Pula: Brijuni Dolphin Watching cruise with Dinner & Sunset

Imagine setting sail on a charming wooden boat, watching playful dolphins leap through the water as the sun dips behind the Brijuni Islands, all while enjoying a tasty dinner and a glass of wine. That’s exactly what this Brijuni Dolphin Watching cruise promises—and generally delivers—making it a popular choice for visitors seeking a relaxed, memorable outing in Istria.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of wildlife watching, scenic views, and a delicious meal. We love how the crew creates a friendly, engaging atmosphere and the chance to see dolphins in their natural environment. The spectacular sunset is a bonus that turns the experience into a true postcard moment. However, as with all wildlife encounters, there’s no guarantee you’ll spot dolphins every time, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re mainly seeking that specific highlight.

This cruise is ideal for couples, families, honeymooners, and anyone wanting an authentic sea adventure combined with comfort and good food. If you’re after a relaxing, fun-filled afternoon with the possibility of dolphin sightings—plus a stunning sunset—this is definitely worth considering.

Good To Know

• Dolphin sightings are highly probable, with an over 80% chance of seeing bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Scenic views of Pula’s old town and Arena from the sea add a memorable backdrop.
• Gourmet dinner options include grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian meals, complemented by soft drinks and unlimited wine.
• The traditional wooden boat “Lucija” offers a cozy, authentic vibe.
• The crew is praised for their friendliness and guiding expertise, making the experience relaxed and enjoyable.
• Sunset views transform the cruise into a magical experience, perfect for photography and creating lasting memories.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Detailed Experience

Departure and Check-in

The tour begins at the Riva, right across Tito’s Park in Pula, where you’ll find the boat “Lucija,” marked with Emilio Excursions’ logo. Arriving at least 20 minutes early is strongly recommended, especially since the boat departs on time and you don’t want to miss a moment. The meeting point is straightforward, and if you have any trouble, a quick phone call will resolve any issues.

The boat itself exudes a rustic charm, with its wooden structure hinting at a more traditional Croatian maritime vibe. This sets the tone for an authentic journey rather than a commercialized cruise.

The Voyage Begins

Once onboard, the crew—friendly and knowledgeable—starts by offering a panoramic cruise around the Brijuni Islands, Croatia’s famed national park. As you slowly make your way out of Pula harbor, you’ll get inspiring views of the Ancient Arena and the Old Town, giving you a taste of the area’s historical charm from a fresh perspective.

During this initial stretch, soft drinks, water, and wine are served, ensuring everyone stays refreshed while soaking in the scenery. The relaxing atmosphere on the boat makes the cruise feel like a floating get-together, especially with the gentle sea breeze and the chance to chat with fellow travelers.

Searching for Dolphins

As you drift away from the coast, the crew shifts their focus to dolphin spotting. They typically find bottlenose dolphins in the calm waters around Brijuni, often following fishing boats or swimming near the islands—an area with a high probability (over 80%) of sightings, according to reviews.

One reviewer, Kamil, praised the guide’s detailed commentary: “The guide was perfect, sharing interesting facts about the places and animals we saw, even if we didn’t get to see the dolphins that day.” This highlights how the crew often makes the cruise engaging regardless of wildlife sightings.

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Dolphin Encounters and Playful Behavior

Playful dolphins are a highlight for travelers, with their acrobatic leaps and curiosity often bringing smiles and awe. Some lucky travelers have even witnessed dolphins approaching the boat closely or bow-riding—an adorable spectacle that justifies the trip for many.

A common sentiment echoed by guests, like Tomasz, is the joy of seeing dolphins: “They brought a smile to everyone’s face, and the atmosphere was fantastic. Watching them jump and swim freely—it’s truly special.”

However, it’s important to remember that dolphins are wild animals, and while the crew does their best to find them, sightings aren’t guaranteed every trip. Even if this proves disappointing, the peaceful cruise around the islands provides plenty of scenic beauty and tranquility.

Dinner on Board

After dolphin watching, it’s time for a well-deserved meal. The menu includes grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian options—catering to various tastes. Guests have noted the quality of the food; one reviewer appreciated the “very good fish” and the possibility of refills, along with unlimited wine during the cruise, which adds a celebratory feel to the evening.

The dinner setting on deck is relaxed, with bread and salads accompanying the mains. The combination of great food and the stunning sunset makes this part of the trip feel like a true treat.

Sunset and Relaxation

As the boat continues its gentle cruise, the sunset becomes the star of the show. The hues of orange, pink, and purple paint the sky, providing perfect lighting for photos and moments of reflection. This calm, beautiful scene is described by travelers as “magical,” “breathtaking,” and the perfect way to end the day.

Even if dolphins aren’t visible, the panoramic view around Brijuni, the peacefulness of the sea, and the setting sun make the cruise worthwhile. Many guests find that even just cruising around the islands in the late afternoon offers enough beauty to justify the price.

Return to Pula

The tour concludes back at the original meeting point. The duration of the cruise is enough to feel relaxed but not exhausted, typically lasting around 2.5 to 3 hours. The experience is designed to be both fun and low-key, with flexibility for different interests—whether wildlife, scenery, or simply enjoying the sea breeze.

What the Tour Includes and Excludes

Included

• Panoramic cruise around Brijuni Islands
• Dolphin sightings (with high chances, though not guaranteed)
• Dinner of grilled fish, meat, or veggie meal, served with salad and bread
• Soft drinks, water, and wine throughout the cruise
• Tour guide providing commentary and insights

Not Included

• Transfer from hotels (guests need to arrange their transportation to the meeting point)

Additional Details and Practical Tips

Language: The tour operates in English, making it accessible for international travelers.
Reservation & Payment: You can reserve your spot with the flexibility of paying later, which is helpful if your plans are still coming together.
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.
Group Size: While not specified, the intimate setting of a traditional wooden boat suggests a relatively small, friendly group.
Price: At $65 per person, the experience offers good value, considering the combined wildlife, scenery, food, and drinks.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise suits anyone seeking a blend of nature, scenic beauty, and relaxed dining. It’s ideal for couples wanting a romantic sunset, families looking for a fun outing, or solo travelers eager to meet others in a laid-back atmosphere. If you love wildlife and are curious about dolphins, this trip offers a high probability of sightings, making it a memorable adventure—though patience is key.

Those who appreciate good food and wine will find the dinner enjoyable, especially with the added bonus of picturesque sunset views. However, if your main goal is guaranteed dolphin viewing or active water sports, you might want to explore other options or book an experience specifically tailored to wildlife encounters.

Final Thoughts

This Brijuni Dolphin Watching cruise offers a genuine chance to see dolphins in their natural environment, combined with a scenic boat ride around one of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks. The friendly crew and delicious dinner elevate the experience, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the overall atmosphere, beautiful sunset, and peaceful cruise make it a worthwhile addition to your Pula itinerary. It’s a chance to relax, enjoy nature, and indulge in a tasty meal—all on a charming traditional boat.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, scenic experience with the potential for wildlife viewing, this cruise hits the right notes. Just remember to bring your camera, a sense of adventure, and an open mind for a bit of nature’s unpredictability.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transfer from your hotel is not included. Guests need to make their way to the meeting point at Riva, across Tito’s Park.

What should I wear on the cruise?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for being on a boat. Bring a light jacket or sweater in case it gets cool in the evening.

Can I see dolphins on every trip?
While the chances are high (over 80%), sightings depend on the dolphins’ natural behavior. They are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed.

Is dinner included?
Yes, a meal of grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian options is served, along with salads and bread. Unlimited wine and soft drinks are also included.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, making it a relaxed yet fulfilling experience.

Can children join this cruise?
Yes, it’s suitable for all ages, making it a good family outing.

What is the best time of day to go?
The cruise is scheduled for late afternoon to enjoy the sunset, which is considered the highlight. Morning options are not typically available.

Are there any restrictions?
Not specifically, but guests should be comfortable on a boat and able to walk to the meeting point.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility issues?
The information doesn’t specify, so it’s best to contact Emilio Excursions directly for details.

This Brijuni dolphin cruise offers a wonderful blend of wildlife, scenic beauty, and good food, perfect for those wanting a relaxed yet memorable experience in Croatia’s stunning Istrian waters.

You can check if your dates are available here: