META DESCRIPTION: The best way to visit Brijuni National Park is by boat. Here's everything you need to know — ferry vs private tour, what to see, and how to plan your day.

Brijuni National Park is one of Croatia's most beautiful and historically significant destinations, and the only way to reach it is by boat. There are a couple of options for getting there, and the one you choose will shape your entire experience.

The national park ferry departs from Fažana harbour and takes you to the island of Veliki Brijun, the largest in the archipelago. This official service includes an organised group tour of the island once you arrive, covering the safari park, Roman ruins, and the Tito Memorial Museum. It's a solid choice if you want a thorough land-based exploration of the main island.

The other — and often more rewarding — option is to book a private or shared boat tour with a local operator like Remember Istria. These tours offer far more flexibility, taking you around multiple islands rather than just the main one. You'll glide past hidden bays, anchor for swimming, visit the fossil beach at Mali Brijun, and see the archipelago from angles the ferry simply doesn't reach. Experienced local captains also know where dolphins tend to appear, and can take you to spots the tourist crowds never reach.

For the best of both worlds, some visitors take the national park ferry one day and do a private boat tour another day. If you only have one day, the private boat tour tends to offer more variety and a more personalised experience.

The peak season for visiting is June through September, when the weather is reliably sunny and the sea is calm. Morning departures are ideal for avoiding afternoon winds and crowds. Most boat tours from Fažana last between two and four hours, though private tours can be customised to run longer.

No matter how you choose to visit, Brijuni will not disappoint. It's one of those rare places where nature, history, and sheer beauty all arrive at once.