Swimming near peacocks? This boat delivers the day. It starts at Pula Harbour and gives you waterside sights of Pula’s old shipyard and the Amphitheater, then sends you into Brijuni waters where the coastline does the talking.

I especially liked the 2-hour cruise through Brijuni’s 14 islands, with guided commentary and big-name stops like Vanga Island (Tito’s residential island), plus Minor Fort on Mali Brijun and even the safari park view from the water. The second thing I really like is the long St. Jerolim break, built for swimming, sun time, and beach-bar stops when the sea cooperates.

One consideration: St. Jerolim has a rocky, boat-landing reality. If docking isn’t safe (weather, sea conditions, or an operational hiccup), you may end up with a different nearby beach stop instead of the exact island you pictured.

Key highlights worth knowing

• 14-island Brijuni cruise: See highlights from the water with guided narration during the ride
• St. Jerolim swimming time: A dedicated block for beaches, breaks, and getting in the water
• Lunch on board + drinks: Grilled fish or meat (and vegetarian), plus unlimited wine and soda/water
• Small group feel: Max 30 travelers, so it’s not a cattle-car experience
• St. Jerolim entrance fee is extra: Sv. Jerolim admission starts at 5 € for adults (13+)

Pula Harbour to Brijuni National Park: the easy start

The day begins at Arena Boat Tours Pula—Dolphin & Sunset Tour with Dinner, right at the Pula waterfront. The start time is 11:00 am, and the whole outing runs about 6 hours. If you like tours that feel like a day on the water instead of a nonstop checklist, this fits.

What makes the first stretch interesting is how quickly you get views without needing a taxi or a museum sprint. From the harbour, you’ll pass by places like the former military zone and the old shipyard, then look toward the Pula Amphitheater from the water. Even if you’ve seen photos before, there’s something about getting a monument in your field of view from sea level.

Also, the group size stays under control. This tour caps at 30 travelers, which tends to make boarding and moving around on deck less stressful.

The 14-island Brijuni cruise: guided sights without the hiking

The core “wow” on this tour happens during the first part: a 2-hour panoramic tour of Brijuni National Park. Instead of you doing the hard work, you cruise and let the scenery come to you.

You’ll go around all 14 islands of the Brijuni National Park, and the tour includes guided storytelling on several languages. On the route, you can expect to be pointed toward specific attractions, including:

• Vanga Island, known as Tito’s residential island
• Minor Fort on Mali Brijun
• A look at the safari park area

This is the section that works best when you want context. You’re not just seeing rocks and coastline—you’re getting the “what is that?” while you float past.

Practical note: since lunch and drinks are served during the tour, you’re also doing a lot in a short window. If you get motion-sick, take your preferred precautions before you board.

St. Jerolim island swimming: beaches, peacocks, and rocky access

After the cruise, you shift to the star break: St. Jerolim (also called the Island of Peacocks). This is where the tour leans into “relax and swim.” You’ll have time to explore the island’s beaches, enjoy crystal-clear water, and hang out in the sun.

St. Jerolim is part of why people book this day: the water quality and the fact that it’s a change of pace from the mainland. There’s also a beach bar where you can grab a refreshing drink on-site.

Now, the trade-off. The coastline is natural and rocky. Access to the sea can be limited and not everyone loves the sharp-stone feel for sunbathing. If your ideal beach day is easy steps into the water with lots of flat lounge space, you might find this island a bit more “rugged beach day” than “resort beach.”

And about the peacocks: St. Jerolim’s nickname sets an expectation, but it’s smart not to build your whole day around spotting them. Sometimes the island is busy, and sometimes you simply don’t see them in the time window you have.

One more thing to keep in mind: docking may not always work out perfectly. If the boat can’t dock safely, the plan can shift to a nearby beach stop. It won’t be the same as being on St. Jerolim, so if swimming is the priority, still go in with flexibility.

Lunch on board: grilled menus plus unlimited wine and soda

Food on a boat isn’t automatically “romantic,” and this one keeps it straightforward. Lunch is served during the cruise portion, and you get choices:

• Fish menu: grilled makrell, with salad and bread
• Meat menu: grilled burger, with salad and bread
• Vegetarian menu is also offered

On top of that, drinks include unlimited white wine, plus unlimited Fanta, and water. This is one of the best value angles here. Even if you don’t drink wine, the soda and water add up fast on a full day.

How it feels in practice matters: there’s a real-world difference between unlimited on paper and “unlimited in reach.” Some people have found that drinks weren’t proactively brought to every table at all times. If you want your wine or soda, it helps to be ready to flag someone when you’re ready for the next round.

Also, eating on a moving boat can be a little awkward. If you’re sensitive to motion, eat earlier and keep bites small. The food is described as tasty, but you’ll be balancing food and waves.

Drinks and the beach bar: what’s included vs what costs extra

Your included drink setup is pretty clear for the lunch portion. You’ll have unlimited white wine, unlimited Fanta, and water during the meal.

Once you reach St. Jerolim, the island’s beach bar becomes the optional add-on. The tour description positions it as a place for a refreshing drink, which usually means you should expect to pay there separately. It’s a common pattern on islands: included drinks on the boat, extras once you’re ashore.

If you’re budgeting, plan for this. If you’re not, enjoy it anyway—just don’t assume everything is included beyond the boat meal.

Timing and pacing: a full day, but not a full grind

This tour is built as two main blocks: cruising for about 2 hours, then St. Jerolim for about 4 hours. That adds up to a long, satisfying window, especially if you want actual water time rather than a quick dip.

The St. Jerolim time is enough to swim, dry off, re-swim, and still have a moment to settle. It’s not a hurried “jump in, jump out” situation. That’s a big reason this works well for couples, friends, and anyone who wants a coastal break without sacrificing the sightseeing portion.

Still, be realistic: the day is on the water and depends on conditions. The tour is scheduled with the understanding that good weather is required.

Price and value: $60.21 plus the St. Jerolim fee

At $60.21 per person, you’re paying for a lot of moving parts: the Brijuni cruise, lunch, and a long swimming block. The drink package is also a genuine value builder.

Here’s the part that changes the math: the entrance ticket for Sv. Jerolim is not included. Fees listed are:

• Ages 0–6: free
• Ages 7–12: 3 €
• Adults 13+: 5 €

So your real total is usually around $60.21 plus that admission amount (for adults). Even with that add-on, the tour can still feel fair because you’re not just buying a boat ride—you’re buying time on St. Jerolim plus food and drinks.

If you compare against “boat only” cruises, the inclusion of lunch and unlimited drinks is what keeps this from feeling overpriced.

Who this tour suits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a good fit if you want:

• Water views of Pula without driving around
• A guided Brijuni cruise that doesn’t require hours of hiking
• Real swim time on St. Jerolim
• A boat lunch with simple, filling grilled choices

It’s a weaker fit if you hate rocky shorelines or you’re extremely picky about beach access. St. Jerolim’s coastline is natural and not designed for every swimming style or every comfort preference. It also gets busy, so if you’re chasing a quiet, uncrowded beach fantasy, set expectations.

Families are possible too. The tour description says most travelers can participate, and it’s limited to 30 travelers. Just remember that St. Jerolim admission depends on age.

Practical tips for a smoother day on the water

A few things will make a big difference on a tour like this:

• Bring swim-ready footwear. Rocky access is part of the St. Jerolim reality, so water shoes can be worth it.
• Pack for sun and wind. You’ll be outdoors on deck for a long stretch, and St. Jerolim gives you serious sun time potential.
• Eat early if you get motion-sick. Lunch is on the boat, and the deck movement is real.
• Plan the peacocks as a bonus, not a guarantee. The island nickname is fun, but your time is limited.
• Expect conditions to matter. The tour runs on the assumption of good weather, and the day can shift if docking or safety becomes an issue.

Should you book the Brijuni National Park + St. Jerolim swimming tour?

Yes—if you want a balanced day: sightseeing from the water and a true beach-and-swim block. The value comes from the combo of Brijuni cruise + St. Jerolim time + lunch + unlimited drinks. With a max group size of 30, it also feels manageable.

Maybe not—if you’re only interested in “easy beach access,” flat sunbathing spots, and an uncrowded island experience. St. Jerolim is rocky, boat docking is weather-dependent, and sometimes the exact island plan can’t happen as expected.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The meeting point is Arena Boat Tours Pula—Dolphin & Sunset Tour with Dinner at Riva, Pula, 52100, Croatia.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 11:00 am.

How long is the Brijuni National Park and St. Jerolim tour?

The duration is about 6 hours.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 30 travelers.

Is lunch included, and what are the options?

Lunch is included. You can choose between a grilled makrell fish menu, a grilled burger meat menu, or a vegetarian menu, with salad and bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited white wine, unlimited Fanta, and water.

Do I have to pay an entrance ticket for St. Jerolim?

Yes, the entrance ticket for Sv. Jerolim is not included. It is free for ages 0–6, 3 € for ages 7–12, and 5 € for adults from age 13.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather or too few travelers?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If it’s canceled because the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll also be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.