Lovran/Opatija: Swimming on Cres Island with Lunch

Four swims, one day, zero rush. This Lovran/Opatija boat trip sends you across Kvarner Bay to Cres Island, where you spend long stretches in clear water and finish with a swim-friendly stop at the Little Blue Cave. I especially love how the captain times a proper BBQ lunch onboard right when you’re ready to refuel, and I love the small-group vibe (up to 15 people), that keeps the day relaxed. The only catch is that this tour is built around swimming, so if you prefer dry land most of the time, the heat may wear you out.

I also like the practical way the boat works. You do not have to do a big hike or fight for a landing, since the boat stays anchored and you can use the ladder to get in and out. On my sailing, the crew, led by Captain Tomy, explained what was coming next and kept the whole schedule smooth.

It’s an 8-hour day with a slow, scenic back-and-forth across the bay. You’re back around 5:00 PM, cruising past Mošćenička Draga, Kraj, and Medveja, plus you get plenty of water time to make the long day feel worth it.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Smrdeća Beach swim block with clear water and an easy, anchored-boat setup
• Onboard BBQ lunch cooked during your day on the water, with fish, meat, or vegetarian choices
• Multiple swimming and snorkeling stops that keep the pace laid-back
• Brseč cliffs and the 60-meter viewpoint area before the cave time
• Little Blue Cave accessible by swimming plus another dedicated swim window

From Opatija or Lovran to Cres Island, the day starts easy

This tour is simple to picture: you meet in Opatija or Lovran, then you get on a small boat and spend the day doing water time in Kvarner Bay and around the island of Cres. Depending on your departure option, you’ll leave either Opatija at 8:20 AM or Lovran at 9:00 AM. The ride over is about 1.5 hours, so you’ll feel like the outing starts quickly, not after a long wait.

You also get that classic coastal feel right away, cruising across the bay as the shoreline changes. This is not a stop-and-go bus tour. You’re out there where the water does the entertaining, and the towns slide by slowly.

One small note: the day is mostly water-focused, so if you’re the kind of person who hates delays, remember that at least some departures include a short land pause for a quick coffee or treat before the boat portion settles in. It’s not the main event, but it can slightly stretch the feeling of get-on-the-water right away.

Smrdeća Beach and lunch timing that actually makes sense

The first big stop is Smrdeća Beach, on the northwestern side of Cres. This side of the island is known for clear water and a more untouched feel than the more developed coastlines. You’ll get about two hours here, which is a great amount of time if you like to do your swim in rounds, not as a single sprint.

The anchored-boat setup matters. You don’t have to swim all the way to shore unless you want to. The boat stays positioned in the bay, and you can hop in close to the ladder. That makes it easier for people who want an easy entry, plus it’s more relaxing than trying to time a shoreline approach.

Then comes the part I liked the most: lunch is not just dumped on you at the start or end. The captain uses the break window and prepares a freshly grilled BBQ lunch onboard while you’re enjoying the swim time. That means you’re not waiting around hungry, and you’re not trying to eat immediately after a long, exhausting swim.

Lunch options are fish, meat, or vegetarian, with salad and bread included. The day also includes seasonal fruit in the afternoon, so you’re not stuck eating just salty grilled food all day.

Badnjev Beach, when the trip shifts from eating to floating

After Smrdeća, the tour continues toward Badnjev Beach for another swim break, roughly one hour. This stop is shorter, so it feels different. Think of it as the moment you top off your energy, do another clean swim, and then slow down again.

If you’re the type who likes to snorkel in small bursts, Badnjev is a nice fit. You can slip in, look around, then take a breather when the sun gets intense. The boat stays anchored again, so you can spend more time floating and less time managing logistics.

This is also the segment where you’ll notice the real rhythm of the day. The schedule is relaxed, but it still keeps moving. You are not stuck on one spot for hours and then rushed out. It’s more like a series of comfortable resets.

Brseč cliffs and the Little Blue Cave, where the water does the walking

Next you’ll head toward the Brseč area, with time to admire the towering 60-meter cliffs. This is the closest thing to a traditional sightseeing moment in the tour, and it helps break up the water focus. Even if you mostly care about swimming, it’s a good pause for your eyes.

Then comes the highlight for many people: the Little Blue Cave. The key detail is that the cave is accessible by swimming. That means you’re not just watching something from the deck. You’re getting in, moving through the water, and experiencing the cave as part of the swim.

You’ll get about one hour here, which is enough to do a snorkel pass, float for a while, and still have time to get comfortable in the water again after. The boat gives you an easy entry via a ladder, which makes it simpler to shift from rest to swimming without a big scramble.

Practical tip: bring your camera and be ready for quick light changes. Water and cave entrances can look different minute to minute, especially if clouds pass. If you want photos, aim for short photo moments between swim laps, not while you’re actively moving in the water.

What the BBQ day feels like on board

This tour isn’t stingy on the basics. The included lunch is the big meal, and it’s actually part of the experience, not a generic box. You’re also offered refreshing drinks onboard, including sparkling water, still water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, apple juice, orange juice, and wine.

That drink list matters because it sets expectations. After Smrdeća, you’re out on the northern side of Cres, where there are no extra shops waiting for you. The tour provides what you need for the day, but it does not turn into a snack hunt.

So if you’re a person who likes extra salty snacks, bring them. The tour notes that only the BBQ lunch and seasonal fruit are offered, and since the north side is uninhabited, there won’t be other food or drinks available. A small stash of your own snacks can save you if you have a strong appetite or dietary preferences that go beyond what’s offered.

Also, pack sunscreen like it’s your main job. You can stay on the boat and still get sun, especially with all the water reflections. I’d rather see you overprepared than sorry later.

The full itinerary at a glance, without the stress

To help you plan your day, here’s the natural flow you’ll experience, based on the stated timing and stop structure:

• Meet in Lovran or Opatija, then ride across Kvarner Bay (about 1.5 hours)
• First swim break at Smrdeća Beach (about 2 hours), with the BBQ lunch prepared during that window
• Second swim break at Badnjev Beach (about 1 hour)
• Coastal viewing toward Brseč cliffs, then time at the Little Blue Cave (about 1 hour of swimming and snorkeling)
• Return to the starting area around 5:00 PM, passing Mošćenička Draga, Kraj, and Medveja along the way

The tour is also described as primarily swimming-focused rather than sightseeing-focused. That’s not a flaw. It’s the point. If you want lots of dry-land stops and museum time, this probably won’t match your style.

Who this boat trip suits best, and who should skip it

This is a swimming-first day. If you enjoy ocean time, you’ll love it.

You’ll likely have a good time if you:

• Like clear-water swimming and snorkeling
• Want a small group (limited to 15 participants) and a relaxed pace
• Enjoy simple onboard meals and being active most of the day
• Can handle sun and heat, since you’ll be outdoors a lot

If you don’t plan to swim much, consider the tradeoff. The day still includes a lot of sun exposure, and the schedule is built around water access. For non-swimmers, life jackets are available on request, but it’s still not the kind of tour where you can stay dry and feel like the whole day is designed for you.

Also take note of the limitations:

• Not suitable for wheelchair users
• Not suitable for people prone to seasickness
• Not suitable for babies under 1 year
• Not suitable for people over 80 years

If you fall into one of those categories, it’s worth choosing a different style of outing, because the plan depends on water time and comfort in open conditions.

Price and value: what $135 buys you

At $135 per person for an 8-hour outing, you’re paying for a full day on a small boat with multiple swim opportunities plus food and drinks. It’s not a bargain-price “quick cruise.” It’s closer to a paid day of ocean play, with the convenience handled for you.

Here’s where the value shows up:

• BBQ lunch onboard is included, with protein options and basic sides
• Drinks are included, not just water
• You also get seasonal fruit later in the afternoon
• Passenger insurance is included during the ride
• The day includes multiple swimming and snorkeling windows, not one token stop

Could you spend less on your own? Maybe, if you rent a car and plan your own swims and picnics. But that kind of DIY day usually means more coordination, more uncertainty about timing, and less help with getting the day to flow.

For me, $135 makes sense when you factor in that you’re buying time in the water plus the convenience of having lunch and drinks handled.

Getting ready: a packing checklist that matches the plan

This is what you should bring, because the tour notes the day is built around swimming and snorkeling. If you forget key items, it’s not like there’s a store nearby to bail you out.

Bring:

• Swimwear, plus comfortable clothes for boat time between swims
• A towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• A camera (good light can happen fast)
• Snorkeling gear (you’re expected to bring your own)
• Weather-appropriate clothing in case conditions shift

One more practical thought: wear gear that dries quickly. You’ll be moving between water and boat shade, and wet clothes plus sun can feel like a long afternoon.

If weather changes, the captain keeps it safe

The tour can adjust if weather turns. If conditions are unsafe, the operator reserves the right to cancel with a full refund. If conditions allow but parts of the route need a change due to wind or rain, you’ll be informed in advance when possible.

During the tour, changes are communicated by the captain and are usually agreed on the spot to keep things safe and enjoyable. So go in with a flexible mindset. This isn’t a rigid plan trapped inside a spreadsheet.

Should you book the Lovran/Opatija swimming trip with BBQ?

Book it if you want a true water day. You like swimming, you want multiple chances to get in, and you’re happy trading lots of dry-land sightseeing for clear-water time and a boat-prepared lunch.

Skip it if:

• You rarely swim or you hate being in the sun for long stretches
• You’re prone to seasickness
• You want a traditional sightseeing schedule with long walks and built-in viewing stops

My honest take: this is a strong choice when your main goal is Cres Island swimming, a good meal without planning, and a cave stop that actually ties into the water experience. If that sounds like your kind of day, you’ll have a memorable one.

FAQ

What time does the tour start from Opatija?

The tour departs from Opatija at 8:20 AM.

What time does the tour start from Lovran?

The tour departs from Lovran at 9:00 AM.

How long is the boat ride across Kvarner Bay?

The ride across Kvarner Bay takes about 1.5 hours.

Where is the first swim stop, and how long is it?

The first stop is Smrdeća Beach, where you get about a 2-hour swimming break.

Where is the BBQ lunch served?

The BBQ lunch is grilled onboard during the first swim break.

What is included in the lunch and drinks?

Included lunch is BBQ with fish, meat, or vegetarian options, plus salad and bread. Drinks onboard include sparkling water, still water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, apple juice, orange juice, and wine.

Is seasonal fruit included?

Yes, seasonal fruit is served in the afternoon.

Is there snorkeling time, and do I need to bring gear?

Yes, there are snorkeling opportunities at the swim stops. You should bring your snorkeling gear.

Can non-swimmers join the tour?

The tour focuses on swimming, but life jackets are available upon request for non-swimmers.

What happens if weather is unfavorable?

If weather is unfavorable, the operator can cancel the tour with a full refund. If adjustments are needed but the tour can proceed, you will be informed in advance when possible and the captain will communicate changes during the tour.