before booking

• Two different swimming stops: First, jump or slide from the boat. Later, swim and snorkel from St. Jerolim.
• A full Brijuni panorama: The boat cruises around all 14 islands, with about 90 minutes set aside for sightseeing.
• Three lunch choices: Pick mackerel with salad, chicken breast with salad, or grilled zucchini and paprika.
• A family-friendly boat feature: The large inflatable slide is the star attraction for many children and young teenagers.
• Extra island fee: St. Jerolim admission costs €7 for adults and €3 for children aged 7 to 18, cash only.
• Weather can change the plan: The captain may alter the route or cancel in poor weather or with a bad forecast.

Setting out from Pula’s old harbor

You meet at the Excursion Ulika Pula office, opposite Tito’s park and near the tank station for the boats. The trip begins in Pula, Croatia’s largest port and a place tied to the former Austro-Hungarian navy. That gives the first part of the outing a little more substance than a simple ride away from shore.

The first cruise lasts about 35 minutes. You have time to settle on the wooden boat, take in the coast, and listen to the live guide in Croatian, English, German, or Italian. The boat is the main base for the day, so choose practical clothing and keep a place for your towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and cash.

The schedule is designed for a relaxed day rather than a rushed sightseeing circuit. You spend time on the water, stop for swimming, eat onboard, then have a longer break at St. Jerolim before returning to Pula around 5 p.m.

The first swim comes with a slide

After the opening cruise, the boat anchors for a swimming and snorkeling stop of about 40 minutes. This is not a visit to a beach. You enter directly from the boat, either by ladder, by jumping, or with the large inflatable slide.

That distinction matters. If you like clear water and a quick burst of fun, this is one of the strongest parts of the day. Children can use the slide repeatedly, while adults can swim or watch from the deck. You should be comfortable entering open water from a boat, and anyone prone to seasickness may want to think twice about a full day at sea.

The stop is fairly short. Bring your mask and snorkel if you have them, since the water around Jerolim is noted for fish and the boat stops are built around swimming rather than formal instruction. You will not get a long, quiet beach session here, but you do get a lively start to the day.

Cruising the 14 Brijuni islands

The boat then spends about 1.5 hours cruising and sightseeing around Brijuni National Park. Brijuni is made up of 14 islands, and the point of this trip is to see the group from the water rather than focus on a single landmark.

The wooden boat suits this part of the day. You can watch the islands pass at an unhurried pace, with green wooded shores, pale limestone, and clear water around the coast. The views are the reason to choose this trip over a simple transfer to one island. You get a broad sense of the park instead of spending all your time in one spot.

Keep your expectations in line with the format. This is a panoramic cruise, not a detailed island history tour or a guided walk through every major sight. The guide provides information in several languages, but the day gives equal weight to swimming, lunch, and free time.

Weather plays a real part in this section. If conditions change, the captain can alter the route or cancel the trip. One useful advantage is that the crew may rearrange the order of activities to make better use of periods of sunshine, rather than rigidly following the clock.

Choosing lunch from the onboard grill

Lunch is prepared on the boat while you cruise. You choose one of three menus:

• Mackerel with salad
• Chicken breast with salad
• Grilled zucchini and paprika

The meal is included, which improves the value of the €65 price. You do not need to leave the boat in search of food, and the timing keeps the day moving without sacrificing the longer island stop. The grilled format also fits the setting: this is a casual meal eaten as part of a day on the water, not a formal restaurant service.

The fish option is a sensible choice if you want a taste of the coast, while the chicken gives you a familiar alternative. The vegetable plate makes the trip workable for vegetarians, though the information provided does not specify other dietary adaptations. If you have a special requirement, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming a change can be made onboard.

Drinks are included on the boat. Water, wine, and Fanta have been provided on some departures, but the exact selection is not stated as a fixed menu. Drinks on St. Jerolim are not included, so keep some cash for the island if you want to buy something there.

Two hours on St. Jerolim

After lunch, you reach St. Jerolim, one of the Brijuni islands. The stop lasts about two hours, giving you the most freedom of the day. You can swim from the island, snorkel, walk around, or simply find a place to rest.

The water is the main attraction. Bring snorkeling gear, because the area around St. Jerolim has fish and can be more rewarding for a quiet look beneath the surface than the short boat stop. A walk gives you a change of pace after several hours afloat, though you should expect uneven ground on parts of the island. One practical note is that the better beach area may require walking over rough ground.

The island is attractive but not packed with activities. That is either a benefit or a drawback, depending on what you want. I would appreciate the slower two-hour break after the cruise and lunch. If you prefer constant sightseeing, the time may feel long. If you want to swim, snorkel, walk, and cool down without a guide hurrying you along, it is useful breathing room.

Admission is separate from the tour price. Adults pay €7, children aged 7 to 18 pay €3, and payment is cash only. That fee changes the calculation for families, especially when added to the €65 ticket. Bring enough cash before leaving Pula, since you should not count on card payment at the island.

The ride back to Pula

The return cruise takes about 40 minutes. It is a good time to dry off, look back toward the islands, and enjoy the boat without another scheduled activity.

Dolphins are not guaranteed, but sightings have occurred during the cruise. On at least one outing, the captain turned the boat around so people could get a better view of dolphins nearby. Treat this as a lucky extra, not a promised part of the tour.

The day finishes back at the Excursion Ulika Pula location around 5 p.m. There are two listed starting and drop-off options, both shown as Excursion Ulika Pula, so confirm the exact meeting instructions when you book.

What the €65 price really covers

At $65 per person, the value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. You are paying for a six-hour boat outing, a cruise around all 14 Brijuni islands, two water stops, lunch, onboard drinks, a live multilingual guide, and the inflatable slide.

The lunch and drinks matter. A cheaper boat ticket that excludes food can quickly become less attractive once you add a meal and refreshments during a full day out. Here, your main extra cost is the St. Jerolim entrance fee, plus any drinks or snacks you buy on the island.

Families should calculate carefully. Two adults and children aged 7 to 18 will pay the island admission fee, while younger children are not covered by the stated child price. The slide, direct boat swimming, and flexible activity order make the tour especially appealing for families with school-age children and teenagers.

The value is less convincing if your only goal is a long beach stay. You have roughly 40 minutes at the first swimming stop and two hours on St. Jerolim, but much of the day is spent cruising. That is exactly right for someone who wants the national park panorama, but less ideal for someone who wants to stay on one beach all afternoon.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this trip for families, couples, and groups who want a simple day on the water without arranging lunch, drinks, and island transport separately. It suits people who enjoy a balance of sightseeing and swimming, especially those who like a bit of harmless boat-based excitement.

Children and young teenagers have several ways to stay busy: the slide, jumping from the boat where permitted, snorkeling, swimming, and exploring St. Jerolim. A family with a toddler can ask about seating ahead of time, since a reserved place was arranged for one family on a previous departure.

The trip is also a good fit for a first look at Brijuni National Park. You see the wider island group from the water, then have enough free time on one island to experience the setting at your own pace.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike open-water swimming, or want a detailed archaeological and historical tour. The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and the information provided does not describe special onboard treatment for it.

Useful preparation for the boat

Wear a swimsuit beneath light clothing and pack a towel, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear. Bring cash for the St. Jerolim entrance fee, since the admission charge is cash only. You will also want cash for any drinks on the island.

Do not forget that the boat swimming stop means you may enter the water away from shore. If you do not want to jump or use the slide, you can swim from the boat in the usual way, but you should be comfortable with this type of entry.

Check the forecast before departure. The captain can change the route or cancel because of bad weather or a poor forecast. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Pula plans depend on the weather.

Should you book the Brijuni boat trip?

Book it if you want a well-rounded day at sea, with island scenery, a grilled lunch, included drinks, two swimming opportunities, and two hours to explore St. Jerolim. The crew’s friendly, helpful approach and ability to adjust the schedule are valuable when the weather is changeable.

Think twice if you want a quiet luxury cruise, a long beach stop, or a tightly focused history tour. The island admission fee is extra, and some people may find St. Jerolim has too little to fill two hours.

For most active families and casual swimmers, the combination of the wooden boat, inflatable slide, clear water, and Brijuni views makes the €65 fare reasonable. Just bring cash, pack snorkeling gear, and accept that the sea, rather than the island, is the main event.

FAQ

Where does the Brijuni boat tour start?

Meet at the Excursion Ulika Pula office, opposite Tito’s park and near the tank station for the boats.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts six hours and returns to Pula at about 5 p.m.

How many swimming stops are included?

There are two swimming stops. The first is from the boat, with swimming, jumping, and use of the inflatable slide. The second is at St. Jerolim.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is prepared onboard, with a choice of mackerel with salad, chicken breast with salad, or grilled zucchini and paprika.

Are drinks included?

Drinks onboard are included. Drinks purchased on St. Jerolim are not included.

How much does St. Jerolim cost?

Admission costs €7 for adults and €3 for children aged 7 to 18. Payment is cash only.

Can I snorkel during the tour?

Yes. You can snorkel during the boat swimming stop and at St. Jerolim. You should bring your own snorkeling gear.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide operates in Croatian, English, German, and Italian.

Does the boat visit all of Brijuni National Park?

The trip is a panoramic cruise around all 14 islands that make up Brijuni National Park. It also stops at St. Jerolim.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain may change the route or cancel the trip if the weather or forecast is poor. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.