Private tours to Elaphite Islands by UFO BOAT

Dubrovnik’s coast looks postcard-perfect from the city walls, but this private UFO BOAT day is what makes the whole trip feel different, more playful, more ocean time. You get a modern, futuristic boat vibe plus a schedule that actually gives you time in the water, not just photos from a dock.

What I especially like is the crew’s hands-on approach. People like Laura, Nikola (Niko), and Suzana show up ready to help you choose stops, pick the right swim spots, and keep the day moving without rushing. I also like that the boat time is truly yours, with a private setup for up to 14 instead of cramming everyone into one fast-boat line.

One thing to think about: lunch is not included, and towels are not provided. If you want a full, worry-free meal plan, you will need to plan ahead or coordinate what you want to eat on the islands.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Private boat time for up to 14 on a UFO-style vessel, with only your group out on the water
• Three island stops: Kolocep, Lopud, and Sudurad, with good chances to swim and see caves and bays
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets included, so you can get in the water comfortably
• Drinks included: wine, beer, and grappa, plus water and soda, with a fridge for your own drinks
• Crew-led fun: you can choose your music, and the staff helps you make the most of each stop
• A car-free island break on Lopud, plus optional lunch reservations and a walk to Fortress Sutvrac

A UFO Boat Day Around Dubrovnik’s Elaphite Islands

This is the kind of outing that makes Dubrovnik feel less like a single-view destination. You trade the old-town streets for open water, rock coves, and island beaches that feel quietly Croatian, even in summer.

The boat itself is the hook: it has that sci-fi, UFO look that draws smiles the moment you arrive. The operator (MARINERO excursions and transfers) runs it like a party boat, but not a chaotic one. The day is built around choice, because you set the music and the crew guides where you should spend your time.

The big value here is not just the boat. It is the rhythm. You are not just driving past islands. You get multiple stops, swim gear, and enough time to actually enjoy beach time, not only the quick dip you sometimes get on half-day cruises.

The 8-Hour Route, Timed for Swims and Island Time

The full plan is built around an 8-hour day. It lines up nicely with how people actually like to spend a summer day: morning light for the water, then island breaks where you can walk a bit or settle in by the sea.

A typical flow looks like this:

• Kolocep Island (about 2 hours) with caves and swim time
• Lopud Island (about 3 hours) for beach time and a car-free island stroll
• Sudurad (about 3 hours) for a quieter, uncrowded island atmosphere

That order makes sense. You start with the most dramatic coastline features on Kolocep. Then you hit Lopud when you can enjoy an easy, walkable seaside. Finally you finish with Sudurad when the vibe tends to feel calmer.

There is also mention of four- or eight-hour packages, so you can shorten the day if you want to keep other plans in Dubrovnik.

Kolocep Island: Caves, Canyon Views, and Blue Cave Country

Kolocep is the stop that feels the most “explore.” The plan is to visit areas known for caves and canyons, including the famous Blue Cave. Even if you do not plan to treat it like a hardcore adventure, the sheer coastline texture is why this leg is a highlight.

You have time for water play here, and the setup is practical:

• Snorkeling equipment is on board
• You can swim and snorkel, with crew guidance
• If you like the confidence-builder stuff, the crew can help with rock jumps

I like this part because the crew does not just toss people off and hope. You get a bit of coaching, which matters when you are dealing with rocks, entry points, and other people’s comfort levels.

Camera time is also a real thing on Kolocep. The coastline angles and cave scenery are the sort of views that look better when you are there, in person, not only in a quick phone snap.

Lopud Island: Sunj Beach, Promenade Calories, and Fortress Sutvrac Views

Lopud is smaller than it looks on the map, and that is a good thing. The description calls it car-free, lush, and green, which means the island feels like an actual slow break rather than a stop where everyone rushes to one photo spot.

Your time here typically centers on:

• Sunj Beach, the island’s most famous sandy stretch in a bay on the southeast side
• The main settlement area, on the northwestern side, with a seaside promenade

This is the stop I would choose if you want a classic summer day: swim, lounge, then stroll for a cold drink or something simple to eat.

There is also an optional plan for lunch. The operator says they can make a reservation at one of the best restaurants on the island if you want to lock it in rather than hunt.

If you feel like walking, Fortress Sutvrac is a strong payoff. It is about a 15 to 20 minute walk from Lopud, and it gives a view over Lopud Bay. The ruins and the climb are not complicated, but you do feel like you earned the look.

Sudurad: Quiet Bays, Sea Food Focus, and a Slower Pace

Sudurad is where the day cools down. Instead of a lively beach scene, it is described as a quiet, uncrowded settlement where civilization does not feel like it changed much.

The pitch here is simple:

• Beautiful beaches and bays
• Clear water
• Great food, especially sea specialties with olive oil and local wine

It is also placed in a broader island context. The description points to a long tradition of wealthy summer stays from Dubrovnik, plus magnificent summer residences and palaces on the island called ipan in the details.

In the central square, you get fortress-like architecture and at least two notable decorated buildings. That is a nice contrast after Lopud’s promenade vibe. You can keep it relaxed, or you can take a slower walk and look at the way the buildings sit in the settlement.

This stop works well if your group likes the idea of “less people, more peace,” especially after the more active Kolocep and beach-forward Lopud earlier.

The UFO Boat Experience: What Private Really Means

Private tours can be a mixed bag. Some are private in name only, where the schedule is the same but you pay more. This one feels more genuinely private because the boat time is structured around your group and supported by a friendly crew.

The staff quality comes up again and again in the way the day is run. I would point to a few clear strengths:

• The crew gives advice on where to go and what to do
• The staff helps you feel comfortable in the water, especially with snorkeling
• People can choose music, which makes the atmosphere fun without needing a DJ

Names that show up strongly include Laura, Nikola (Niko), and Suzana. When a crew handles both the logistics and the vibe, the day feels smoother. And when the boat is not packed, you get easier movement around the deck and more space to settle in.

One practical detail I like: there is a fridge on board. The operator says you can bring your own drinks free of charge, stored in the fridge. That is helpful if you have a specific drink preference, or if someone in your group wants something beyond what is included.

Drinks, Snorkeling Gear, and What You Should Bring

The included package is built around being comfortable at sea. Here is what you can expect to have:

• Alcoholic beverages: wine, beer, grappa
• Bottled water and soda (like Coca-Cola and iced tea)
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Life jackets for adults and children
• Fuel and all fees and taxes

Alcohol is allowed only for age 18 and up, so if your group includes younger kids, you still get the sailing and swimming experience with the right safety gear.

What is not included:

• Lunch
• Towels

So you will want to pack the essentials. Based on how this day is designed, bring:

• A towel (you will want one after beach time)
• Swimwear you can wear for multiple stops
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A dry bag if you have a phone or camera you want to protect between swims

If you like to drink something specific, bring it. The fridge detail makes that plan simple.

Also, for water comfort, it helps to arrive thinking about entry points. On Kolocep, the description includes guided rock jumps, so it is smart to wear swim gear that stays secure and lets you move easily.

Price and Value: Up to 14 People, Not Per Ticket

The price is listed as $2,601.99 per group, up to 14 people, for the 8-hour experience. That is not cheap if you are traveling solo. It becomes more reasonable when you spread it across a group.

To judge value, I would compare three things:

1. You are paying for a private boat, so you are not sharing deck time with a mixed crowd
2. Drinks and fuel are included, which can quietly add up on other day trips
3. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, saving you from renting or scrambling for gear

In other words, this is a good deal when you want the private experience and you plan to actually use it: swim at each stop, enjoy the islands instead of only cruising by, and take advantage of the drink package.

If you are a couple, you might still consider it, but you should compare it against public boat tours plus paid extras. If you want the best “effort to fun” ratio, this is ideal for groups who can split the cost.

Pickup, Timing, and How to Plan Your Dubrovnik Day

Pickup is offered, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. That is convenient because you do not need to solve transport at the end when everyone is tired and sun-warmed.

Operating hours are listed as 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, across the season window 04/01/2025 to 11/12/2025. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, based on availability.

One small planning tip: the day is long enough that you will want to keep your Dubrovnik schedule flexible. Put this near the start or middle of your trip, when you still have time and energy to enjoy the old town later, or choose a day when you do not have another big hike planned the same afternoon.

And since lunch is not included, I recommend you decide early how your group wants to handle food. For example, if you want a proper lunch on Lopud, coordinate what you want rather than hoping it all lines up once you arrive.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This UFO BOAT day is a strong fit if you want:

• A private island day with swimming time
• A mix of dramatic coastline, beaches, and calmer settlement walking
• An easy drink setup without worrying about where to buy things
• A crew that keeps the day friendly and organized

It also fits special occasions. The description calls it a good option for bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, team building, and family-friendly groups. The private format and music choice can make it feel celebratory without needing formal planning.

Who might reconsider?

• If you hate having to bring or plan basics like towels and your own lunch strategy, this will require more prep.
• If you want only one island stop and a quick outing, the four-hour option might suit better than the full 8 hours.

Should You Book UFO BOAT by MARINERO excursions & transfers?

I would book this when you want an island day that feels like your group owns the schedule. The combination of Kolocep caves and Blue Cave country, Lopud’s Sunj Beach and car-free strolls, and Sudurad’s quieter settlement vibe gives you variety without turning the day into a sprint.

I also like the operational details: drinks included, snorkeling gear included, life jackets included, and a crew that handles both advice and comfort. Names like Laura, Nikola, and Suzana pop up because the day runs like someone actually cares how it feels, not only how it looks on paper.

If you are traveling as a small group, do the math on the per-person cost and compare it to shared tours plus add-ons. But if you can fill most of the group size or you simply want private boat time, this is a fun, practical way to experience the Elaphite Islands.

FAQ

How long is the UFO BOAT tour from Dubrovnik?

The experience runs for about 8 hours. The operator also mentions options for four-hour packages.

Which islands are included in the tour?

The itinerary includes three stops: Kolocep Island, Lopud Island, and Sudurad.

Is pickup included, and how do you handle tickets?

Pickup is offered. You use a mobile ticket for the activity. The tour ends back at the meeting point, and the meeting area is near public transportation.

Is this a private tour, and what group size can you book?

Yes, it is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates. The listed price is per group up to 14 people.

What drinks are included on board?

Alcoholic beverages are included for the group, including wine, beer, and grappa. Bottled water and soda (like Coca-Cola and iced tea) are also included. You can bring your own drinks for free, and there is a fridge on the boat.

Do you provide snorkeling equipment and life jackets?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life jackets for adults and children.

Is lunch included, and are towels provided?

Lunch is not included, and towels are also not included.

Is there an age limit for alcohol?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are allowed for age 18 and above.

What are the operating hours for this experience?

It runs Monday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The listed season is 04/01/2025 to 11/12/2025.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.