Pula Private Sailing Tour: 4-Hour Customizable Sail, Snorkel, SUP

A private sailing experience in Pula offers the perfect way to enjoy Croatia’s stunning coastline away from crowded tours. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of what makes it special — and why it might be your ideal day on the water.

What’s immediately clear is the flexibility of this tour. You get to co-create your route with an experienced skipper, meaning your day can focus on sailing, swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing — or a mix of all. Over four hours, you’ll have ample time to explore secluded bays and enjoy personalized touches like complimentary local drinks, onboard photo capturing, and fun activities like paddleboarding. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that this is a luxury experience with a price tag around $400 for up to eight people, so it’s best suited for those seeking exclusivity and tailored adventures rather than a budget option.

If you’re after a relaxing, customizable day on the water with a small group, this tour should suit you perfectly. It’s especially appealing if you value authentic moments, scenic views, and the chance to skip the crowds for a more intimate experience.

Good To Know

• Personalized itinerary: You work directly with your skipper to tailor your day.
• Flexible activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, sailing, or just relaxing at quiet coves.
• All-inclusive amenities: Local drinks, SUP, snorkeling gear, WiFi, and onboard GoPro.
• Private experience: Only your group on a dedicated boat for maximum comfort and privacy.
• Ideal for small groups: Up to 8 people, making it perfect for families, friends, or couples.
• Weather-dependent: Cancellations happen for poor weather, with options to reschedule or get a full refund.

Why This Private Sailing Tour Stands Out

One of the biggest draws of this tour is the customization. From the outset at Marina Polesana, your skipper will give a safety briefing, then discuss your preferences — whether you’d rather spend more time sailing along Pula’s coast, snorkel in calm coves, or relax at anchor. As one reviewer Ruth shared, “Our skipper was really knowledgeable and recommended where was best to stop off based on the weather,” which underscores the flexibility and local expertise on offer.

The scenic sailing route offers views of Pula’s coastline and the Brijuni archipelago, which is known for its natural beauty. The boat’s design and onboard amenities make it clear this is a premium experience: WiFi, a JBL Bluetooth speaker for your playlist, and a GoPro to record your adventures. All the essentials are covered, from safety gear to comfortable seating, making for a stress-free trip.

The Itinerary Breakdown

1. Meeting & Planning at Marina Polesana

Your adventure kicks off at the conveniently located Marina Polesana. Expect a quick safety briefing and a friendly chat with your skipper about what you’d like to do. Based on reviews, the process from booking to departure is smooth — Ruth noted, “Really smooth process from time of booking online until the day of the trip.” The key here is that your day is truly tailored, so don’t be shy about sharing your preferred activities.

2. Scenery and Sailing Along the Pula Coast

Once underway, you’ll cruise along Pula’s coastline, taking in views of historic landmarks, rugged cliffs, and the shimmering waters of the Adriatic. This part is pure pleasure — sailing offers a gentle, relaxing way to see the area, and the small group setting keeps the experience intimate.

3. Secluded Bays & Custom Activities

This is the heart of the tour. Your skipper will anchor in some of Istria’s most beautiful, quiet bays — perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or trying out the SUP board. With included snorkeling gear, you can explore underwater life or simply float and enjoy the water. One reviewer, Alasdair, said, “Kids loved it and parents could just enjoy the ride,” highlighting how perfect it is for families.

The SUP adds a playful element, letting you paddle along the coast or explore near the boat. The flexibility here means you can linger as long as you like in each spot, making every stop feel exclusive. Plus, onboard drinks like Istrian wine, Teranino liqueur, beers, and soft drinks keep you refreshed, or you can tune into your playlist via the Bluetooth speaker.

4. Return Trip & Reflection

After your chosen activities, the boat gently sails back to Marina Polesana in about 30-45 minutes. This relaxed return allows you to soak in the scenery one last time or share photos and memories with your group. Reviewers consistently mention how peaceful and enjoyable this part of the trip is — Ruth loved the “smooth process” and “recommendations based on weather.”

What’s Included and What You Should Budget For

This tour covers a lot to make your experience seamless. The all-inclusive approach means you’ll enjoy drinks, snorkeling gear, SUP, onboard WiFi, and the GoPro for capturing moments. The skipper, local guide, and vessel costs are all included, simplifying planning.

Extras to consider include parking fees at Marina Polesana (around €10 per car) and optional transfers (about €40). While food isn’t included, you’re welcome to bring snacks or a picnic — perfect for customizing your day further. Tips for the skipper are optional but appreciated, especially given the knowledgeable guidance you’ll receive.

Real Experiences and Practical Tips

From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides’ local knowledge adds a lot to the trip. Ruth appreciated the skipper’s recommendations, which helped her find a secluded cove to swim in. Kids and adults alike enjoy the balance of sailing and swimming, making it great for mixed groups.

Many travelers highlight the quality of the amenities: snorkeling equipment was described as good, and the onboard WiFi means you can even share your trip in real-time. The onboard GoPro was a hit, with guests capturing memories they cherish afterward.

One vital point: because this is a private tour, you won’t be mixed with strangers. This means a more relaxed, personalized experience — perfect for celebrating special occasions, family vacations, or just escaping the crowds.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for small groups seeking tailored adventures. If you love the idea of customizing your day — whether that’s more snorkel time, a longer sail, or relaxing in a quiet bay — this is a perfect fit. Families, couples, or friends looking for a luxurious yet flexible day on the water will find it particularly appealing.

It’s also ideal for those who prioritize local expertise and appreciate small-group intimacy over large, crowded tours. And because the experiences are weather-dependent, it’s best for travelers who understand that some flexibility may be needed.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this private sailing tour in Pula offers a rare chance to craft your perfect day at sea. The combination of flexibility, personalized service, and thoughtful amenities makes it stand out among typical boat trips. You’ll enjoy stunning coastal vistas, quiet coves, and fun activities without the hassle of large crowds or rigid schedules.

For anyone wanting a luxury, customizable adventure with plenty of opportunities to swim, paddle, relax, and take photos, this tour delivers on all counts. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a peaceful day on the Adriatic, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy Pula’s coastline.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, giving you plenty of time for activities and relaxation.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, you co-create your itinerary with your skipper, choosing stops for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing at anchor.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling gear, a paddleboard (SUP), onboard WiFi, and a GoPro camera are included for capturing your experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, families have enjoyed it, especially since the activities are flexible and customizable.

What is the average booking lead time?
Most travelers book about 33 days in advance, so early planning is recommended.

Are drinks included?
Yes, all local drinks (Istrian wine, Teranino liqueur, beer, soft drinks, water) are complimentary onboard.

Is transportation or parking included?
Parking fees at Marina Polesana are about €10 per car and payable onsite. Transfers are optional and cost around €40.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour can be canceled for poor weather, with options for rescheduling or a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

This private sailing experience is a fantastic way to enjoy Croatia’s coast with maximum flexibility and comfort. Whether you’re celebrating, seeking solitude, or simply wanting to see Pula from a new perspective, it delivers a truly personal adventure.