Medulin: Glass Boat Tour Experience to Kamenjak with Mermaid

The best part of this three-hour cruise is the mix of glass-bottom viewing and hands-on sea time. You can watch fish below the boat, swim in protected Kamenjak waters, and enter Golumber Cave, all without committing to a full-day excursion. I especially like the fish-feeding stop and the Mermaid, who swims near the boat and gives children something fun to watch.

I also like the short, family-friendly schedule. Drinks are included, the boat has a toilet, and the cruise leaves from Medulin Harbour rather than requiring separate transport. The trade-off is that the route can feel light on sightseeing if the Porer lighthouse is skipped, and one three-star account found the boat spent extra time circling an island before returning.

Key points to know before booking

• Golumber Cave: Explore a cave set into the cliffs of Kamenjak, with the option to enter it during the swimming stop.
• Glass-bottom viewing: Children and adults can watch local Adriatic fish through the boat’s glass panels.
• Mermaid appearance: The Mermaid swims near the boat during the anchorage and adds a playful touch for younger children.
• Porer lighthouse: The 1846 lighthouse is a strong photo subject, but the route may change and it is not guaranteed on every departure.
• Three-hour format: This is the shortest boat excursion offered, making it useful for families and anyone who prefers a compact outing.
• Simple onboard comforts: Drinks, music, a toilet, captain, and crew are included, but food is not.

A short cruise with several different pleasures

This excursion starts at Medulin Harbour and heads toward the Medulin archipelago and Kamenjak Nature Park. It is not built around one long stop or a full meal at sea. Instead, you get a compact sequence of views, fish watching, swimming, cave exploration, and family entertainment.

I see the three-hour length as the main selling point. A longer boat day can be tiring, especially with small children, strong sun, or anyone who is unsure about sea conditions. Here, you get a taste of the coast without giving up an entire day.

The experience also works well if your group has mixed interests. One person can focus on photography, another can swim, and children can watch fish through the glass bottom or look for the Mermaid in the water. The program has enough variety to keep the ride from becoming only a transfer between two points.

Still, expectations matter. This is a light sightseeing cruise, not a private speedboat trip or a serious marine excursion. You will see several attractions, but each receives limited time, and the exact route depends on the captain and sea conditions.

Leaving Medulin Harbour for the archipelago

Check in at least 30 minutes before departure. At Medulin Harbour, look for the advertising desk shaped like a boat and the large dark blue parasol. A team member should be there to help you find the right place.

The boat then heads through the Medulin archipelago, giving you a panoramic ride across the coastal water. The glass-bottom section lets you watch the seabed as you travel, although the quality of what you see will depend on water clarity, sunlight, and the boat’s movement.

That part is best treated as an added feature rather than a guaranteed underwater show. You might see local Adriatic fish and seabed details, but the viewing is not the same as snorkeling or swimming with a mask. For children, though, even a quick glimpse below the hull can make the ride more exciting.

Music plays during the cruise, and drinks are included. Food is not included, so eat before you arrive or bring whatever is permitted for your outing. The boat has a toilet, which is useful on a three-hour ride, especially for families.

Kamenjak Nature Park and the swimming stop

The main active stop is in the protected waters of Kamenjak Nature Park. Here, you can swim and snorkel from the boat, giving you a chance to get into the sea rather than spending the entire excursion on deck.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and a camera. The sun can feel strong on open water, and you will want dry clothes and a towel after the swimming stop. A waterproof phone case is also a sensible choice if you plan to take photos near the water, though it is not listed as supplied equipment.

The protected setting is valuable because the stop is about enjoying the coast from the water, not simply looking at it from a boat. You can cool off, watch fish, and spend time near the rocky cliffs of Kamenjak.

The swimming portion may be the highlight for adults, while younger children may prefer watching the Mermaid or feeding fish. Keep in mind that this is not described as a private swim stop, so you should expect to share the experience with the rest of the group.

Entering Golumber Cave

Golumber Cave is set within the cliffs of Kamenjak and gives the cruise its most distinctive stop. The boat takes you close to the cave, and you have the possibility of entering it on your own during the swimming portion.

That detail matters. This is not simply a photo stop from a distance. If sea conditions and the captain’s route permit, you can get into the water and explore the cave entrance yourself. Bring suitable swimwear and footwear you are comfortable using around rocky coastal water, though the activity does not list special water shoes as included equipment.

The cave stop also adds a little adventure without requiring a long hike or complicated access. You remain connected to the boat and crew, then return to the boat after your time in the water.

Conditions can affect how much time you spend here. The captain has the final say on route changes for safety, so you should view cave access as part of the planned experience but not assume that every detail will unfold in exactly the same order.

Fish feeding and the Mermaid

The fish-feeding experience is one of the most child-friendly parts of the trip. You can feed local Adriatic fish near the anchored boat, adding a direct, easy-to-understand activity to the glass-bottom viewing.

The Mermaid provides the show’s playful center. During the anchorage, she swims near and under the boat, including toward the point where people enter the water. For children, this can turn an ordinary swim stop into a story they remember.

The Mermaid is not a substitute for marine wildlife viewing, and adults looking for a quiet nature cruise may find the character less important. For families, though, the combination of fish, swimming, and a costumed figure gives the stop a clear purpose.

One parent described the Mermaid as especially appealing to a daughter, while another family found the crew, particularly the Mermaid, friendly and helpful. That fits the design of the trip: it is aimed at keeping children interested while adults enjoy the scenery and a swim.

The Porer lighthouse photo stop

Porer lighthouse is one of the most recognizable sights associated with this outing. Built in 1846 during the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, it is one of Croatia’s largest lighthouses and makes a strong subject for photographs from the boat.

If the route includes Porer, have your camera ready before the boat reaches the best viewing position. Open-water photography changes quickly, so a phone or camera that is easy to reach will be more useful than equipment buried in a dry bag.

There is an important qualification: the lighthouse may not appear on every departure. One account specifically noted that the route varied and the Porer stop was skipped, with the boat instead circling an island before heading back to Medulin.

That does not mean the trip is poorly run. Weather, sea conditions, timing, and the captain’s safety decision can change the route. But if Porer is the one sight you most want to see, this may not be the right excursion to book unless the operator can confirm the route for your date.

How much value do you get for $34?

At about $34 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the excursion as a family-friendly package rather than paying only for a lighthouse view. You receive a three-hour boat ride, drinks, music, a toilet, swimming time, fish feeding, glass-bottom viewing, a cave visit, and crew support.

The value improves for families with children because the Mermaid and fish-feeding stop give younger passengers something to do. A short cruise also reduces the risk of paying for a long day that your children may not enjoy.

The value is less clear for four adults seeking a full sightseeing program. The route can be adjusted, the lighthouse may be missed, and the cruise may include a slower period around an island before returning. One group calculated a total of about €160 for four adults and two children and felt a private boat might have offered more freedom for a similar outlay.

That comparison depends on your priorities. A private boat could provide more control, but this cruise includes a captain, crew, drinks, a toilet, and a planned family activity. At $34, you are paying for convenience and a shared experience, not a custom route.

Who should choose this Medulin boat trip?

I would choose this outing for families with children who want a short sea trip with several easy activities. The three-hour schedule is manageable, and the program does not rely on one long swim or a single sightseeing stop to hold your attention.

It also suits anyone who wants a first taste of Kamenjak without booking a longer excursion. You can see the archipelago, spend time in the protected waters, and explore the cave without making a full day of it.

I would be more cautious if you are prone to seasickness. The activity is specifically not suitable for people who often become seasick, so consider your comfort before booking. People with heart problems are also advised not to take part.

The boat is not accessible for wheelchair users. If someone in your party uses a wheelchair, this is not an appropriate choice based on the stated access conditions.

Strong swimmers and snorkelers may find the water stop too brief or too simple if they want extended time at sea. The excursion is aimed at variety and family fun, not a long, focused snorkeling session.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive 30 minutes early. Medulin Harbour can be busy, and the dark blue parasol and boat-shaped desk are the clearest landmarks provided for check-in.

Pack the basics in a small beach bag:

• Swimwear and towel
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Camera
• Any personal items you need for three hours

Do not plan on lunch onboard. Food is not included, while drinks are included. Eating before departure is the simplest way to avoid turning the short cruise into an uncomfortable wait.

Keep your camera ready for the archipelago, cave, fish-feeding stop, Mermaid, and Porer lighthouse. Since the lighthouse is not guaranteed, enjoy the other photo opportunities rather than treating the whole trip as a lighthouse cruise.

Sea conditions control the final route. The captain may change the itinerary or cancel for safety, with a refund or alternate tour date in that situation. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps payment flexible.

The host and greeter speak English. The boat returns to Medulin Harbour, so the activity ends where it begins.

Should you book the Mermaid cruise?

Book it if you want a short, affordable family boat ride with swimming, fish feeding, a cave, and a playful Mermaid. The combination is easygoing and varied, and the three-hour format is a real advantage for children or anyone who does not want a full day on the water.

Think twice if Porer lighthouse is essential, if you want a long snorkeling session, or if you prefer a private and highly flexible route. The trip can change with conditions, and the sightseeing may feel modest for adults expecting a packed coastal tour.

For most families staying in Medulin, I see this as a pleasant half-day addition rather than a major once-in-a-lifetime excursion. At $34, it offers fair value when you want simple logistics, a swim in Kamenjak waters, and a little theatrical fun at sea.

FAQ

Where does the Medulin glass-bottom boat tour begin?

The tour begins at Medulin Harbour. Check in 30 minutes before the scheduled departure and look for the boat-shaped advertising desk under the large dark blue parasol.

How long does the excursion last?

The boat trip lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling in the protected waters of Kamenjak Nature Park are included, along with exploration of Golumber Cave.

Can I see Porer lighthouse on every departure?

No. The route can vary, and Porer lighthouse is not guaranteed on every trip. The captain may change the route because of weather or sea conditions.

Are drinks and food included?

Drinks are included. Food is not included, so plan to eat before the trip.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

The captain may change the route or cancel the excursion if the weather or sea conditions are unsafe. In that case, you may receive a refund or an alternate tour date.