Ayia Napa: Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Cape Greco’s cliffs and Blue Lagoon’s clear turquoise water are the stars here, but the real treat is seeing both from a comfortable catamaran with lunch cooked onboard. You get time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on a sunbed while Cyprus slips by.

I like the small-group feel, with space for no more than 20 people, and I like that the meal is prepared fresh by a private chef rather than handed over as a basic buffet. The catch is the price: at $170 per person, this is a premium boat day, and rough seas can shorten the swimming stops or make the ride uncomfortable.

Key points to know before booking

• Cape Greco gives you the best scenery: Expect sea arches, cliffs, caves, and broad views across the coast.
• Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop: Bring your mask, swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen for clear water and water activities.
• Lunch is prepared onboard: The Mediterranean-style meal includes dessert, with seafood, vegetarian, and children’s options available on request.
• The boat is made for relaxing: You have sunbeds, shaded lounges, an outdoor shower, a toilet, Wi-Fi, music, and an open bar.
• Weather controls the day: Strong waves can reduce the number of swimming stops and may limit drinks or activities during the return.
• The cost pays for comfort: This suits you if you prefer a roomy, polished cruise over a crowded low-cost boat trip.

Starting at Ayia Napa Marina

Your day begins near Riva Beachhouse parking at Ayia Napa Marina. A crew member wearing a DanEri logo shirt meets you 15 minutes before departure, and you can park at the covered marina car park or the uncovered marina car park.

The boat is operated by SAIL & FLY LTD and uses a modern catamaran with both open sunbeds and shaded seating. That layout matters in Cyprus, where you may want full sun for part of the morning but shade once the heat builds.

A short welcome period includes coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, and local pastries. You also receive a safety briefing before sailing. This is a useful start, especially if you plan to use the paddleboards, snorkeling gear, inflatable equipment, or fishing set later in the day.

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard arrangement, though they can be arranged if you request them. Pickup and drop-off options may also be available from Nicosia and several locations around Larnaca, Paralimni, Protaras, Pernera, Oroklini, Livadia, Pyla, Dromolaxia, and Ayia Napa. Check the exact option carefully, since the meeting point and transfer details depend on what you book.

The first 40 minutes on the catamaran

The opening sail takes you away from the marina and toward Cape Greco. This first stretch is less about scheduled activity and more about settling into the boat.

You can sit with a drink, eat the pastries, and watch the coast open up. The catamaran gives you more room than a standard excursion boat, so you are not forced to stand at a rail or compete for a seat. If you are sensitive to motion, this is a good time to decide whether you need to stay in a central, sheltered area rather than claim the most exposed sunbed.

The open bar includes water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine. Spirits are also listed during the Blue Lagoon portion of the trip. Red wine is not allowed, so do not bring it onboard.

Music and free Wi-Fi are available, though the strongest reason to take this cruise is the sea and scenery, not onboard entertainment. Keep your phone ready for the first views of Cape Greco, but do not spend the entire ride looking at a screen.

Cape Greco: cliffs, arches, and the first swim

Cape Greco National Forest Park is the first major stop, with about 30 minutes set aside for a photo stop, swimming, snorkeling, snacks, and views. The coast here is shaped by pale rock, steep cliffs, natural arches, and sea caves.

From the water, Cape Greco feels more dramatic than it does from a road viewpoint. The catamaran lets you see the rock formations from a lower angle, where the cliffs rise directly from the sea. Take photos early, then put the camera away for a swim if conditions are calm.

The crew supplies high-quality masks and fins, swimming jackets, noodles, and fishing equipment. You can also use a stand-up paddleboard or the large pink flamingo float. The fishing gear is intended for a gentle, casual activity rather than a serious fishing session.

The 30-minute stop is pleasant but not long. If you want extended snorkeling, this may feel brief, especially once you allow time to collect equipment and get in and out of the water. On the other hand, the trip later gives you a much longer period at Blue Lagoon, so Cape Greco works well as an early introduction to the coast.

Cliff jumping is mentioned as a possible Cape Greco activity, but you should only consider it if the crew confirms that conditions and the specific location are safe. The important point is that the cruise is not built around cliff jumping. Swimming and snorkeling are the more dependable choices.

Sailing onward to Blue Lagoon

After Cape Greco, you have roughly 70 minutes of sailing before the main water stop. This is a long enough stretch to make the catamaran itself part of the experience.

You can move between the shaded lounge and the sunbeds, order another drink, and watch the coast from the water. The boat’s size and small maximum group help here. With up to 20 people, you should have more breathing room than on a packed sightseeing cruise, though the exact feel depends on how many places are sold that day.

This is also the point where seasickness can become an issue. One account describes strong waves, fewer swimming stops, and crew members helping people who felt ill. That is a useful warning, not a reason to cancel automatically. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, ask the operator about conditions before booking and bring whatever medication your doctor normally recommends.

The crew may set the sails on the return journey when conditions allow. That can make the ride more exciting, especially for children, but it also means spray and movement. Keep a dry layer or spare clothing handy if you dislike getting wet.

Blue Lagoon and its long water break

Blue Lagoon receives the largest part of the schedule, about two hours and 50 minutes. This is where the cruise earns much of its appeal.

The water is shallow and clear, with a sandy seabed that helps create its famous turquoise color. You can see several meters down in good conditions, making this a strong place for a relaxed swim or basic snorkeling.

The long stop lets you choose your own pace. You can spend the whole time in the water, break it up with a paddleboard session, float on the pink flamingo, try the noodles, or remain on deck with a drink. If you have children, the crew can provide a box of toys on request, and swimming jackets are available.

Snorkeling is likely to be most enjoyable when the water is calm and the light is strong. Do not expect a full guided marine-life tour, since the activity is centered on free time and self-directed water fun. You are asked not to touch marine life, a simple rule that protects the area and keeps the experience respectful.

The color of the water is the main attraction, but the setting also gives you a good reason to slow down. After the more active Cape Greco stop and the long sail, Blue Lagoon provides enough time for a proper swim rather than a rushed dip.

A chef-prepared lunch on the water

Lunch is prepared in the onboard kitchen by a private chef. The meal follows a Mediterranean style and includes a main course and dessert, with seasonal produce and fresh ingredients.

Seafood options are available, along with vegetarian and children’s meals when requested in advance. If you have dietary needs, do not wait until boarding to explain them. The supplied information confirms those menu categories, but not every possible allergy accommodation.

The food has received strong praise, including comments about fresh preparation, generous snacks, and attractive presentation. You also receive local savory bites during the day, so the food program is more substantial than coffee and a sandwich.

The open bar pairs the meal with local beer and crisp white wine, as well as water and soft drinks. Spirits are listed at Blue Lagoon. Keep in mind that unlimited drinks do not mean service will continue in every sea condition. When waves become heavy, the crew may need to focus on safety and helping people who feel unwell.

That is the fair way to judge the drinks promise. In calm weather, it adds real value. In rough weather, you may spend part of the return sitting still and waiting for the sea to settle.

The return sail and what the boat provides

The final catamaran ride lasts about 80 minutes. After lunch, you can relax on deck, take another swim if the schedule and weather permit, or simply enjoy the ride back toward Ayia Napa.

The boat includes an onboard toilet and outdoor shower, both useful after a saltwater swim. There are also life jackets, liability insurance, and basic personal feminine hygiene products onboard.

You need to bring your own towel, hat, swimsuit, and sunscreen. Sunscreen and personal care items are not provided. Shoes are not allowed indoors, and smoking indoors is prohibited. Glass objects, weapons, sharp items, alcohol and drugs are also not allowed.

The boat can accommodate private groups, but the standard experience is described as semi-private, not an exclusive charter for every booking. If privacy is important, select the private-group option and confirm what it includes before paying.

Is $170 a fair price?

At $170, this cruise costs far more than a basic half-day boat outing. You are paying for the catamaran, a smaller capacity, a chef-prepared lunch, open-bar drinks, equipment, shaded and sunny seating, and a day that can last close to seven hours.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a good meal, drinks, water equipment, and a more comfortable boat. It is also a better fit if crowded excursions spoil the mood for you. The difference between 15 to 20 people and a much larger boat can matter when everyone wants a paddleboard, a seat in the shade, or a place to change after swimming.

The price is harder to justify if your main goal is simply to reach Blue Lagoon and swim. You can find much cheaper boat trips in Cyprus, and some people will not use the drinks, chef service, or extra equipment enough to cover the difference.

I would treat this as a special-occasion or comfort-focused purchase. It works particularly well for couples, families who want a managed day on the water, and small groups celebrating a birthday or anniversary. Tell the crew in advance about a special occasion, and a complimentary branded gift may be provided.

Who should choose this cruise?

Choose it if you want a full day on the sea without having to organize lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, drinks, and transport between several coastal sights.

It is also a good choice for you if comfort matters. The sunbeds, shaded lounges, outdoor shower, toilet, Wi-Fi, and smaller capacity make this more polished than a basic boat transfer.

Families can enjoy the swimming jackets, inflatable toys, pink flamingo, noodles, fishing gear, and children’s food option. Still, children under two require a check with the crew before booking, and unaccompanied minors are not accepted.

You should think twice if you are pregnant, have a pre-existing medical condition, or are over 95. The operator also asks anyone with health or mobility concerns to check conditions before reserving. The cruise is weather dependent and can be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are poor.

Practical booking advice for a smoother day

Port authorities require each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and nationality. Have those details ready when you book, since missing information can slow the permission process.

Arrive early. The boat cannot delay departure because of late passengers or port regulations. Plan extra time for parking and finding the Riva Beachhouse meeting area.

Pack light but bring the things the boat does not supply:

• Towel
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Any personal motion-sickness medication you normally use
• A spare layer or dry clothes for the return

The cruise can be canceled or rescheduled because of weather, and the exact number of swimming stops can change. A rough day may mean only two stops instead of three, with longer time at the stops that remain. That is sensible from a safety point of view, but it is worth understanding before you compare this with a fixed land-based excursion.

Should you book the Ayia Napa luxury catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, food-focused day on the water and can accept the premium price. Cape Greco supplies the scenery, Blue Lagoon supplies the long swim, and the catamaran gives you room to choose between activity and rest.

Skip it if you only want a quick swim at the lowest possible cost, or if rough water is likely to ruin your day. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded choice for a Cyprus holiday, especially when a small group, fresh lunch, open bar, and proper water equipment matter as much as the destination itself.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is near the Riva Beachhouse parking area at Ayia Napa Marina. A crew member wearing a DanEri logo shirt welcomes you 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts between 330 minutes and seven hours, depending on the selected option and schedule. Check the available start times when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included automatically. They can be arranged on request, and selected options may include pickup and drop-off from Nicosia and other listed locations.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, and local pastries at the start. The cruise also includes a chef-prepared Mediterranean lunch, dessert, local beer, white wine, and snacks. Seafood, vegetarian, and children’s meal options are available on request.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The crew provides snorkeling masks and fins, swimming jackets, stand-up paddleboards, inflatable noodles, a pink flamingo float, and fishing equipment.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own. You should also bring swimwear, a hat, and sunscreen.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The cruise depends on sea and weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather. Strong waves can also change the number of swimming stops or limit activities during the return trip.