National Park Brijuni Tour with Swimming on St. Jerolim Island

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with stunning vistas, tranquil beaches, and a touch of Croatian charm, the National Park Brijuni Tour with Swimming on St. Jerolim Island might be just what you’re looking for. This six-hour adventure promises a boat cruise around all 14 islands of the Brijuni archipelago, combined with a relaxing stop on the famed St. Jerolim, also called The Island of Peacocks. The experience is offered by ANA BOAT TOURS from Pula, and while it has garnered mixed reviews, it’s undeniably a great way to see a uniquely beautiful part of Croatia without breaking the bank.

What we really like about this tour is the panoramic boat ride, which offers spectacular views of the coast, the islands, and even landmarks like the Pula Amphitheater from the water. The combination of sightseeing and relaxation – with a swim, sunbathing, and a peaceful break on an island inhabited by peacocks – makes it appealing for many travelers. One thing to consider is that some reviewers have pointed out issues like limited island visibility or engine troubles, so flexibility and patience are key. This tour is best suited for those who want a balance of sightseeing, leisure, and affordable value, especially if you are okay with group tours and some unpredictability.

Key Points

• Great value for the price: The tour includes lunch, drinks, and a scenic boat cruise.
• Ideal for nature lovers: The islands, especially St. Jerolim, offer lovely beaches and underwater scenery.
• Multilingual guides: The crew offers guidance in several languages, making it accessible for international visitors.
• Flexible, but with limitations: Engine issues have been reported, which might slightly alter the experience.
• Perfect for a relaxed day: With a 3.5-hour stop on St. Jerolim, you can swim, sunbathe, or just unwind.
• Some restrictions: Entrance fees for St. Jerolim apply, and some reviews note limited island exploration due to weather or engine issues.

The 6-hour Brijuni tour on the boat Ana offers a snapshot of this stunning Croatian archipelago that combines sightseeing, cultural touches, and leisure. The tour kicks off at Pula Harbour at 11 am, giving you a chance to enjoy the city’s waterfront and landmarks like the Pula Amphitheater from the water – a lovely perspective that many travelers find charming.

The Panoramic Cruise: All 14 Islands from the Water

The heart of the experience is the cruise around all 14 islands. Guides will tell you about highlights such as Vanga Island, historically connected to Tito’s summer residence, or the Minor Fort on Mali Brijun and the safari park, if you’re interested in seeing a touch of the local history and wildlife. This part lasts about two hours, during which you’ll cruise past scenic coves and rocky coastlines that are difficult to appreciate from land alone.

The guides offer their commentary in several languages, making it accessible for a diverse group of travelers. The boat itself is equipped to handle groups of up to 30, and the atmosphere tends to be relaxed, with the possibility of enjoying a lunch featuring grilled fish or meat, salads, and drinks like wine and orange juice. While some reviews mention engine troubles that slowed the cruise or altered the itinerary, the crew generally tries to keep things on schedule and enjoyable.

The Stop at Brijuni National Park and St. Jerolim Island

Following the cruise, the tour pauses for about 3.5 hours on St. Jerolim, often called The Island of Peacocks due to its residents. Here, the scenery is what you’d expect from a tiny Croatian paradise: quiet beaches, clear waters, and a laid-back vibe. You’ll have ample time to swim, sunbathe, or wander along the beaches, with some reviewers noting that the island’s rocky shoreline offers limited access to the water, but still enough to enjoy a refreshing dip.

One guest shared that, “we had the opportunity to relax, swim, and enjoy the beaches,” which is exactly what many travelers seek. The beach bar offers drinks, perfect for unwinding after a morning of exploration. It’s worth noting that entry to St. Jerolim costs a small fee, which travelers should budget for, especially if they’re planning to spend a full afternoon there.

However, a couple of reviewers have pointed out that the island can get busy during peak season, and the natural, rocky coastline can limit sunbathing options. If you’re expecting a pristine, sandy beach, you might find St. Jerolim a bit more rugged. Still, its natural charm and peaceful environment often outweigh these drawbacks.

Practical Aspects of the Tour

The tour’s price of $59.95 per person offers decent value considering it includes lunch, drinks, and a scenic boat ride. The lunch options are straightforward but hearty—grilled fish or meat, with salads and bread—paired with unlimited white wine, Fanta, and water. This added value enhances the experience, especially for those wanting a no-fuss, all-inclusive day out.

The meeting point is accessible via public transportation at Riva in Pula, and the boat departs promptly at 11 am. The duration—roughly six hours—is well-suited for travelers who want a full day without feeling rushed. The group size is limited to 30 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate enough for questions but large enough to feel social.

The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful should weather or other circumstances change. Speaking of weather, the tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor conditions are handled with rescheduling or full refunds.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

From the reviews, it’s clear that expectations vary. One traveler, Ronny, was pleased that despite a canceled longer trip, he was offered friendly, prompt alternative options, including guides speaking German. Conversely, Arianna and Vladimira had more critical views: Arianna was disappointed that only 4 or 5 of the 14 islands were visible, partly due to engine issues, and Vladimira found St. Jerolim overcrowded and difficult to access, describing it unflatteringly.

These contrasting opinions highlight the importance of flexibility. Engine problems and weather limitations can affect the itinerary, but the crew’s efforts to adapt, like choosing a nearby beach for a stop, are worth noting. If you’re flexible and open-minded, these hiccups shouldn’t spoil your day.

This Brijuni National Park tour is ideal for those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxations, and cultural highlights without spending a fortune. It’s suited for travelers who appreciate scenic boat rides, a bit of history, and the chance to swim in crystal waters. If your time is limited but you want to see the islands from a different perspective, this trip offers that in spades.

However, if you’re expecting a completely unspoiled, pristine island experience or extensive exploration on land, this may not be the best fit, especially considering potential issues like overcrowding or limited access to some parts. It’s also a good choice for families or groups who enjoy guided commentary in multiple languages and don’t mind a lively, sometimes unpredictable boat ride.

Overall, for $59.95, this tour provides a satisfying taste of Croatia’s coastal beauty, with a touch of comfort and convenience. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure, a sunhat, and some patience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers, including families, find it suitable. Children under 6 usually don’t pay the island entrance fee, and the boat trip is generally manageable for all ages.

How much is the entrance fee for St. Jerolim?
The fee is €5 per adult. Children aged 0-6 are free, while those 7-12 pay €3. It’s an additional cost you’ll need to budget for if you plan to stay on the island.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses. Since the island has rocky beaches, water shoes might also be helpful.

Are drinks included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes unlimited white wine, Fanta, and water with lunch, which makes for a relaxed, stress-free experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. Poor weather may lead to cancellation or rescheduling, with full refunds offered if the trip is canceled.

Can I customize the tour?
Since this is a group tour, customization options are limited. However, guides try to accommodate basic needs, and the flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
Most travelers can participate, but since some of the beaches are rocky and the island’s terrain natural and uneven, those with mobility issues should consider this.

How long is the boat cruise?
The panoramic cruise around Brijuni lasts about two hours, with the entire experience—including on-island time—lasting around six hours.

The National Park Brijuni Tour with Swimming on St. Jerolim Island offers a practical, scenic, and reasonably priced way to experience Croatia’s stunning archipelago, especially if you value a relaxed pace, guided commentary, and a mix of sightseeing and leisure. While some travelers encounter engine issues or island overcrowding, most appreciate the natural beauty, the included lunch, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters. It’s best suited for those who seek an easy, all-in-one day trip with a touch of Croatian charm, especially if they’re happy to go with the flow and embrace the island’s rustic allure.