Private tours to Elaphite Islands by UFO BOAT

A UFO boat makes Dubrovnik feel like a movie.

This private Elaphite Islands cruise is built around a futuristic boat vibe, plus an easy, human crew who steer you toward the best swimming and sight stops. Two things I really like are the chance to snorkel with included gear and the fact that you control the energy by choosing your music on board. The one thing to consider is practical, not emotional, lunch is not listed as included, and you will want a plan for a towel situation.

The day is also priced for a private group, up to 14 people, so it can be an amazing value if you fill the boat. If you are a smaller group, the total cost per person climbs fast, even though drinks and sailing time are included. Still, the overall setup, including pickup and the crew’s hands-on help, is exactly what makes this feel like a stress-free, do-nothing kind of day at sea.

Key highlights before you go

• Private boat for up to 14 so you do not get squeezed into a crowded tour feel
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets included, for calmer, safer water time
• Kolocep first, with caves and the Blue Cave area as the headliner
• Lopud’s Sunj beach plus Sutvrac views, good mix of swim and short walking
• Unlimited-style drinks on board, including wine, beer, and grappa
• Crew-led fun, with help for jumping in and advice on where to go

A UFO boat and the Elaphites: why this combo works

Dubrovnik gets a lot of attention for its walls and old streets. This is a different angle. You trade the postcard city view for open water, island beaches, and that slow coastal rhythm the Adriatic does so well.

What makes this tour work is that it is not just a boat ride. The experience is structured around three islands, with time to actually swim, snorkel, and hop off to explore at least a little. The boat itself is the hook. Even if you ignore the sci-fi marketing, it is the kind of modern, comfortable setup where you quickly stop thinking about logistics and start thinking about photos, music, and when you want to jump in.

The other big reason people love it is the service style. The crew is repeatedly singled out for being friendly and attentive, with practical guidance when you are in the water. You may even meet team members like Laura in Old Town, and you might sail with staff such as Nikola or Suzana, based on names that show up in past trip feedback.

The 8-hour flow: Kolocep, Lopud, then Suđurad

The full itinerary is about 8 hours, and it moves in a logical order for sea time and island variety. Stop times are built in, around 2 hours on Kolocep, then 3 hours on Lopud, then 3 hours on Suđurad. That pacing matters. It is long enough to enjoy swimming and photos, but not so long that you feel stuck on a single island all day.

Between stops, you are on the water with included drinks and a lively but not chaotic atmosphere. Because it is private, you are not forced to follow a strict crowd timeline. You can linger at the rail to watch the coastline slide by, then break for your swim break without feeling like you are holding up 40 other people.

One smart note: admissions are listed as free for these stops, so your spending is mostly about what you choose to do for lunch and any snacks you bring yourself.

Kolocep Island: caves, the Blue Cave area, and snorkeling time

Kolocep is the dramatic opener. The plan starts here because this island is known for caves and canyons, including the famous Blue Cave area. The scenery is the point, but the tour makes it more than look-only.

You get snorkeling equipment included, and the crew is there with guidance. That is important on islands like these, because conditions can vary and you want to feel confident about where to swim and how to handle jumping in safely. You can also jump off rocks with crew assistance, which is great if you want a little adrenaline, but still want someone nearby to keep it sensible.

Timing is generous enough to do more than one water moment. Two hours can sound short, but on Kolocep it typically feels right because you spend part of it in the water and part of it just soaking up the view and getting your bearings for photos.

What to watch for: this stop is water-focused. If you are prone to getting cold easily, bring a plan for afterward since towels are not included.

Lopud Island: Sunj beach, car-free strolls, and Sutvrac

Lopud is where the day shifts from cave drama to easy island relaxation. This is the second-largest Elaphite Island, and the tour prioritizes a classic beach experience: Sunj Beach in a sheltered bay on the southeast side of Lopud.

You also get time to enjoy the main settlement area, which sits in a bay on the northwest side. That is where you will find a seaside promenade with restaurants and coffee bars, plus a more walkable, village-like atmosphere than the cave island.

If you want a simple lunch plan, the operator says they can make a reservation at a good restaurant on the island if you want. That is helpful because Lopud can be popular in summer, and having someone else handle the timing makes the island feel smoother.

For a bit of “stretch your legs” time, there is the ruins of Fortress Sutvrac. It is about a 15 to 20 minute walk from Lopud. Even if you do not hike far, the payoff is the view over Lopud Bay. It is one of those mini-experiences that turns a beach day into a more complete island day.

The one downside to consider is that Lopud is car-free, which is charming, but it also means you will rely on walking to get around. With the time given, you can do the highlights without overcommitting.

Suđurad on Šipan: quiet bays, slow island life, and sea specialties

The last stop is Suđurad, described as a quiet, uncrowded settlement on the island (listed as ipan). This is the “slow down” portion of the day, with beaches, bays, and clear water where the vibe feels more like a real island home than a stop on a checklist.

The tour highlights that the sea is clear and the food is excellent, especially sea specialties seasoned with olive oil and paired with local wine. In other words, this is where you can shift from swim mode to meal mode, depending on what you bring or what you choose to buy or reserve.

This stop also includes some cultural texture. The area is said to have kept the spirit of the past, once popular with wealthy families from Dubrovnik, and you can find magnificent summer residences and palaces. Two adorned buildings are mentioned in the central square, plus fortress-like construction.

With 3 hours here, you can do a mix: swim in the bays, take a slow walk, and decide whether you want to stay out on the water or switch to land time and enjoy the settlement atmosphere.

On board vibe: music control, drinks, and real comfort for families

The “UFO” part is fun, but the practical part is what keeps this from becoming a gimmick. The boat is set up for a private party at sea, and the operator leans into it with guest choice. Your “job” is basically to pick your favorite music and have fun.

Then the crew handles the rest: advice on where to go, help when you want to swim or jump, and a steady rhythm between islands. That customer-care style is one of the most praised aspects from past experiences tied to this operator, with names like Nikola and Suzana showing up as examples of helpful, friendly staff.

Drinks are another big part of why it feels like value. Alcohol is included, and the list includes wine, beer, and grappa. Bottled water and sodas like Coca-Cola and iced tea are also included. There is also a fridge on board, and the policy is that you can bring your own drinks free of charge.

One caution: alcohol is allowed only for age 18 and above, so if you have mixed-age friends or families, you will want to plan accordingly.

Life jackets are included for adults and children, which is a big comfort factor if you are sailing with kids. Just remember, towels are not included, so plan to bring your own quick-dry towel or buy one locally.

Price and value: what $2,601.99 per group really means

The listed price is $2,601.99 per group, for up to 14 people. That is a wide group size range, and the value depends on how full your boat ends up being.

If you book for a group close to 14, the math gets friendly fast because the tour includes things that can add up elsewhere: fuel and fees, private transportation, drinks (wine, beer, grappa plus water and soda), plus snorkeling equipment and life jackets. You are also paying for time across multiple islands, not just one beach stop.

If you have a smaller group, the per-person cost rises. In that case, it can still be worth it if you care about privacy, comfort, and not sharing your boat day with strangers. Also, the private format matters on water days. You move at your pace and you get more direct help from the crew.

The other value lever is that you are not paying separately for admission at the island stops, which is noted as free for each stop.

My practical advice: if you are deciding between this and a shared tour, compare what you will actually value. If your priority is a calmer boat day, included drinks, and real swim time, a private group can beat the cheaper option in how it feels.

Practical tips for your sea day (so nothing annoys you)

Here is what I would plan around, based on how this tour is designed.

Bring these

• A towel, since they are not included
• Swimwear and a quick-change layer for after snorkeling
• Your camera, because these islands are made for photos, especially Kolocep’s cave country and Lopud’s bay views
• Sunscreen and sun protection, because you will spend long stretches outdoors on the water

Plan your lunch

Lunch is listed as not included. That means you will likely eat on your own or take the option to reserve a restaurant on Lopud if you want one. The tour can help with reservations for lunch on Lopud, which is useful if you want one simple plan instead of guessing when you get there.

Think about drinks

Wine and other alcohol are included, and you can also bring your own drinks with a fridge on board. If you are traveling with people who do not drink, the included soda and water are there, but you might still want to bring extras you like.

Expect potential wildlife

There is a bonus factor that has shown up in past experiences tied to this operator: dolphins. You might see them, and if you do, it is one of those moments that makes the day feel even more special without any extra cost.

Who this private UFO boat tour suits best

This is a great fit if you want a relaxed day without the stress of coordinating a bunch of moving pieces yourself. You get a curated island route, included snorkeling gear, a crew that helps with the water moments, and the private boat feel that makes parties, families, and small friend groups enjoy the day more.

It also fits special occasions. The operator specifically positions the tour for bachelor, bachelorette, birthdays, team building, and group celebrations, and the music-first approach makes it easy to set the mood.

If you are traveling solo and you want a bargain, this is not really the cheapest option. It is designed for groups who want privacy and included extras.

Should you book this Elaphite UFO boat day from Dubrovnik?

If you like the idea of multiple island stops with real swim time, and you want that private, crew-supported experience instead of chasing a schedule with strangers, I would book it. The value improves a lot when your group fills the boat, and the included snorkeling equipment and drinks make it feel like more than just transportation.

Do it only if you can handle one tradeoff: lunch is not included, and you are responsible for towels. If that is easy for you to plan around, this tour has a strong mix of caves, beaches, and slow island atmosphere, plus a service style that consistently gets people smiling.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphite Islands private tour by UFO BOAT?

The duration is listed as approximately 8 hours.

What is the price and group size for the private boat?

The price is $2,601.99 per group, for up to 14 people.

What does the tour include for swimming and safety?

You get use of snorkeling equipment and life jackets for both adults and children.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, and grappa are included, along with bottled water and soda/pop options. Alcohol is allowed only for ages 18 and above.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not provided on board, though the operator notes they can make a lunch reservation on Lopud if you want.

Can I cancel if plans change?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and changes within 24 hours are not accepted.