A day on a futuristic UFO boat makes the Elaphites feel like a movie. You’ll get a private-group cruise around Dubrovnik, plus time on three islands for beaches, caves, and swimming. I like the mix of active sightseeing (caves and snorkeling) with easy, no-pressure fun, and I also like that the crew gives advice so you’re not guessing. The one thing to weigh is logistics: lunch isn’t provided, and if your group isn’t close to the full 14 people, the per-person price can feel steep.

What really sells this trip is the flow: you choose the music, the staff steer the plan, and you bounce from island to island on a boat that feels like a novelty (in a good way). One practical plus: pickup and private transportation are included, so you’re not doing a complicated hunt for a pier. Just remember you’re on Croatian island time—some walking is involved, and towels aren’t included.

Key highlights that matter (not just nice extras)

• Koločep Island caves and Blue Cave area: snorkeling-ready swimming with a cave-and-canyon vibe
• Lopud’s Sunj beach: classic sandy bay time plus a car-free island feel
• Šipan-side quiet at Sudurad/Suura: smaller-settlement calm, clear water, and seafood-focused meals
• Snorkeling gear + life jackets: you’re not scrambling to find equipment
• Drinks included, plus fridge for your own: wine/beer/grappa on board and room to add what you want

What the UFO Boat to the Elaphites feels like from the start

This is built for people who want the Elaphites without the usual friction. Instead of buses, ferries, and schedules, you start with a pickup option and move as a group by boat. The boat itself is described as a “UFO boat” experience, meaning the whole ride feels playful and different from a standard day trip.

Once onboard, the day runs on a simple idea: you enjoy the sea, and the crew keeps things moving. You can pick your own music, which sounds like a small thing until you’re actually on the water—suddenly the trip feels personal rather than “tour bus energy.” I also like that the crew isn’t just present for check-ins; they’re there with guidance on where to go and what to do.

A big practical point: it’s a private tour/activity, so your group is the only group on the boat. That usually means less waiting around and more “we’re ready when you’re ready,” especially during swimming stops and island transitions.

Price and value for a private group (up to 14)

The price is $2,601.99 per group for up to 14 people, and the duration is about 8 hours. If you fill the boat near the top end, you’re roughly looking at about $186 per person. If you book with a smaller group, the per-person cost rises, and it starts to feel more like a splurge day.

Where the value comes from is the mix of included items: fuel, private transportation, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, water and soda, plus alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, grappa). You also have the advantage of time on three islands in one outing, which often costs more when you piece it together separately.

Also, note what’s not included: lunch isn’t served on board, and towels aren’t provided. If you’re the kind of group that plans meals in advance (or you’re happy to stop on shore), you’ll feel the pricing more as “boat + islands + drinks.” If you want full board with meals included, you’ll need to budget for lunch separately.

The route: how the day’s timing shapes your experience

The trip has three main stops, and each one is timed enough to do something real but not so long that the day drags.

• Koločep Island: 2 hours
• Lopud Island: 3 hours
• Sudurad (listed as Suura) / Šipan-side settlement: 3 hours

That timing is good for people who want variety: caves and snorkeling, then beach and village life, then quieter swimming and old-summer vibes. The main tradeoff is that it’s not a “slow sail and linger all day” setup. You’ll move, swim, and walk, then move again.

Stop 1: Koločep Island caves and the Blue Cave area

Koločep is where the trip feels adventurous. The plan is to start there, with caves and canyons on the table, including the Blue Cave area that Dubrovnik visitors hear about again and again. Even if you don’t spend the entire stop inside a cave, this stop gives the coastline that dramatic, rock-and-shadow feel.

This is also your snorkel stop. The boat includes snorkeling equipment, and the crew can guide you for swimming and for rock jumps if you want that kind of fun. I like this setup because it doesn’t force you to snorkel—you can simply swim and relax, and if you feel confident, you can go a little bigger.

Because Koločep time is 2 hours, you’ll want to keep your gear ready and be decisive once you’re in the water. Bring your camera, because you’re going to want photos of the rocky coves and the bright water.

Possible drawback to plan for: it’s a short stop by design. If your group wants a long, slow swim session, you may need to coordinate who’s snorkeling and who’s sunbathing so you don’t lose time.

Stop 2: Lopud Island for Sunj beach and Sutvrac views

Lopud is the “easy island day” stop. It’s car-free and lush, which matters because it changes the pace. You can wander without the usual noise and stress of traffic, and that makes the promenade and restaurant strip feel more like you’re strolling than commuting.

The headline here is Sunj Beach, a famous sandy bay on the southeast side of the island. If your group wants actual sand time—swim, walk, lie down—this is the spot. It’s also the type of beach where it’s easy to keep everyone happy, from adults who want quiet to groups who want to play in the water.

Lopud also has the settlement and a seaside promenade with restaurants and coffee bars, so if you’re hungry before the next leg, you can find options. The tour notes that the crew can make a reservation for lunch at one of the best restaurants on the island, which is a nice help if you don’t want to think about it on the day.

Want a view? There’s Fortress Sutvrac, with great panorama over Lopud Bay. The walk is about 15–20 minutes from the town area, so it’s not a huge hiking mission, but it does mean comfortable shoes. I’d treat it like a “go, take photos, feel the wind, return” side quest.

Possible drawback to plan for: Lopud’s beach and promenade can be popular in summer. Since this is a private tour, you still avoid the mass-churn feel, but you may still want to time your beach moments well.

Stop 3: Sudurad (Suura) on Šipan-side for quieter swimming

The final stop shifts the energy down. Sudurad, described as Suura, is presented as a quiet, uncrowded settlement on the island of Šipan (the listing uses ipan as a reference). This is where the day becomes more about calm water and relaxed coastal wandering.

The highlight is the way the coastline is presented: beautiful beaches and bays, sea that’s crystal clear, and food that leans into sea specialties with olive oil and local wine. If you like your final stop to feel less crowded and more “slow summer,” this is the place.

There’s also a sense of old Dubrovnik leisure here. The notes mention that Šipan once attracted wealthy families from Dubrovnik, with summer residences and palaces that still show up in the architecture. Two adorned buildings in the central square are described as fortress-like, which gives you something to look at even when you’re not swimming.

This stop is timed at 3 hours, which is long enough to do both: swim and then take a walk for the atmosphere. If your group wants the day to end on a peaceful note, this is where it happens.

Possible drawback to plan for: the day can feel “busy” by the end even though this stop is calmer. If you’re easily tired, keep energy for the swim earlier in the day so you still enjoy the last hours.

What’s included (and what you’ll need to sort yourself)

One reason people like this trip is that it doesn’t nickel-and-dime you during the fun parts.

Included

• Alcoholic beverages: wine, beer, grappa (age 18+ for alcohol)
• Bottled water
• Soda/pop (Coca-Cola, iced tea)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jackets (for adults and children)
• Private transportation and fuel
• All fees and taxes
• Bring your own drinks free of charge (there’s a fridge on the boat)

Not included

• Lunch (no food served on board)
• Towels

A key practical takeaway: because you don’t get towels or lunch, you should treat island meals and shore time as part of your plan. On Lopud especially, you can line up lunch around the promenade and restaurants. Or, if you prefer to snack and keep moving, you can use the drinks and water onboard while planning lunch ashore.

Also, if you plan to bring your own drinks, the fridge is a big help. It’s the difference between a random cooler mess and having everything cold and ready while you’re out on the water.

The crew and service vibe: small details that change the day

The staff are clearly a selling point. Names that show up in feedback include Laura (connected to arrangements from Old Town) and on-board crew like Nikola and Suzana. The common thread: friendly, helpful, and proactive with guidance.

This matters because on the Elaphites, the best time often depends on tiny choices: where to stop to swim, when to move, and how to time your walk to catch the best views. A crew that gives you advice without making you feel rushed tends to create a smoother day.

It also helps that service feels attentive rather than rigid. You’re not just paying to be transported; you’re paying for someone to keep the trip feeling easy.

One more point from feedback: some groups mention unlimited wine onboard. Even without assuming that for every situation, it’s a signal that alcohol service is generous, so you can treat drinks as part of the onboard fun.

Who this tour is best for (and who should book a different one)

This fits best when your group wants a private day with a mix of swimming and island time.

Great matches:

• Families who want life jackets included and an easy “three-island” structure
• Friends planning a birthday or celebration, especially since onboard music and drinks are part of the vibe
• People who want a car-free island experience without doing ferry planning
• Groups that like to snorkel but also want beach time, not a nonstop activity schedule
• Teams doing something social, with a clear start and finish

It may not be ideal if:

• You want full meals included (lunch isn’t provided)
• You’re booking as a small group and feel price sensitivity
• You dislike boats with some walking involved for things like Sutvrac

Should you book the Elaphite UFO Boat with Marinero excursions & transfers?

If you want an easy, memorable day that mixes caves, sand, and quieter bays, this is a strong pick. The biggest “yes” factor is the combination of private boat time, snorkeling gear, and drinks included, all wrapped into a day that hits three different islands. If your group enjoys being active but not stressed, you’ll likely enjoy the rhythm.

I’d especially recommend it if you’re traveling with people who have different comfort levels—one person can snorkel at Koločep, another can lounge at Sunj Beach, and everyone can still feel like they got a real island day.

Before you say yes, think about two practical points: pack for swim time and plan lunch on your own. If you do that, the day becomes the kind of Dubrovnik experience that feels like you got out of town in style.

FAQ

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

How long is the trip?

It’s listed as approximately 8 hours total.

Which islands are visited?

You’ll visit Koločep Island, Lopud Island, and Sudurad (listed as Suura).

Do you provide snorkeling equipment and life jackets?

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

What drinks are included?

Bottled water and soda/pop (Coca-Cola, iced tea) are included, along with alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and grappa for age 18 and up.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not provided on board.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own drinks free of charge, and the boat has a fridge.

Is pickup available from Dubrovnik?

Pickup is offered, and private transportation is included.

When does the tour operate?

The opening hours listed run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during 04/01/2025 – 11/12/2025.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid isn’t refunded.