A futuristic UFO boat on the Adriatic sounds silly. Then it turns into a seriously fun day on Croatia’s Elaphite Islands. You get a private feel, drinks on board, and a crew that helps you make the most of three islands without a complicated plan.

I like that the day is built around real swimming and island time, not just “look from the water” sightseeing. I also like the snorkeling setup and the simple vibe: pick music, hop in when you want, and let the crew guide the best spots. The main drawback is the price: at $2,601.99 per group (up to 14), this is best value when you fill the boat and keep lunch plans flexible.

Key things to know before you go

• A private UFO BOAT experience for up to 14 people, so you aren’t sharing space with strangers
• Kolocep, Lopud, and Šipan as the core island trio, with a Blue Cave focus at Kolocep
• Snorkeling gear and life jackets for adults and children are included
• Drinks are part of the deal, including wine, beer, and grappa for age 18+
• No lunch or towels included, so plan what you’ll eat and bring what you need

Why the UFO BOAT feels different off Dubrovnik’s harbor

This tour is for people who want their Dubrovnik day to feel like a vacation, not a schedule. The boat’s whole “UFO” thing isn’t just a gimmick. It’s the kind of vessel that makes the ride part of the fun: music, sea air, sun on your shoulders, and the feeling that you’re heading somewhere cooler than the main harbor lanes.

The practical win is that you’re private. That means you’re not getting squeezed into a crowded fast-boat rhythm. Your crew can steer the pace a bit based on what your group wants—swimming first, photos first, or slow cruising with drinks in hand.

I also like how the day is set up around “do something” moments. You’re not just watching from a deck. At Kolocep, you’re set up to snorkel, and the islands are chosen for beaches, bays, and coves where getting in the water actually makes sense.

One more thing: the tour clearly leans into the party-and-celebration crowd. Bachelor, bachelorette, birthdays, team building, families—this is the sort of day where people naturally bring their own vibe and then the crew helps it work at sea.

Kolocep Island: caves, canyons, and the Blue Cave stop

Kolocep is where the day gets its “wait, wow” factor. The plan centers on the island’s caves and canyons, including the most famous Blue Cave. Even if you’re not the type to chase every famous landmark, this stop is worth it because it’s one of the few places where the water itself is the show.

You’ll get about 2 hours here, which is enough time to do the essentials:

• Swim and snorkel using the gear on board
• Jump off rocks if the crew guides it and conditions allow
• Take photos with the island’s dramatic coastline in the background

Kolocep also feels like the “adventure” piece of the trip. The caves and canyons are closer to the action than the calmer beach stops that come later. That matters because snorkeling without a plan can turn into drifting around. Here, you have a clear reason to get in and look around.

Possible consideration: with only around two hours, you’ll want to decide early if you’re doing snorkeling seriously or mostly enjoying the scenery. If your group splits—some snorkel hard, some take photos—this stop can feel a bit like time is “going fast.” That’s not a bad thing. Just manage expectations.

Lopud Island’s Šunj Beach and the Sutvrac viewpoint walk

Lopud is the island break where the vibe softens. It’s the second-largest of the Elaphite Islands and known for being car-free and lush, which makes it feel calmer and easier to wander. Your stop includes access to the famous sandy beach of Šunj, located in a bay on the island’s southeast side.

You’ll also get time in/near the main settlement, where there’s a promenade with restaurants and coffee options. If your group wants lunch ashore, this is the logical place to do it, and the experience allows you to reserve lunch at a good restaurant on the island.

Then there’s Fortress Sutvrac, which gives you payoff for a bit of walking. The walk is about 15–20 minutes from Lopud, and from there you get a view over Lopud Bay. It’s a small hike, but it turns a beach-and-swim day into a “we did one memorable viewpoint” day.

What I like most about Lopud is that it balances swim time and land time. You’re not forced to treat it like a museum stop. You can lounge at Šunj, then take a stroll, then circle back for another swim if you want.

Possible consideration: you’ll likely want shoes you don’t mind getting a little rough. This isn’t a big city walk, but you are moving around on island paths.

Šipan (Suura): quiet bays, island palaces, and a calmer sea

The third stop shifts the focus to quiet. Your time on Šipan includes Suura, described as a small, uncrowded settlement with a slower pace. This is where you stop feeling like you’re “touring” and start feeling like you’re hanging out on a real island.

Expect beautiful beaches and bays with crystal-clear water, plus a food scene that’s centered on sea specialties with olive oil and local wine. You also have a sense of older island life here. The island’s past leisure days for wealthy families from Dubrovnik left behind major residences and palaces, and Suura includes fortress-like buildings around the central square.

The practical reason Šipan works in a private tour is that you get room to breathe. After Kolocep’s cave energy and Lopud’s beach atmosphere, Suura is the reset: fewer crowds, quieter water, and a chance to swim without feeling like you’re constantly watching the clock.

Possible consideration: if your group is mainly focused on active snorkeling, Šipan can feel more “relax and swim” than “hunt the reef.” That can be a win if you want calm, but it’s good to know.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and what you should pack

This is one of those tours where the included items matter because they reduce friction. You get:

• Alcoholic beverages: wine, beer, grappa (with age 18+)
• Bottled water and soft drinks (like Coca-Cola and iced tea)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jackets for adults and children
• Fuel and fees included in the price
• A fridge on board, so you can bring your own drinks for free

To keep the day comfortable, I’d pack like you’re planning a full beach day. That means sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a swimsuit that can handle repeated sea dips. Also plan for towels, since towels are not included.

If you’re bringing your own snacks or drinks, coolers and messy food aren’t mentioned in the info, so keep it simple. The key is that the fridge is available, which tells me the crew expects you to use it.

One more practical tip: the tour is set up with music as part of the experience. If your group has a “we’re in vacation mode” playlist, bring it ready. It’s small, but it changes the feel of the cruise.

Price and value: $2,601.99 per group up to 14

The price is the biggest question mark for most people. Here’s how I’d think about value.

At $2,601.99 per group (up to 14) for about 8 hours, you’re paying for a private boat day, not a per-person ticket on a shared tour. That makes the math depend on headcount:

• With a full group, the cost per person becomes much more reasonable.
• If you’re booking with only a couple people, it becomes a splurge.

So the “good value” scenario is easy to identify: families with cousins, a group of friends, party groups that actually fill the boat, or anyone who wants a private sailing day without strangers onboard.

Also remember what’s included. This isn’t just transportation. You’re also getting snorkeling gear, life jackets, and a meaningful drink selection. And the itinerary gives you three distinct island experiences—caves and snorkeling at Kolocep, beach and a viewpoint walk at Lopud, then quieter island time at Šipan.

About food: lunch isn’t included in the provided details, and towels are not provided. Still, you can reserve lunch on Lopud if you want a restaurant meal. Because some groups end up with a more food-included day depending on how it’s handled, I’d treat lunch as “plan it, don’t assume it.”

Timing your day: when the cruise actually runs

This activity is available 04/01/2025 to 11/12/2025, and the operating window is 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday through Sunday). That matters because it helps you plan the rest of Dubrovnik around sea time.

If you want the best balance of sun and comfort, I’d aim for a mid-day start rather than the earliest slot—especially in summer—so you’re not rushing breakfast and transfers just to get on the water.

Pickup is offered, and the tour includes private transportation. That’s a real value add in Dubrovnik, where getting around can be time-consuming in peak hours. Near public transportation is also listed, which can help if your plans change.

Who should book this UFO BOAT Elaphite Islands private tour

This is a strong fit if you want any of these:

• A private day on the water for up to 14 people
• Families who want swimming with life jackets provided
• Groups that enjoy a mix of cruising, beach time, and a bit of sightseeing
• People celebrating a birthday, bachelorette, bachelor, or team-building day
• Visitors who want to cover three islands without hopping between multiple activities all day

It’s also good for people who like their day run with low stress. The crew provides advice on where to go and what to do, and your job is basically to pick music and enjoy the sea.

If you’re a hard-core “we must see everything on land” traveler, you might find the island land time more limited than a walking tour. But if you’re here for coastlines, swimming, and the Elaphite Islands vibe, this is built for you.

Should you book? My take on the decision

I’d book this UFO BOAT Elaphite Islands tour if you’re the type of traveler who values private time, water time, and a crew that helps you actually enjoy the day. The combination of snorkeling gear, drinks onboard, and three island stops hits a sweet spot for most Dubrovnik visitors who want more than city walls.

Skip it—or at least reconsider—if you’re paying for only a few people in a group and you want lunch fully handled without planning. The tour’s value improves a lot when your group fills the boat, and you’ll want to bring towels and plan food.

If you want a Dubrovnik day that feels like you’re living on island time for a few hours, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

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

The tour runs for about 8 hours.

What does the tour cost and how many people can it take?

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

Is pickup or transportation included?

Pickup is offered, and private transportation is included.

Which islands are visited during the tour?

The stops are Kolocep Island, Lopud Island, and Šipan (Suura).

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and life jackets are provided for adults and children.

Are alcoholic drinks included on board?

Yes. The tour includes alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and grappa for age 18 and above, plus bottled water and soft drinks.

Is lunch included, and do we get towels?

Lunch is not included, and towels are not provided. You can reserve lunch at a restaurant on Lopud if you want.

When does this tour operate?

It operates from 04/01/2025 to 11/12/2025, Monday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before the start time does not get refunded.