Dubrovnik: UFO – THE BOAT

Discovering Dubrovnik’s Elaphite Islands on a UFO Boat: A Detailed Review

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Dubrovnik, the UFO boat tour to the Elaphite Islands promises an experience filled with scenic views, fun activities, and a splash of local flavor. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve looked into what it offers and talked to travelers who have. It’s a blend of adventure and relaxation, with a dash of the unusual thanks to the boat’s shape, which is definitely a conversation starter.

What really draws people in are two key highlights: first, the chance to explore multiple islands with varied scenery—snorkeling, caves, beaches, and charming villages—and second, the lively atmosphere onboard, with music, drinks, and an informal vibe that makes it feel more like a cruise party than a typical sightseeing tour.

However, one consideration worth mentioning is the price—at $1,647 for up to 14 people, it’s not the cheapest outing, especially when you factor in that lunch isn’t included and you need to bring your own towels and snacks. This is definitely a tour best suited for groups who want something a little different, a bit fun, and don’t mind splurging for a memorable day on the water.

If you’re into boat trips that combine adventure, sightseeing, and socializing, this tour could be a great fit. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy a lively, informal setting and are comfortable with basic swimming (since non-swimmers aren’t suited) and seasickness isn’t a concern.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: A boat shaped like a UFO offers a fun twist on traditional boat tours.
• All-in-One Day: Combines snorkeling, beach time, cave exploration, and island strolling.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Music, drinks, and a friendly crew foster a party vibe.
• Flexible and Convenient: Includes all essentials like lifejackets, drinks, and a fridge for your own beverages.
• Price Point: $1,647 covers up to 14 people, which can make it a good value for groups.
• Weather Dependency: The tour can be canceled due to bad weather, so flexibility is key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting at the designated meeting point, you’ll hop aboard the UFO-shaped boat—an eye-catching vessel that already promises a bit of fun. As you cruise out from Dubrovnik, you’ll immediately notice the laid-back vibe, with music playing, beers and soft drinks flowing, and the crew happy to share recommendations for your stops.

Exploring Koloep Island and the Blue Cave

The first main stop is Koloep Island, renowned for its caves and canyons. Here, you’ll find the Blue Cave, a highlight for snorkelers. The water inside the cave is a stunning shade of blue, creating fantastic photos and a memorable experience. If you’re comfortable in the water, you can jump off the cliffs with the crew’s help—just a quick thrill that many find exciting.

It’s worth noting that travelers have appreciated the crew’s guidance here: “The crew was very helpful with the jumps, and the caves are even more spectacular in person.” Snorkeling at the Blue Cave is a big draw and offers a chance to see marine life in clear, protected waters.

Beach Relaxation on Lopud Island

Next, the boat heads to Lopud Island, the second-largest of the Elaphite Islands. Here, the sandy beach at Šunj is the perfect spot to lay down your towel, soak up the sun, and enjoy the calm, warm sea. Many reviews mention how ideal this spot is for unwinding away from crowds—”It’s a peaceful beach with clear water, perfect for a lazy afternoon.”

Lopud also features a pleasant seaside promenade lined with cafes and bars, where you can stroll, people-watch, or sip a cold drink. It’s a relaxed atmosphere that suits those who want a break from sightseeing but still enjoy the local ambiance.

Visiting Ipan and Savoring Local Flavors

Your final stop is the island of Ipan, where you can walk around the central square, admire historic buildings, and learn about the island’s olive trees—famous for producing some of the best in the region. Many travelers enjoy sampling local seafood paired with Croatian wines, which the tour optionally offers (though not included).

You’ll find the atmosphere here charming and authentic, making it a lovely way to round out your day. The crew might suggest some great spots to eat or drink, adding to the local experience.

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The Practical Side of the Tour

This experience is designed for groups, with the cost covering up to 14 people. It’s a semi-private vibe, so your group can enjoy the day without feeling lost in a crowd. The boat includes lifejackets, a fridge for drinks, and offers wine and beer (which you can also bring yourself). Soft drinks and bottled water are provided, making staying hydrated easy.

The entire trip lasts around the full day, with plenty of time at each stop. You should plan to bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, snacks, and camera, as these aren’t included. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness, which is important to keep in mind before booking.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if the weather cancels the trip or you provide a medical certificate if you’re unwell. This offers some peace of mind, especially if weather conditions in Dalmatia are unpredictable.

What the Price Gets You

At $1,647 for a group of up to 14, the price breaks down to roughly $117 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the inclusions. The price covers the boat cruise, all drinks (including alcohol), lifejackets, and the use of the fridge. But remember, lunch isn’t included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy food on the islands.

Compared to similar experiences, this tour offers more than just sightseeing; it’s a fun social outing, especially with music and drinks onboard, making it feel more like a day with friends than a formal tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This adventure suits groups, couples, and anyone who enjoys a lively, social atmosphere on the water. It’s perfect if you like the idea of exploring multiple islands without the hassle of planning individual transport or boat rentals. If you’re comfortable swimming and don’t get seasick easily, this could be an excellent way to see some of Dubrovnik’s beautiful surroundings.

However, if you’re traveling with non-swimmers or very young children, this might not be the best fit. Also, keep in mind the price point—if you’re budget-conscious, you’ll want to consider whether this aligns with your expectations.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the UFO boat tour to the Elaphite Islands in Dubrovnik seems like a lively, memorable way to experience the region’s natural beauty and charming islands. The combination of snorkeling, beach lounging, cave exploring, and the social atmosphere onboard makes it stand out from more traditional, quieter boat trips. The unique shape of the boat adds a fun, quirky element that’s sure to make your photos pop.

While the price is on the higher side, the inclusions—especially drinks and the boat itself—offer good value for groups looking for a fun day out. Just remember to bring your essentials like towels, snacks, and sunscreens, and be prepared for a full day of both activity and relaxation.

If you’re after a relaxed, sociable experience that mixes adventure with a bit of party spirit, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a good pick for those who want more than just sightseeing—they want a bit of fun, some great scenery, and local flavor all rolled into one memorable day.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers, as snorkeling and cliff jumps are part of the experience. You should be comfortable in the water.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own drinks and snacks onboard. The boat has a fridge for keeping your beverages cold.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, snacks, and drinks. Towel and swimwear are not included, so pack those in advance.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, if the weather is bad, the tour can be canceled, and you’ll receive a full refund. It’s best to keep an eye on the forecast.

How long does the tour last?
It’s a full-day adventure, with stops at Koloep, Lopud, and Ipan. The exact timing depends on the day’s schedule, but plan for a day out.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the boat cruise, lifejackets, wine, beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and use of the fridge. Lunch and towels are not included.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
You can book for a group of up to 14 people. The cost is calculated per group, making it ideal for small groups or families who want to share the experience.

If you’re looking for a lively, picturesque day exploring Dubrovnik’s islands with friends or family, this UFO boat tour certainly offers a memorable way to do it. Just be ready for fun, water, and lots of photos!

You can check availability for your dates here: