Pula: Brijuni Dolphin Watching cruise with Dinner & Sunset

This guided boat tour offers a charming mix of wildlife sightings, delicious local food, and breathtaking sunset views around the Brijuni Islands. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed, family-friendly outing that combines nature, culture, and good company.

One thing we really like about this experience is the chance to see dolphins in their natural environment. Watching these playful creatures leap through the water at sunset feels genuinely special. Plus, the dinner served on board—whether fish, meat, or veggie options—is well-reviewed and adds a flavorful touch to the trip.

A potential consideration is the unpredictability of dolphin sightings. While the crew works hard to find them, there’s no guarantee, and some travelers might find this a bit frustrating. Still, even if the dolphins stay shy, the panoramic cruise around Brijuni and the chance to soak up the peaceful sunset scenery make it worthwhile.

This tour is ideal for couples, families, honeymooners, or anyone who wants a relaxed yet memorable way to experience the Croatian coast. The mix of wildlife, scenic views, and local cuisine makes it a balanced choice for a special evening out.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Over an 80% chance of dolphin sightings, with playful bottlenose dolphins often approaching the boat.
• Authentic Experience: Traditional wooden boat, “Lucija,” adds charm and authenticity to the cruise.
• Delicious Food & Drinks: Tasty grilled fish, meat, or veggie meals paired with unlimited wine, water, and soft drinks.
• Spectacular Sunset: End your day with a mesmerizing sunset over the Brijuni Islands—perfect for photos and memories.
• Expert Crew: Knowledgeable guides and friendly crew enhance the experience, sharing interesting tidbits about the area and wildlife.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for peace of mind.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Setting Sail from Pula

Your adventure begins at the Riva, right across from Tito’s Park, where the boat “Lucija” waits. The easy-to-spot Emilio Excursions sign makes finding the departure point straightforward. Arriving about 20 minutes early ensures a relaxed start and plenty of time to settle in. The boat’s traditional wooden design immediately immerses you in a classic maritime vibe, setting the tone for a memorable outing.

The Cruise: From Old Town to the Brijuni Islands

Once aboard, the cruise kicks off with scenic views of Pula’s iconic features—its ancient Arena and charming old town—visible from the sea. The crew, including seasoned guides like Kamil, who is praised for his detailed and engaging commentary, make the journey both informative and entertaining.

As you sail towards the islands, soft drinks and wine flow freely. This is when you can unwind, enjoy the fresh sea air, and start to soak up the relaxed atmosphere. The boat’s size isn’t specified, but reviews suggest the group is intimate enough for a friendly vibe, with plenty of space to lounge or take photos.

Dolphin Watching: Playful Creatures in Action

The highlight for many is the chance to see bottlenose dolphins—an over 80% sighting rate on these trips. These intelligent animals often leap and bow-ride, sometimes approaching the boat closely enough for some close-up photos. Reviewers like Agnieszka describe the experience as “unbelievable,” with dolphins performing “cool tricks” that delight kids and adults alike.

However, as one reviewer noted, sightings depend on nature’s mood. The boat’s captain, experienced and dedicated, does his best to chase the dolphins, but they are wild animals, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. If the dolphins are shy or absent, the cruise still offers a scenic tour around the islands, with panoramic views and a sense of peacefulness at sea.

Dinner on Board: Delicious & Well-Received

A standout part of this tour is the dinner service. Guests can choose from grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes—some of the most praised aspects are the fresh fish and tasty accompaniments like salads and bread. Reviewers mention the food’s quality as “very good,” with Tomasz highlighting the “possibility of refills” and “unlimited wine,” which contributes to a convivial atmosphere.

The included drinks—water, soft drinks, and wine—are served throughout, ensuring everyone stays refreshed during the cruise. The crew, including guides like Kamil, often receive praise for their friendly service and attentiveness.

Sunset Finale

As the cruise winds down, all eyes turn to the horizon. The sunset over Brijuni Islands is a spectacle—vibrant colors melting into the sea, creating perfect photo opportunities. Even if dolphins stay hidden, the calmness of the sunset and the gentle rocking of the boat provide a tranquil end to the adventure.

Additional Info & Practicalities

• Duration: Not explicitly specified, but the cruise seems to last around 2-3 hours, making it a perfect evening activity.
• Price: At $65 per person, it offers good value considering the included dinner, drinks, dolphin sightings, and scenic cruise.
• Booking Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—ideal for flexible travel plans.
• Language: Tours are conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.

Tips for a Great Experience

• Arrive early to secure a good spot and settle in comfortably.
• Bring your camera—dolphins may approach the boat, and the sunset views are picture-perfect.
• Dress comfortably and consider bringing a light jacket, especially if you’re prone to chill on the water.
• Keep expectations realistic: dolphin sightings are weather and animal-dependent, but the scenic cruise itself is a treat.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is well-suited for those looking for a relaxed, family-friendly activity that combines wildlife viewing with scenic cruising and good food. Couples and honeymooners will appreciate the romantic sunset backdrop, while families will enjoy the playful dolphins and interactive guides. The inclusion of wine and a tasty dinner makes it an excellent choice for anyone wanting a food-and-wildlife combo in Croatia’s beautiful coastal setting.

If you’re after a more active or adventure-heavy experience, this might not be your best option. But if you want a laid-back, authentic, and mostly fun-filled evening on the sea, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there transportation included from my hotel? No, transfers from hotels are not included. You’ll need to meet at the Riva, across Tito’s Park, 20 minutes before departure.

What is the meeting point like? Look for the boat “Lucija” with the Emilio Excursions logo on a sign on the dock. If you have trouble, calling the operator is recommended.

Can I cancel the booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

How long is the cruise? While not explicitly specified, the cruise appears to last approximately 2-3 hours, covering the scenic route and dolphin watching.

What should I wear? Comfortable casual clothes with a light layer or jacket for evening breezes are advisable.

Will I see dolphins? Based on reviews, there’s a high likelihood (over 80%) of dolphin sightings, mainly bottlenose dolphins, especially around the Brijuni Islands.

What food options are available? Guests can choose from grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian meals, accompanied by salads and bread. All are described as tasty.

Is alcohol included? Yes, unlimited wine, water, and soft drinks are served during the cruise, enhancing the relaxed atmosphere.

What language is the tour conducted in? The tour is offered in English, suitable for international travelers.

This Pula-based dolphin watching cruise offers a thoughtful blend of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and delicious local cuisine. Its high rating reflects consistent positive experiences, especially regarding the knowledgeable guides and the convivial atmosphere created by unlimited wine and great food.

The chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat—sometimes performing tricks—and to enjoy a peaceful sunset makes it a memorable outing. While sightings depend on animal activity, even a scenic cruise with no dolphins is a rewarding way to unwind and take in Croatia’s stunning coastlines.

Ideal for those seeking a relaxed, family-friendly adventure, this tour balances fun, comfort, and authentic Croatian charm. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply after a beautiful evening at sea, it’s worth considering for your Istrian itinerary.

Note: Always check latest reviews and tour details before booking to ensure the experience still matches your expectations.