Private tours to Elaphite Islands by UFO BOAT

Koločep’s Blue Cave, Lopud’s sandy Šunj Beach, and the quiet settlement of Suđurađ make this private Elaphite Islands cruise far more than a ride along the coast. You get a full day at sea, with time to swim, snorkel, stop for lunch, and set the mood with your own music.

I like the freedom of a boat reserved for your group, and I like the practical extras: drinks, fuel, life jackets, snorkeling gear, and a fridge for your own beverages are included. The main catch is the price, $2,601.99 per group, so this makes the most sense when shared by a large party of up to 14.

Key points at a glance

• Three island stops: Visit Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan in one eight-hour outing.
• Blue Cave swimming: Koločep offers caves, canyons, snorkeling, and supervised rock jumping.
• Šunj Beach time: Lopud gives you the day’s clearest sandy-beach stop, plus cafés and restaurants.
• Private boat setting: Only your group takes part, with music and pacing shaped around your plans.
• Drinks included: Water, soda, wine, beer, and grappa are provided, and you may bring more.
• Lunch is separate: Food is not served on the boat, though the crew can arrange a restaurant reservation.

A private boat day with a little theatre

The UFO boat is designed to be part transportation and part event. Its futuristic shape gives the day a party feel before you even reach the islands, which suits birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette groups, team outings, and families wanting a private day on the water.

You are not locked into a large shared boat schedule. The crew can advise you on where to swim, which bays to visit, and how to use your time. You choose the music, bring additional drinks if you wish, and spend the day moving between sea stops and island walks.

The private format matters most for groups with different priorities. Some people can snorkel while others relax on board. You can spend longer at a favorite stop, although the three listed island visits already use most of the eight-hour schedule.

The boat holds up to 14 people. At the full capacity, the price works out to about $186 per person, before any optional lunch. For a small party, the same total becomes much harder to justify. Compare this with the cost of several separate boat seats, private transfers, drinks, and the time saved arranging island transport.

Koločep and the Blue Cave

Koločep is the first planned stop, with about two hours set aside for the island. The appeal here is the coast itself: caves, narrow rock formations, and small bays that are easier to reach by boat than on foot.

The Blue Cave is the headline attraction. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, so you can get into the water without arranging separate gear. Life jackets are supplied for adults and children, and a crew member can guide you if you want to jump from the rocks.

That last detail is useful, but you should still judge the water and your own comfort carefully. Rock jumping is optional, not the reason to book the outing. Koločep works just as well for a swim, a snorkel, or a quiet look into the caves from the boat.

Two hours is a sensible amount of time here. You get a proper swim without using so much of the day that Lopud and Šipan feel rushed. Bring a camera or phone in a waterproof case. The caves and boat-level views are among the strongest photo opportunities of the day.

Lopud, Šunj Beach, and a possible lunch stop

The second stop is Lopud, the second-largest of the Elaphite Islands. The focus is Šunj, the area’s best-known sandy beach, set in a bay on the island’s southeast side.

This is an important contrast with Koločep. Koločep is about rock, caves, and water access. Lopud gives you a more classic beach break, with sand underfoot and a longer pause for swimming or sunbathing. The planned stay is about three hours, making it the most relaxed stop on the route.

Lopud village sits around a bay on the northwest side. Its seaside promenade has restaurants and coffee bars, and the crew can arrange a lunch reservation at one of the island’s better restaurants if you ask. Lunch is not included, and no food is provided on the boat, so decide early if you want a sit-down meal.

You can also walk toward Fortress Sutvrac, around 15 to 20 minutes from Lopud village. The fortress offers a view over Lopud Bay, but fitting it in with beach time and lunch may require a choice. If your group wants a slow swim and a long meal, skip the fortress. If you prefer a short walk and a view, it adds useful variety.

Lopud is car-free and green, which makes it pleasant for a short wander. Do not expect a major sightseeing circuit in three hours. The value is in combining a beach, a village promenade, a meal, and an optional viewpoint without having to find your own ferry connection.

Suđurađ on Šipan

The final planned stop is Suđurađ, a quiet settlement on Šipan, the largest of the Elaphite Islands. The atmosphere here is slower and less built up than a busy resort. You come for a calm coastal pause, clear water, small bays, and local food centered on seafood, olive oil, and wine.

Suđurađ preserves a strong sense of its older island character. The central square has two particularly ornate fortified buildings, and Šipan is known for summer residences and palaces once used by wealthy Dubrovnik families.

The schedule allows about three hours, which gives you room to eat, swim, or walk around the settlement. Since the route offers lunch options on Lopud rather than onboard dining, you may want to use Suđurađ for a quieter stop and take your main meal earlier.

The best feature here is the change of pace. After Koločep’s caves and Lopud’s beach, Šipan lets you slow down. If your group prefers nonstop swimming and loud music, this may feel less exciting. If you want one part of the day that feels peaceful and local, it earns its place.

What is included on the boat

The package covers more than the ride itself:

• Bottled water
• Coca-Cola and iced tea
• Wine, beer, and grappa
• Snorkeling equipment
• Adult and child life jackets
• Private transportation
• Fuel
• Boat fridge
• All fees and taxes

You may bring your own drinks at no extra charge. That is a practical perk for a birthday group or family with specific preferences. Keep in mind that the supplied beverages are listed, but food is not.

Towels are also not included. Pack one for each person, along with swimwear, sun protection, and a dry bag for phones and cameras. The boat has a fridge, but the information provided does not specify any onboard changing area, so arrive ready for a day around the water.

Alcohol is allowed for people aged 18 and over. Because the day includes swimming, rock areas, and boat movement, sensible drinking is especially important. The crew can help with the route and safety, but you remain responsible for your group’s choices.

Why the private format changes the day

A shared excursion can be a good way to save money, but a private boat gives you control. You do not have to match a boatload of strangers who want a different kind of day. Your group can choose music, swim without a fixed public-tour crowd, and ask the crew for advice as the day develops.

This format is especially well suited to:

• Families with children and mixed swimming abilities
• Friends celebrating a birthday
• Bachelor and bachelorette groups
• Company team-building days
• Couples joining with a few friends
• Groups wanting a relaxed day rather than a packed sightseeing schedule

The tradeoff is cost. At $2,601.99, this is not a casual add-on for two people. It becomes better value with 10 to 14 people, when the per-person price falls to roughly $186 or less. You should also budget for lunch if you want a restaurant meal on Lopud or Šipan.

The boat’s party image may not suit everyone. The experience is built around music, drinks, swimming, and social time. If you want a quiet historical tour with long guided walks, this is not the right choice. The islands provide cultural interest, but the boat day is primarily about the sea.

Crew, transfers, and the small details

Pickup is offered, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. That removes one common Dubrovnik headache: working out how to reach a marina before an early boat departure and how to get back after a full day outside.

The crew is described as friendly, experienced, and ready to suggest beaches, caves, and bays. Staff names connected with the operator include Laura, Nikola, Suzana, and Captain Niko. One related half-day boat outing is associated with Captain Niko and Suzana, while Laura is linked with arranging tours in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, so confirm the exact crew and meeting details when you book.

The operation has also handled group transfers and restaurant arrangements. That matters because an island day can become awkward when one person has to manage taxis, ferry times, lunch calls, and boat fuel. Here, those practical jobs are part of the service or can be handled with the crew’s help.

The hours shown for the operating period are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily, from April 1 through November 12, 2025. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours and depends on availability. Most people can participate, and the boat is near public transportation.

What the day feels like in practice

Think of this as a flexible private party on the water with three planned anchors. Koločep supplies the caves and snorkeling. Lopud supplies the sandy beach, promenade, and lunch choice. Suđurađ supplies the quiet finish.

The crew’s role is important because the islands are not simply three identical swim stops. Good timing lets you enjoy each one without turning the day into a race. Ask at the start how long the boat will stay at each place and tell the crew if your group prefers more beach time, more swimming, or more walking.

You should also agree on the mood before departure. The included drinks and personal music make it easy for a party group to settle into a lively day, but a family group may want a calmer rhythm. Since this is your private booking, say so early.

Reports from the operator’s outings include fresh meals arranged or served on some trips, and even a dolphin sighting. Do not treat either as guaranteed here. Food is not included in this package, and wildlife sightings depend on luck. The reliable draw is the islands, the swimming stops, and the private boat.

Cancellation and booking advice

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and cut-off times use local Croatian time.

Before booking, confirm the exact pickup point, boat, crew, and lunch plan. The supplied details refer to an eight-hour package and also mention four-hour options, so make sure your reservation clearly shows the duration you want.

Should you book the UFO boat?

Book it if you have a medium or large group, want a full day on the sea, and value privacy more than the lowest possible price. The route gives you three different island experiences, while drinks, fuel, snorkeling gear, and a fridge reduce the number of extras you need to arrange.

Think twice if you are traveling as a couple, dislike loud or social boat days, or want food included in the price. For the right group, though, the cost can make sense. You get a private schedule, a futuristic boat, the Blue Cave, Šunj Beach, quiet Šipan, and a crew that can help shape the day around your plans.

FAQ

Where does the private UFO boat tour take place?

The experience operates from Dubrovnik, Croatia, and ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised tour lasts approximately eight hours. Four-hour packages are also mentioned, so confirm the duration when booking.

Which islands are included?

The planned route includes Koločep Island, Lopud Island, and Suđurađ on Šipan Island.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

How many people can join?

The boat can accommodate a group of up to 14 people.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

No. Food is not provided on the boat. The crew can arrange a lunch reservation at a restaurant on Lopud if you request one.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes water, soda, wine, beer, and grappa. You may also bring your own drinks, which can be stored in the boat’s fridge.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.