Island Visit National Park Brijuni & Dolphin Cruise

Exploring the Brijuni Islands & Dolphin Cruise: An Authentic Adriatic Adventure

If you’re visiting Pula and craving a day out on the water that combines scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights, the Island Visit to Brijuni National Park & Dolphin Cruise might just fit the bill. Priced at around $78 per person, this tour offers a relaxed yet enriching experience aboard a comfortable boat, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sightseeing, and soaking up local flavors.

What really makes this tour stand out is the chance to spot wild dolphins, explore the lush islands at your own pace, and enjoy a sumptuous Mediterranean lunch with unlimited drinks. At the same time, it caters well to those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and scenic routes, making it a strong pick for families, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a break from land-based sightseeing.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the cost of entry to St. Jerolim Island (€7 for adults), which is not included in the tour price. For travelers seeking a fully all-inclusive experience, that extra fee is worth considering. This trip suits those who enjoy a mix of wildlife, history, and leisure, especially if you’re after a memorable day on the water with a touch of Croatian charm.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery of the Brijuni Islands with opportunities to see wild animals and dolphins
• Relaxed itinerary with plenty of time for swimming and exploring on St. Jerolim Island
• Delicious Mediterranean lunch with options for fish, beef, or vegetarian dishes
• Unlimited drinks onboard, including wine, soda, and mineral water
• Knowledgeable guides sharing interesting facts about the islands’ history and wildlife
• Great value considering the boat, lunch, drinks, and island stops included

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Starting at 2:30 pm from the meeting point in Pula, the tour begins aboard a comfortable ship with a friendly captain and a guide who’s keen to share stories and facts about the islands. The first part of the journey is all about the scenery and wildlife. As you cruise through the waters, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, which are often seen following the boat—based on reviews, spotting dolphins is a common highlight, with some travelers describing it as a magical moment they won’t forget.

The boat tour covers all the islands within the Brijuni National Park, giving you a broad view of the lush landscapes, rocky coastlines, and possibly even some wild animals grazing or swimming nearby. The guide’s commentary, delivered in multiple languages, makes the experience more engaging, as they share fascinating details about the islands’ former owners and natural features.

Stop at St. Jerolim Island

After about 2.5 hours of cruising, the boat stops at St. Jerolim Island, a highlight of the trip. Here, you’re free to stroll the scenic beaches, take a dip in the clear waters, or just relax under the sun. The island boasts a shower and restaurant, making it an ideal spot for a break. Reviewers mention that the beaches are beautiful and perfect for a refreshing swim, and some choose to stay longer, enjoying the tranquil surroundings while the boat returns later to pick them up.

Lunch and Drinks Aboard

Back on the ship, you’re served a delicious lunch featuring grilled fish, beef, or vegetarian options—crafted to showcase Mediterranean flavors. The meal is described as good, with some reviewers noting it as “average,” but the standout feature is the unlimited drinks, including white wine, sodas, and mineral water. As one reviewer noted, the wines are excellent, adding a sophisticated touch to the afternoon.

The Final Leg: Coastal Views & Pula’s Roman Heritage

After the island stop, the cruise continues for about three hours, where you can enjoy more scenic views of the coastline and the islands. As the boat heads back to Pula, you’ll get a chance to see the iconic Pula Arena, a Roman amphitheater that dominates the city’s skyline. This part of the trip rounds out the day with a mix of relaxation and a touch of history.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Several reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable guides, with one describing the tour as having a “multilingual tour guide, abundant and good drinks.” Others appreciated the beautiful sunsets and the smooth, comfortable ride. A common praise was for the dolphin sightings, with one guest recalling how the dolphins “followed the boat and added a special touch to the trip.”

Some minor complaints involve the food being average or the soda drinks feeling a bit flat, but these are small details in what most found to be a well-organized and enjoyable trip. The price-to-value ratio was seen as fair, especially given the inclusion of lunch and drinks, plus the unique opportunity to explore the islands via boat.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Bring swimwear and towels if you want to swim at St. Jerolim Island—the beaches are scenic and ideal for cooling off.
• Consider the extra fee (€7) for entry to St. Jerolim Island — it’s worth it for the chance to explore the island at your leisure.
• Arrive on time at the meeting point in Pula, as the tour departs promptly at 2:30 pm.
• Wear comfortable clothing and sun protection, since you’ll be outdoors for most of the trip.
• Bring a camera or smartphone—the views are stunning, and dolphins are often seen close to the boat.
• Book in advance — with only a max of 82 travelers, spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This cruise offers a balanced blend of scenic beauty, wildlife sightings, cultural insights, and leisure. It’s particularly appealing if you’re after a laid-back day that combines adventure with relaxation—without the hassle of complicated logistics. Traveling with a group of like-minded explorers, you’ll enjoy quality time on the water, delicious food, and the chance to spot dolphins gliding alongside the boat.

The knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to explore St. Jerolim Island at your own pace make this experience stand out. Plus, the unlimited drinks and good food add extra value, turning a simple boat trip into a memorable Croatian adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Travelers seeking a relaxed yet engaging day on the water
• Nature and wildlife enthusiasts eager to see dolphins and island fauna
• Food lovers wanting a Mediterranean-style meal in a scenic setting
• Families or groups looking for a fun, social activity
• Anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with a touch of Croatian culture and history

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers of all ages can participate, but keep in mind the extra €7 fee for St. Jerolim Island and that children might enjoy the beach and swimming more than the boat sightseeing.

What’s included in the tour?
Your ticket covers transportation to Brijuni National Park, a delicious lunch with grilled options, unlimited white wine, sodas, and mineral water, and the guided boat tour.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the €7 entry fee for St. Jerolim Island is not included in the ticket price. You might want to bring some cash for that.

What’s the best time to book?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, since the tour maxes out at 82 travelers.

Can I stay longer on St. Jerolim Island?
The tour allows approximately 2.5 hours on the island, but if you prefer to stay longer, you’ll need to organize your own return or wait for the boat to come back.

How long is the cruise overall?
The entire experience lasts about 5.5 hours, with 2.5 hours on the island and around 3 hours of cruising.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towels, sunscreen, a camera, and maybe some cash for the island entry fee.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Island Visit to Brijuni National Park & Dolphin Cruise from Pula offers a well-rounded day out that combines natural beauty, wildlife, and Croatian culture in a relaxed setting. Its highlights—spotting dolphins, exploring idyllic islands, and enjoying a delicious Mediterranean meal—make it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a memorable, scenic escape.

While it’s not a luxury, all-inclusive experience, the combination of scenic cruising, wildlife encounters, and tasty food at an accessible price makes this tour a solid value. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, you’ll come away with beautiful memories of Croatia’s stunning coastline and charming islands.

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic day that balances adventure with leisure, this cruise could be just what you need to unwind and soak up the Adriatic magic.