Demetris Chara Boat/Blue Lagoon boat trips with BBQ and SLIDE

The best part of the Demetris Chara trip is simple: you get a long Blue Lagoon stop, not a quick photo pause. Two hours in the water gives you time to swim, try the boat slide, and eat lunch without feeling rushed. I also like the generous BBQ buffet and the onboard bar, which make this feel like a proper half-day outing rather than a bare-bones boat transfer.

The cruise offers hotel pickup from selected hotels, and the trip runs about four and a half hours. That extra time matters, especially when other Blue Lagoon trips may spend less time at the swimming stop. The main thing to watch is snorkeling equipment: some departures have offered goggles and snorkels, while another passenger was told none were supplied, so bring your own if looking beneath the surface matters to you.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours at the Blue Lagoon: Enough time for swimming, snorkeling, the slide, lunch, and another dip.
• BBQ lunch included: Expect grilled chicken or souvla-style meat, couscous, potatoes, vegetables, and a drink.
• Slide and jump-off points: The boat offers more than a quiet sightseeing cruise, with fun options for confident swimmers.
• Onboard bar: Soft drinks, beer, wine, cocktails, and ice creams are available at reasonable prices according to the supplied details.
• Hotel pickup may be available: Pickup is offered from selected hotels, with the meeting point at the front of your chosen hotel.
• Good value at $42.33: The price includes the cruise, Blue Lagoon stop, BBQ lunch, and hotel transfer where offered.

Leaving Latchi Harbour for the Blue Lagoon

The trip begins at Latchi Watersports Centre in Latchi Harbour, near Polis Crysochous. If you use the pickup option, you are asked to wait at the front of your selected hotel on time. This is worth taking seriously, since a late arrival can hold up the departure for everyone else.

Once aboard the Demetris Chara, the cruise follows the coast toward the Blue Lagoon. The sightseeing portion is not packed with formal commentary or a long list of guided stops. Instead, you get a relaxed ride past the coast, with time to sit, take photographs, and enjoy the change from the busy resort area to the quieter Akamas side of Cyprus.

That quiet beginning helps set the mood. You are not being rushed from one attraction to another. The boat ride is part of the experience, but the main event is the long stop in the lagoon.

The vessel has tables and chairs, along with space to move around. The maximum group size is listed as 120 people, so this is not a tiny private cruise. Still, several passengers found the boat comfortable and less crowded than competing options on the day they sailed. Crowding can vary by departure, but the design appears suited to a social family outing rather than an intimate charter.

One small irritation can occur before departure. A late party has caused a wait, so the boat may not always leave exactly when expected. Arrive on time yourself, then pack a little patience for the habits of a shared excursion.

Two hours in the clear Blue Lagoon

The boat stops at the Blue Lagoon for roughly two hours. This is the part of the trip that makes the price worthwhile. You can swim in clear water, use the boat slide, and choose a spot on the boat to relax between swims.

The water is the star here. Several passengers described it as exceptionally clear, with fish visible while snorkeling. The supplied details do not promise a guided snorkeling session, so think of this as free swimming from the boat rather than a reef tour with instruction.

The boat’s two levels give confident swimmers a few ways to enter the water. You can use the slide or jump from the boat, while life jackets are offered to anyone who is less comfortable swimming. The slide adds a playful touch that children and older kids often enjoy, but it is not the whole point of the stop. You can ignore it and simply swim.

I would bring your own mask and snorkel. This advice comes from an important inconsistency in the practical details. One account says goggles and snorkels were available, while another passenger specifically complained that snorkels were not supplied after being told they would be. Equipment may depend on the boat, crew, or departure, so your own set removes the guesswork.

You should also remember that this is a boat-based swim stop. There is no mention of a beach visit or a guided walk ashore. If you want sand, cafés, or a shore-based Blue Lagoon visit, this is not that kind of excursion.

The two-hour stay is well judged. You have enough time to swim before lunch, take a break to eat, and return to the water afterward. Several people especially liked being able to swim again after the BBQ instead of having the meal mark the end of the stop.

A generous BBQ buffet served at sea

The BBQ is served during the Blue Lagoon stop, while you remain aboard. Cooking begins as the boat settles at the lagoon, so the smell of grilled food becomes part of the pause in the water.

The meal is more substantial than a snack. The available details describe grilled chicken, couscous, potatoes, vegetables, and other sides. One account singled out the souvla as the real deal, which fits the kind of hearty Cypriot cooking you hope to find on a local boat outing rather than a prepacked sandwich.

Portions are described as generous, and the buffet format works well for a mixed family group. You can build a fuller plate if you are hungry after swimming, or take less and get back into the water. A wine or soft drink may accompany the meal, depending on the serving arrangement.

The meal is rustic rather than polished restaurant dining. That is part of the appeal. You are eating on a boat, with swimwear, sea air, and a relaxed schedule. If you expect a refined dining experience, adjust your expectations. If you want plentiful food after a swim, the BBQ should satisfy.

Food quality is one of the most consistently praised parts of the outing. The combination of grilled meat, familiar sides, and a drink adds real value to the $42.33 price. You are not paying only for a scenic ride and a short swim.

Drinks, cocktails, and the onboard slide

The bar sells soft drinks, beer, wine, cocktails, and ice creams. Prices are described as reasonable for a boat bar, with one passenger noting that they were similar to village taverna prices. The details specifically mention draft Alpha lager, which may appeal to anyone looking for a cold local beer after swimming.

Drinks are not the same as an open bar, so budget for anything beyond the included meal drink. The bar gives you a convenient option, though, and you do not need to leave the boat or plan a separate stop for refreshments.

The slide changes the feel of the cruise. Without it, this would be a standard sightseeing and swim trip. With it, the boat becomes a simple floating playground. You can swim quietly, sit with a drink, or make repeated trips down the slide. The choice is yours.

The activity suits families especially well, but it is not limited to children. Adults also used the slide and the boat’s jump-off points. Anyone entering the water should judge their own comfort and follow the crew’s instructions, since the available information only confirms that life jackets are offered, not a detailed safety briefing.

How the value compares at $42.33

At $42.33 per person, this is strong value if you want several parts in one package. You receive the coastal cruise, approximately two hours at the Blue Lagoon, a BBQ lunch with sides, access to the boat slide, and an onboard bar. Selected hotel pickups add more value if you are staying away from Latchi.

The duration is an important advantage. The outing lasts about four hours and 30 minutes, with around two hours at the lagoon. That leaves time for the outward and return cruises without turning the day into an exhausting full-day commitment.

You also avoid several common add-on costs. Lunch is included, and the boat provides a place to sit, eat, and change pace between swims. Drinks and ice creams cost extra, but the bar is available when you want something cold.

The value is less clear if you only want a short boat ride and a quick look at the Blue Lagoon. In that case, a shorter and cheaper option might suit you better. This trip works best when you plan to use the full stop, eat the BBQ, and enjoy the boat itself.

The operator receives a 4.7 rating from 135 reviews, with 94 percent of customers recommending it. Those numbers support the idea that the trip is generally well run, but they do not remove the practical caveats. Weather can cancel the sailing, and snorkeling equipment should not be taken for granted.

Who will enjoy this half-day cruise most

I would recommend this boat trip to families, couples, and groups who want a relaxed mix of swimming, food, and scenery. It gives you more structure than hiring a boat independently, but it still leaves plenty of free time.

It is particularly suitable if you:

• Want a long Blue Lagoon swim rather than a brief stop
• Like the idea of a BBQ lunch without arranging your own food
• Enjoy slides and jump-off points
• Prefer a social boat with seating and a bar
• Are staying at a selected hotel with pickup available
• Want a half-day activity rather than a full-day excursion

You may want another option if snorkeling is your main goal. The water can be excellent for seeing fish, but equipment availability is unclear, and there is no promise of a guided snorkeling program.

This is also not the best match if you dislike shared tours or large boats. The listed maximum is 120 people. Reports suggest the boat can feel comfortable and not overly crowded, but the number of people will depend on the departure.

Timing, pickup, and weather details

The meeting point is Latchi Watersports Centre at Latchi Harbour, and the activity ends back there. Hotel pickup is available from selected hotels, but the information does not list every eligible property, so confirm that your hotel is included when booking.

The experience is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation is provided when you book. It is also near public transportation, which gives you another way to reach the harbour if pickup is not available.

Most people can take part, but you still need to be comfortable boarding a boat and swimming from it if you want the full experience. Life jackets are offered, which is useful for less confident swimmers.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

For ordinary cancellations, you receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, so do not leave this decision until the morning of the trip.

One seasonal warning deserves attention. A December booking was made when the boat was closed for the entire off-season, and the customer only discovered the problem after waiting for pickup. If you are visiting outside the main sailing season, confirm operating dates directly before relying on the booking.

Small details that make the day better

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and your own snorkel if you have one. The boat may provide some equipment, but the conflicting information makes personal gear the safer choice.

Arrive at the pickup point or harbour on time. You will want to use the full Blue Lagoon stop, and late arrivals have delayed departure on at least one occasion.

If you are traveling with children, explain that the slide and boat entries are optional. Confident swimmers can enjoy them, while anyone unsure in open water can use a life jacket and stay close to the boat.

Plan to pay separately for extra drinks or ice cream. The bar is reasonably priced for a boat, but only the stated meal inclusions are covered in the advertised price.

Finally, keep your schedule flexible if the weather forecast is poor. This is a sea excursion, and the operator may move the booking or refund it rather than sail in unsafe conditions.

Should you book the Demetris Chara Blue Lagoon trip?

Book it if you want a well-rounded half-day on the water, with a generous swim stop, an enjoyable BBQ, and enough time to make the Blue Lagoon feel like more than a quick stop. At $42.33, the included lunch and four-and-a-half-hour format make the outing especially appealing.

I would be more cautious if you are booking in the off-season, if you need guaranteed snorkeling equipment, or if you want a small private boat. Confirm the sailing date, check hotel pickup, and bring your own mask and snorkel.

For most families and casual swimmers, this is an easy choice. The clear water, friendly crew, tasty food, slide, and reasonable bar prices cover the essentials of a good Cyprus boat day without demanding a full day or a large budget.

FAQ

Where does the Demetris Chara boat trip start?

It starts at Latchi Watersports Centre in Latchi Harbour, Polis Crysochous 8820, Cyprus.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to the original meeting point at Latchi Harbour.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered from selected hotels. You should wait at the front of your chosen hotel on time.

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The stop at the Blue Lagoon lasts about two hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch with multiple sides is included.

Are drinks included?

A drink may accompany the BBQ, while additional soft drinks, beer, wine, cocktails, and ice creams are available from the onboard bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The available information is inconsistent. Some departures have provided goggles and snorkels, while another departure did not supply them. Bring your own equipment if snorkeling is important to you.

Is the boat trip suitable for most people?

Most people can participate. Life jackets are offered for those who are less comfortable in the water.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can select another date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.