Private tours to Elaphite Islands by UFO BOAT

Dubrovnik’s most unusual boat outing trades a standard day cruise for a futuristic UFO boat and a private route through three Elaphite Islands. I like the freedom to choose your music and pace, and I like that the crew can help arrange lunch rather than forcing you into a fixed meal plan. The main catch is the price: $2,601.99 per group, so this makes much more sense for a full group of friends or family than for two people.

The eight-hour plan gives you real time at Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, not just a quick pass by each island. Snorkeling gear, fuel, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are included, but lunch and towels are not. Bring a towel, confirm pickup details, and remember that this is a boat party with island stops, not a guided walking tour packed with historical commentary.

Key points to know before you book

• Three very different island stops: Swim and explore caves at Kolocep, visit Sunj Beach on Lopud, then slow down in the quiet settlement of Sudurad on Sipan.
• A private boat for up to 14 people: Your group does not share the vessel with strangers, which matters for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, families, and team outings.
• Drinks are included: Expect bottled water, Coca-Cola, iced tea, beer, wine, and grappa, with a refrigerator available for drinks you bring yourself.
• The Blue Cave is part of the plan: Kolocep is the main swimming and snorkeling stop, with the crew guiding you around caves, bays, and possible rock-jumping spots.
• Lunch is separate: The crew can reserve a restaurant on Lopud, but food is not provided on board.
• Strong service is part of the appeal: The crew members Nikola and Suzana are specifically named in the available tour information, along with praise for careful organization and friendly help.

Why the UFO boat works for a private Dubrovnik day

The boat itself is the first attraction. Its futuristic design gives the day a playful, party-ready feel, while the private setup keeps the outing personal. You can play your own music, bring additional drinks, and spend the day with only your chosen group.

That privacy is worth more than it may seem. A shared boat often means fixed seating, a fixed speaker system, and little say over how long you stop. Here, the crew offers advice, but your group can shape the day around swimming, sun, photos, lunch, or simply cruising between islands.

The capacity is up to 14 people. At the full limit, the listed price works out to about $186 per person before any separate lunch cost. That is still a serious day-trip expense, but it becomes easier to justify when split among a large group. For a smaller party, compare the total cost with a regular island excursion before booking.

I especially like the mix of supplies. You get water, soft drinks, beer, wine, grappa, fuel, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment. You can also bring your own drinks and keep them in the boat’s refrigerator. That removes several small costs and lets you keep the day casual.

Food is the clear omission. The boat does not provide lunch, so plan to eat at Lopud or another agreed stop. If you want a restaurant meal, ask the crew to reserve one in advance. The available information mentions a good lunch experience and fresh food prepared on site in connection with the operator, but this specific tour says lunch is not included, so do not assume a meal comes with your booking.

Kolocep and the Blue Cave, about two hours

Kolocep is the first planned stop, and it sets the tone for the day. The island is known for caves, narrow rock formations, small bays, and the Blue Cave. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, so this is your best chance to get in the water early and make use of it.

The crew can guide you toward swimming spots and may help with rock jumping. That last activity needs common sense. The information says you can jump with guidance from a crew member, but you should still check the water and follow instructions rather than treating every rock ledge as a safe platform.

Two hours is a useful amount of time here. You can swim without feeling rushed, take photos, and look around the caves before moving on. It also means you should not expect a long walk across the island. This stop is about the coast and the water.

Kolocep works well for active groups. Children and less confident swimmers have life jackets available, including child sizes, but parents should still supervise closely. Alcohol is included for people aged 18 and over, yet it is wise to wait until after swimming and rock activities before drinking.

The Blue Cave is a photo stop as much as a swimming stop. Bring a phone or camera that can handle water, since the most memorable views are close to the sea. Towels are not supplied, so pack one for every person. That is an easy detail to miss and an annoying one to discover after your first swim.

Lopud, Sunj Beach, and three hours to slow down

Lopud gets the longest single stop, about three hours. That makes sense because it offers more ways to spend your time than Kolocep. You can visit Sunj, the island’s well-known sandy beach, eat lunch, walk the waterfront, or explore the main settlement.

Sunj sits in a bay on the southeast side of Lopud. A sandy beach is a welcome change after rocky swimming areas, especially for families or anyone who wants an easy break from the boat. Do not read the three-hour stop as three hours of beach time for everyone. Your group can decide how much time goes to lunch, a walk, a coffee, or swimming.

The settlement of Lopud is on the island’s northwestern side. It has a seaside promenade with restaurants and coffee bars, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and get off the boat. The island is car-free and green, which helps the stop feel slower than Dubrovnik’s busy harbor area.

If you want a view, the ruins of Fortress Sutvrac are about a 15 to 20 minute walk from Lopud. The fortress overlooks Lopud Bay, but the walk and visit will take a portion of your stop. You cannot comfortably combine a long lunch, a full beach session, and every sight on the island, so choose one main goal.

I would use Lopud as the meal stop if your group wants a proper lunch. Ask the crew to arrange the reservation before the tour day. Since lunch is not included, you control the cost and the amount of time spent at the restaurant. That flexibility is useful, but it also means you need to make a decision instead of expecting the crew to feed everyone automatically.

Lopud is probably the most broadly appealing stop. Sunj suits swimmers and families, the promenade suits people who want refreshments, and the fortress gives walkers a short cultural detour. The drawback is that a popular beach can feel less private than Kolocep or Sudurad. If your main goal is quiet water and empty coves, save your best hopes for the later stop on Sipan.

Sudurad on Sipan, a quieter final stop

The day ends at Sudurad, a small settlement on Sipan. The planned stay is about three hours, so this is more than a quick photo stop. You have time to enjoy the calm waterfront, swim in a nearby bay, or eat and drink at a relaxed pace.

Sipan has a slower character than Dubrovnik. Sudurad is described as quiet and uncrowded, with clear water, beaches, and small bays. The area also has a strong connection to Dubrovnik’s past, with summer residences and palaces built for wealthy families from the city.

Two fortified buildings sit around the central square in Sudurad. Their construction gives the settlement a sense of place without requiring a long museum visit. If your group likes old stone buildings and small island communities, this is the most atmospheric stop of the three.

Sipan is also associated with seafood, olive oil, and local wine. The tour includes wine, beer, and grappa, but do not confuse the included drinks with a full food tasting. Food is still your responsibility, and the exact meal arrangements depend on what you and the crew agree to.

This stop suits people who want the day to finish gently rather than with another busy beach. You can sit by the water, take a final swim, and enjoy the change from Dubrovnik’s urban setting. The possible drawback is simple: if your group wants nonstop activity, three hours in a quiet settlement may feel long. Tell the crew what pace you want at the start.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew’s role is more than steering the boat. They help decide where to go, suggest beaches and caves, guide swimming and rock-jumping activities, and can help with a lunch reservation. That matters because sea conditions, group energy, and lunch timing can change the best plan.

The service details supplied for the experience include Nikola and Suzana, who are praised for being friendly and helpful on a fast-boat outing. The wider operator is Marinero excursions and transfers. Since crew assignments can change, treat those names as useful context rather than a guarantee that both will be on your boat.

Good organization is another practical benefit. Pickup is offered, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. The listed operating hours are daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the stated 2025 operating period. Because the meeting-point details are not fully spelled out, confirm the pickup location and departure time after booking.

The tour has earned a reputation for careful communication and smooth transfers. That is valuable in Dubrovnik, where a private boat day involves more than showing up at a dock. Still, ask direct questions before departure: Where is pickup? Which island gets the longest stay? Is lunch being reserved? What should you bring for children? Clear answers will make the day easier.

Drinks, swimming gear, and what to pack

Included drinks make this feel more like a private social outing than a bare transportation service. You receive bottled water, soda, beer, wine, and grappa. Guests aged 18 and older may drink alcohol, according to the tour information.

You may also bring your own drinks. The boat has a refrigerator, so your group can pack a favorite bottle or extra nonalcoholic options. Food is not provided, so bring snacks if you do not want to wait for lunch on Lopud.

The boat supplies snorkeling equipment and life jackets for adults and children. Towels are not included. Your practical packing list should include:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sun protection
• A phone or camera
• Dry clothes for the ride home
• Snacks if needed
• Any special drinks your group wants

The listing does not specify a particular clothing or footwear rule, so avoid assuming that every onboard comfort is covered. Ask about anything important to your group before departure.

Who should book this private island day

This is a strong match for a group that values privacy, music, swimming, and flexible timing. It works especially well for birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette groups, family celebrations, team-building days, and groups of friends who want the boat to themselves.

Families can benefit from the child life jackets and the choice of sandy Sunj Beach, quieter bays, and a relaxed island settlement. Parents should remember that swimming, boat movement, alcohol, and rock jumping require active supervision.

Couples or small groups may find the price harder to defend. The cost is per group rather than per person, so the value improves sharply as your party gets larger. If you want a low-cost way to see the Elaphites, a shared ferry or group excursion will likely be a better fit, though it will not offer the same control or privacy.

This is also not the right choice if you want a formal history tour. You will see Lopud’s fortress, churches, and Sipan’s old buildings, but the main focus is the sea, beaches, caves, drinks, and time with your own group.

Booking, cancellation, and value

The listed price is $2,601.99 for up to 14 people. At full capacity, that is about $186 per person. With drinks, fuel, private transportation, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and taxes included, the cost covers more than just a boat ride. Lunch remains extra, and towels are extra in the sense that you must provide your own.

The price is easiest to justify when you fill most of the seats. A group of 10 to 14 people gets privacy, a full-day route, and the ability to set its own mood. A group of four pays a much higher effective rate, so compare it with other private boat choices around Dubrovnik.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Should you book the UFO boat?

Book it if your priority is a private, social day on the water with three island settings, plenty of swimming time, included drinks, and a crew that helps shape the route. The Blue Cave at Kolocep, sandy Sunj Beach, and quiet Sudurad give the day enough variety to keep it from feeling repetitive.

Think twice if your group is small, your budget is tight, or you want lunch and towels included. You should also skip it if you prefer a formal guided tour with detailed commentary at every stop.

For a full group that wants music, photos, swimming, drinks, and a little ceremony around the boat itself, this is a persuasive Dubrovnik day out. Pack a towel, reserve lunch if wanted, confirm pickup, and let the crew know whether your group prefers active stops or a slower pace.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The tour starts in Dubrovnik and visits Kolocep Island, Lopud Island, and Sudurad on Sipan Island. It ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The private boat experience lasts approximately eight hours. The planned stops are about two hours at Kolocep, three hours at Lopud, and three hours at Sudurad.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to 14 people. Only your group participates in the activity.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered. The supplied information does not give a specific pickup address, so confirm the meeting and pickup details after booking.

Is lunch included?

No. Food is not provided on board. The crew can make a lunch reservation at a restaurant on Lopud if you request it.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, Coca-Cola, iced tea, beer, wine, and grappa are included. You may also bring your own drinks, and a refrigerator is available on the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the tour.

Are life jackets available for children?

Yes. Life jackets are provided for both adults and children.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towels.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.