From Fažana: Private boat tour of Brijuni Islands

The best part of this private boat trip is the choice it gives you after the 50-minute Brijuni panorama. You see all 14 islands from the water, pause at abandoned Kozada, then decide if your group wants a swim on Sv. Jerolim or a longer visit to Veliki Brijun.

I like the personal scale of a boat reserved for up to six people, and I like the helpful flexibility reported with skippers Lucy and Roberta. You can also use the snorkeling masks onboard, and fresh drinks make the open-water ride more comfortable.

The main thing to watch is the timing. The basic listing says 90 minutes, but the island stay can add two, four, or six hours, and the trip may run beyond its scheduled time. Confirm which island time and admission fees are included before you set out.

Key points to know before you book

• See all 14 Brijuni islands from the water: The first 50 minutes are a broad coastal panorama rather than a single-island visit.
• Pause at abandoned Kozada: The boat anchors beside the island for a short stop, with swimming and snorkeling possible in the warmer months.
• Choose your kind of island day: Sv. Jerolim is for swimming, animals, beaches, and a beach bar. Veliki Brijun offers a safari park, bicycles, museums, galleries, and places to eat.
• Private group of up to six: You are not tied to the pace of a large boat party, and the skipper can discuss your preferred stop.
• English-speaking guidance: Lucy and Roberta are named skippers associated with especially friendly, flexible service.
• Check the final cost: The boat, fuel, skipper, masks, and Brijuni panorama are included, but island entry charges are extra.

From Fažana, the Brijuni story begins offshore

Fažana is the natural launch point for this outing. At the port, you meet the skipper and board a private boat for the short run toward Brijuni National Park. The departure point is easy to understand: simply go to Fažana port and look for the Sea Tours Istria operation.

The first part is not a rushed transfer. It is a 50-minute panoramic circuit around the Brijuni group, giving you a sense of how the islands fit together. From the boat, you can take in the chain of 14 islands rather than seeing only the one you eventually visit.

That wide view matters because Brijuni is best understood as an island group, not just a single beach stop. You get open-water scenery, changing angles on the shoreline, and commentary from an English-speaking skipper about the islands past and present.

This is also where a private trip earns its keep. With up to six people in your group, you can ask questions, settle into the best available view, and talk through how you want to use the stop later in the outing. The guide is not simply driving you from point A to point B.

Kozada offers the quietest pause

The boat makes a short stop near Kozada, an abandoned island within the Brijuni area. This is a brief, atmospheric break rather than a full land visit, but it gives the trip a different mood from the busier island options later.

In late spring, summer, and early autumn, the water around Kozada is suitable for swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow. Snorkeling masks are included, so you do not need to bring your own equipment. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen, and you can make this stop a quick splash rather than merely a photo pause.

The word abandoned sets the tone. Kozada is not presented as a developed resort with a long list of facilities. Its appeal is the simple contrast between a quiet island setting and the open sea around it. If you prefer a peaceful swim and a short look at an unoccupied shore, this may be your favorite stop.

Do not expect a major land excursion here. The schedule describes a quick stop with the boat anchored beside the island, so think of Kozada as a scenic water break. Your longer choice comes next.

Sv. Jerolim is the relaxed beach option

After the panorama and Kozada stop, you choose where to spend the rest of your island time: Sv. Jerolim, also called St. Jerome, or Veliki Brijun. The available extended stays are listed as two, four, or six hours, giving you more control than a fixed shore excursion.

Sv. Jerolim is the easy choice for a low-key afternoon. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and walk around the island in search of beaches and cliffs. The island is described as peaceful, so it suits a group that would rather slow down than follow a packed sightseeing program.

There is also a beach bar and restaurant. That makes Sv. Jerolim more practical than a completely bare island stop, especially if your group wants a cold drink or a simple meal without returning to the boat. Food and drinks there are not part of the base boat price, so budget separately.

Families may appreciate the island’s donkeys and peacocks. These animals add an easy point of interest for children who might tire of swimming or walking. The island also gives adults room to spread out between water time, sun, and a short ramble along the shore.

The tradeoff is that Sv. Jerolim offers fewer named attractions than Veliki Brijun. You are choosing sea, quiet, and unstructured time, not a packed cultural visit. That is a strength if relaxation is your goal, but it may feel too simple if you want museums or organized sightseeing.

There is an additional charge listed for Sv. Jerolim: 5 euros for adults and 3 euros for children ages 7 to 14. Children ages 0 to 7 are listed as free in the additional pricing information. Because the base description also refers to an extra island stop, check exactly how the charge applies to your booking.

Veliki Brijun gives you more to do

Veliki Brijun is the better choice if your group wants an active and varied island visit. You can go to the famous safari park, ride a bicycle around the island, or rent an electric mini car for getting around the safari area.

That range is useful for mixed groups. One person can look forward to animals, another can enjoy a bike ride, and someone else can sit down for lunch or coffee. Restaurants and coffee bars are available on the island, so you are not limited to snacks brought from Fažana.

History and art fans have more reason to choose Veliki Brijun. Museums and galleries are available, with entry included in the stated island pricing information. The supplied details do not list each museum or gallery, so you should not expect a fully planned museum tour from the boat skipper. Instead, you get the freedom to select what interests you once ashore.

You can also swim and spend time on the beach. That keeps Veliki Brijun from becoming an all-sightseeing stop. If the heat rises or the children lose interest in exhibits, you can change gears and enjoy the water.

The limitation is time. A two-hour stay could feel short if you want the safari park, a bicycle ride, a museum, and a swim. The four- or six-hour choices make more sense for visitors who want to see several parts of the island. Ask your skipper how the selected duration works, especially because the overall trip may last longer than the nominal 90 minutes.

The listed charge for staying on Big Brijun is 8 euros for adults, with children ages 0 to 7 free. The supplied pricing notes are not perfectly clear about every age category or whether all island services are covered, so confirm the total before departure.

Why the private format matters

The boat is priced at $294 for a group of up to six people, rather than per person. For a full group, that works out to about $49 each before any island admission or food costs. For two people, the same price becomes much less attractive, so the value depends heavily on how many people share the boat.

For six people who want a private outing, the price can be reasonable. You are paying for the boat, fuel, skipper-guide, panorama, Kozada stop, snorkeling masks, and the ability to choose between two very different Brijuni experiences. A large public excursion may cost less per person, but it will not offer the same control over your group’s pace.

I especially like the private format for families and small groups with mixed interests. You can talk over whether to spend the afternoon swimming or visiting Veliki Brijun, instead of committing everyone to one fixed plan. A private boat also gives you a more direct conversation with the skipper.

The value is weaker if you only want a quick 90-minute boat ride and have no interest in staying on an island. The product is really two experiences joined together: a panorama and a longer island visit. If you plan to return to Fažana quickly, you may not use the main benefit of the trip.

Fresh drinks onboard are included as part of the experience description, which is a welcome touch on a warm day. Still, you should bring your own water needs in mind, especially if you select a four- or six-hour island stay.

Skippers Lucy and Roberta add a personal touch

The named skippers connected with this outing are Lucy and Roberta. Lucy is described as an English-speaking guide who explains the islands clearly and handles the boat safely. She has also helped arrange a restaurant reservation on Brijuni, a useful service if you want lunch without spending time searching after arrival.

Roberta is associated with a friendly approach and a willingness to work out individual arrangements. That matters here because the trip includes choices about island, activity, and duration. A skipper who listens can make the difference between a rigid boat transfer and a day that fits your group.

You should still remember that a private boat is not the same as a fully customized charter with unlimited changes. The stated options are Sv. Jerolim or Veliki Brijun, with a two-, four-, or six-hour stop. Discuss your plan at the port so everyone understands what is possible.

The live guidance is in English. If your group needs another language, this experience may not be the right match.

Practical planning for a warm-weather boat day

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Those are not minor extras here. Kozada can be a swimming stop, and both Sv. Jerolim and Veliki Brijun offer the chance to get in the water.

Wear something comfortable for walking if you choose either island. Sv. Jerolim has beaches, cliffs, and paths to explore, while Veliki Brijun can involve moving between attractions, restaurants, and outdoor areas. The supplied details do not specify footwear rules, so sensible walking sandals or shoes are a practical choice.

Dogs are welcome onboard. If you are bringing one, remember that the island facilities and animal areas may have their own practical considerations, even though no additional restrictions are listed here.

The excursion can be changed to another date in bad weather. That is reassuring for a sea outing, since wind and rain can affect both comfort and safety. The trip may also last longer than the scheduled hours, particularly when you choose an extended island stay. Do not schedule a tight appointment immediately after returning to Fažana.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the listed age limitation excludes people over 95 years. The boat setting, swimming stops, and island terrain also mean you should think honestly about mobility needs before booking.

What a good day could look like

A sensible plan begins with the full panorama. Use the first 50 minutes to listen to the island commentary and get a feel for the group’s scale. This is the part where you can ask the skipper about Kozada, Sv. Jerolim, Veliki Brijun, and the best use of your available time.

At Kozada, keep the stop simple. Swim or use the snorkeling mask, take in the quiet shore, and return to the boat when the skipper signals that it is time to continue. Since this is a quick stop, do not bring a complicated set of beach gear that takes ages to pack up.

Then make the main choice based on your group’s mood. Pick Sv. Jerolim if the priority is water, sun, a beach bar, donkeys, peacocks, and a gentle walk. Pick Veliki Brijun if you want the safari park, cycling, an electric mini car, museums, galleries, and more dining options.

For Sv. Jerolim, two hours may work for a swim and a drink. Four hours gives you more time to walk and relax without watching the clock. Six hours suits a very unhurried beach day.

For Veliki Brijun, I would favor four or six hours if you want more than one activity. The island has enough listed choices that a short stop could force you to skip the safari park, bikes, or museums. If you mainly want lunch and a swim, two hours may be enough.

Who should book this Brijuni boat tour?

I would recommend it to families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups that want control over the day. It is particularly good for people who cannot agree on one style of outing, since the two main islands offer clearly different experiences.

It also suits anyone who values a guide who can explain the islands rather than simply pilot the boat. Lucy and Roberta bring a personal element, and the private setup lets you ask questions without competing with a large crowd.

You should think twice if you dislike open-water travel, need step-free access, or want a perfectly fixed 90-minute schedule. You should also calculate the full cost carefully if your group is small, since $294 is charged per group and island fees, food, and drinks on shore are additional.

FAQ

Where does the Brijuni boat tour start?

The meeting point is Fažana port in Istria County, Croatia.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is 90 minutes for the basic activity, including the Brijuni panorama and stops. An additional stay on Sv. Jerolim or Veliki Brijun can last two, four, or six hours, and the trip may run longer than scheduled.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers a private group of up to six people.

Which Brijuni islands can I visit during the extended stop?

You can choose between Sv. Jerolim, also called St. Jerome, and Veliki Brijun.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling masks are included. You should bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel.

Are island entrance fees included?

The boat, fuel, skipper-guide, panorama, Kozada stop, and snorkeling masks are included. Extra charges are listed for Sv. Jerolim and Veliki Brijun, so confirm the final island costs when booking.

Can I cancel or change the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. In bad weather, the date can be changed. The booking also offers reserve now and pay later.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a private Brijuni day with real choices, not just a short ride past the islands. The combination of all 14 islands, a swim near Kozada, and your choice of a relaxed or activity-filled island stop gives the outing more substance than a standard panorama cruise.

For the best value, bring four to six people, decide in advance whether you prefer Sv. Jerolim or Veliki Brijun, and confirm the extra fees and total duration. Choose Sv. Jerolim for a calm beach day. Choose Veliki Brijun for animals, bicycles, museums, galleries, and more places to eat.

If that sounds like your kind of Istrian afternoon, this private Sea Tours Istria outing is a strong choice. Just treat the 90-minute figure as the base boat time, not a guarantee that you will be back at the port after an hour and a half.