Written by Nancy.
Boat tour around Rovinj, Croatia
Boat tours are really not my thing. I am not a fan of being sea sick. But we got an offer we couldn’t refuse. The boat toured through some of the islands of Rovinj, included lunch and snacks, several swimming stops, and Pirate Cave.
The view of Rovinj from the sea is extraordinary! This alone made the trip worth it!
The old town of Rovinj was originally built on an island, then in 1763, the channel between the island and the mainland was filled in.
We had a beautiful sunny day with calm seas. And I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
The above photo shows the other side of Rovinj, with a great view of St. Euphemia Cathedral.
Some island views. In the distance, you can see a lighthouse near the island on the left.
We had a stop at St. Katarina island. The captain of the boat told us about a place where cliff jumping could be done.
I couldn’t resist the view from St. Katarina island toward Rovinj.
There is a nice brick path that goes all the way around the island. We walked in search of the cliffs.
Dave examines the cliff jump off spot.
I walked around to the other side to take some pictures, because Summer was getting ready to jump in!
She jumped off the cliff two times! You go girl!
After the fun and excitement of that adventure, we walked the rest of the way around the island. Summer couldn’t stop talking about the adrenaline rush from those jumps.
Then it was time to get back on the boat and head to our next location for lunch.
During the boat ride to our lunch location, they were grilling fish and meat on the boat. The seagulls started circling, which was very entertaining to Luie.
In case you are wondering about the fish. They are sardines from a fresh local catch. We were instructed to eat the middle section, then throw the head, spine, and tail into the sea. And the seagulls were more then happy to take care of the rest.
Dave was the first one to sample a sardine. We estimate that he ate about 16 in total. Summer only ate bread for lunch. She was not excited about the meat and fish. The look on her face says it all.
I have never had sardines before and was a bit apprehensive. But I went for it. It was not a bad salty little fish. But I really do not like all the little fish bones. Two was my limit.
Luie, was not ready to eat one. But he did have fun posing for this picture.
We had some entertainment on board. You can see him in the back playing the accordion. He also sang some traditional Croatian songs. And he pointed out landmarks as well. During our trip he translated everything into at least 5 different languages. I am always so impressed by that.
The stop at Pirate’s Cave was not as exciting as Luie was hoping, but they had fun climbing up to the crows nest.
It turned out the be a great day. We spent 6 hours on our tour and finished tired and happy.
For other things to do in Rovinj, visit frankaboutcroatia.com.
I’m with you Summer about sardines, although grandpa likes them but has never had them fresh, only out of a can. What a fun day! That cliff was pretty high. The kids used to like to jump off a cliff in the boundary waters when we went canoe camping.
It was a great day! We made some memories that will last a long time. But I think we have had enough sardines to last us a long time.
It was kind of scary at the start of the fall. But it was really fun. The water was amazing and so clear!
It’s funny how your mind can affect what you like to eat. When I was a kid and spent weekends with my Grandma, she often used to have canned sardines with buttered saltine crackers for ‘lunch’ in the evening, as they say in Minnesota, because my uncle Dale loved them. I liked them OK then, but when my brother Dan gave me a can to try fairly recently, because they’re so good for you, I found that I could not eat them anymore. Summer, the shots of you cliff jumping were great! You have had some amazing adventures.
Susan, that is a great story. Isn’t it interesting how our memories are so linked to food. I am glad we tried the sardines, but I don’t think we will be trying them again. Dave and I kept telling each other to think of all the good fats and omega 3’s we were getting.
Haha, yeah there was no way that I was going to be able to eat a sardine! My parents kept joking that i was crazy because I’d jumped off a cliff and yet I wouldn’t eat a fish.
Wow was Summer the only one to jump? Looks like it was really high! 🙂 I loved her face watching Dave eat them. I think I’d be with her and only eat the bread. 🙂 I’m so not a fish person, and like Susan it was from childhood! Gag! Loved that Luie posed for it though even though he didn’t eat them. Brave little guy! He seemed pretty happy about it.
Yes, Summer was the only one to jump off the cliff! Luie wants me to say that he really did not want to eat any sardines. But he is a good sport.
Hello,
please, do you know the name of the boat or agency you made this trip with?
Thank you very much!
Jarka
Hi Jarka, Thanks for the question. I should have included that information. Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the tour company. But I did look up and email a contact that should know the information. As soon as I hear back from him, I will let you know. Enjoy your time in beautiful Croatia!
Hello again Jarka,
The name of the ship- “Otac i Sinovi” in Croatian, which is “Father and Sons” in English.
The ship is anchored in Valdibora in Rovinj, that’s the big port, for larger vessels, next to the city parking lot.
The company is also called “Otac i Sinovi”, since it’s a family business. The owner’s name is Duje.
For contact info, you can contact Filip Cesar at: 00385 99 8305 309 or email: filip.cesar.ceki@gmail.com
He can also advise you on a good place to park.
P.S. The excursion is only available from June until September.
Thanks for your question. Hope this helps and hope that you enjoy a beautiful boat tour around Rovinj!
Dear Nancy,
thank you very much for your time and your help, you are great!
I´m going to contact Filip. Thank you once more.
Best regards!
Jarka
You are very welcome Jarka! I am glad I could help. 😉
Rovinj is one of those places you fall in love with at first sight. It’s one of those places that just feels right. You can just walk its cobbled streets, get lost within the old town, have a glass of wine by the sea, watch the world go by, and feel good. Visit to Red Island and St. Catherine’s Island is a great way to spend a day out and one of the top things to do in Rovinj. The views from the sea over the old town are amazing.
Great blog. Haha, sardines are the best possible fish to eat, but with special technic.