Transfers: Paphos to Latchi, BBQ & Waterslide Cruise

The best part of this Paphos to Latchi cruise is the Blue Lagoon stop, where the Nafsika II anchors for swimming and snorkelling in remarkably clear water. Add a sunset return, a BBQ cooked on board, and a waterslide from the deck, and you get a lively half-day outing rather than a quiet sightseeing boat ride.

I like the included Paphos transfer, which saves you the trouble of arranging transport to Latchi, and I like the mix of scenery and simple fun: Aphrodite’s Baths, Saint George’s Island, bays along the Akamas coast, swimming, food, and drinks. The main thing to consider is timing. Pickup may be at least 1.5 hours before sailing, and one French-speaking passenger found the language support less reliable than advertised.

• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: Bring swimwear and expect the main water time to happen here.
• Nafsika II from Latchi Harbour: A refitted boat offers indoor and outdoor seating, a top deck, bar, and waterslide.
• Sunset BBQ: Choose chicken or pork souvlaki, or request the vegetarian option.
• Paphos pickup included: Transport may be by taxi, minibus, or coach, with the return to your hotel included.
• Akamas coastline views: Pass Aphrodite’s Baths, Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, Blaji Bay, and the Blue Lagoon.
• Four-hour afternoon outing: The cruise runs from about 3:30 PM until sunset, subject to weather.

Why the Blue Lagoon is the main event

This cruise is built around one clear payoff: time in the Blue Lagoon. The water is described as crystal clear, and the boat anchors so you can swim and snorkel rather than simply admire the bay from the rail.

That distinction matters. Some coastal cruises offer pretty views but little chance to get in the sea. Here, swimming is central to the afternoon. You can jump from the boat into the lagoon, cool off, and then climb back aboard for food, drinks, or another look at the coast.

I would pack a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and something dry for the ride back. Snorkelling is included as part of the stop, but specific equipment details are not provided, so you should confirm whether gear is supplied or bring your own mask if you have one.

The water stop is also the most active part of the trip. The Nafsika II has a waterslide leading from the boat into the sea, making the outing especially appealing to families and anyone who prefers a bit of playful noise over a silent cruise. If you want a calm, formal yacht experience, this is probably not the right boat.

Leaving Latchi on the Nafsika II

Once your transfer reaches Latchi Harbour, you board the Nafsika II for the coastal portion of the outing. The boat has been refitted and offers several seating choices, along with a fully stocked bar and a top deck with open views.

The top deck is the place to sit if you want the broadest view of the coastline. It also gives you a good spot for sunset, though open seating is naturally more exposed to sun and wind. Lower or covered seating may suit you better if you prefer shade or want to stay close to the bar.

The onboard mood is social. Music, conversation, drinks, swimming, and the slide are part of the appeal. You are not signing up for a small private sail with a hushed atmosphere. You are joining a boat outing designed to keep friends, families, and mixed groups entertained for four hours.

Theo is named as one of the people involved in running the experience, and several details point to a hands-on team. The crew prepares the BBQ on deck, answers questions, and helps keep the different parts of the afternoon moving. If you need something clarified, the transfer arrangements and activity details are handled by phone.

The Akamas coast from the water

The route takes you along the Akamas coastline, with several named points of interest along the way. You pass the Baths of Aphrodite, Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, Blaji Bay, and the Blue Lagoon.

The Baths of Aphrodite are tied to the famous story of Aphrodite bathing in Cyprus. From a boat, you will not have the same experience as walking to the site, but passing this part of the coast gives the trip a useful cultural thread. It is more than a ride straight to a swimming stop.

Saint George’s Island and the smaller bays add variety to the route. You get changing coastal views rather than one repeated stretch of water. The exact amount of time spent at each place is not specified, so think of these as sights seen from the boat, not guaranteed shore visits.

One transfer guide has also provided small sightseeing stops on the journey from Paphos to Latchi, including a banana plantation, a photo stop, and a look at a ship that had run aground. These extra stops are not listed as fixed parts of the cruise, so you should treat them as possible additions rather than promised inclusions.

The sea view is the reason to sit outside when you can. The coast, islands, bays, and changing light become most attractive as the afternoon moves toward sunset. You will get better photographs from the upper deck, but keep your phone secure around the swimming and slide areas.

What the four hours feel like

The published sailing time is from 3:30 PM until sunset, with a total activity length of about four hours. This gives you an afternoon and evening outing rather than a full-day commitment.

The schedule usually has three broad phases:

• Boarding and settling in at Latchi Harbour
• Coastal sightseeing followed by the Blue Lagoon swimming and snorkelling stop
• BBQ, drinks, waterslide time, and a sunset return

The exact order may change. A June booking was moved from an evening departure to an afternoon departure, with the price difference returned in cash. That shows the schedule can shift, so keep your plans flexible and check the final departure time.

The transfer from Paphos is a real part of the day. Pickup is arranged early enough to get you to Latchi, usually at least 1.5 hours before sailing. Depending on the booking, your vehicle may be a taxi, minibus, or coach.

You should not wait until the last minute to check the pickup. One person had difficulty getting the hotel collection time and only learned that the vehicle was waiting at the last moment. Other bookings had smooth arrangements, with the pickup location confirmed one or two days before. The safest approach is to keep your phone available and contact the operator if the time has not been confirmed.

The return transfer to Paphos is included as well. That is useful after swimming, eating, and spending the afternoon in the sun. You do not need to find your own way back from Latchi after sunset.

BBQ, fruit, wine, and the onboard bar

The food is straightforward and well suited to a boat outing. At sunset, the crew serves chicken or pork souvlaki BBQ, with a vegetarian option available. Local red or white wine and orange squash are included, along with seasonal afternoon fruit.

The BBQ is prepared on the boat, which adds a pleasant sense of occasion. You are not stopping at a restaurant and losing more time to transport. The meal arrives as part of the cruise, after the swimming portion, and gives you a chance to sit down while the boat heads back toward Latchi.

Portion and selection expectations should remain modest. One booking described the BBQ as plentiful and very good, while another found the fruit selection limited to an orange. The information says seasonal fruits, but it does not promise a large fruit platter. If you have a large appetite or specific dietary needs, consider eating before pickup and request the vegetarian option when booking.

The bar is available for socialising, but the included drinks are specifically local wine and orange squash. Other drinks may cost extra, and no pricing details are provided. The orange squash received mixed feedback, so do not book this mainly for the beverage selection.

Is the $55 price good value?

At $55 per person, the price covers several pieces that would otherwise add up: the Paphos to Latchi transfer, the four-hour boat trip, the Blue Lagoon stop, fruit, BBQ, selected drinks, and the return transfer.

The value is strongest if you are staying in Paphos and do not have a car. Latchi is outside Paphos, and arranging a private taxi both ways could make a self-planned boat trip much more expensive. The included vehicle also removes the worry of driving back after sunset.

The price is less compelling if you are already staying in Latchi and only need a boat ticket. In that case, the transfer has no value to you, and you may want to compare local cruise prices directly. The listed package is designed mainly for people based in Paphos.

You also need to value the type of entertainment offered. The cruise includes a slide, swimming, food, and a social atmosphere. That is a good bundle for a family or group of friends. If you want a small boat, gourmet meal, or long shore visits, the same $55 may feel less attractive.

The overall rating is very high at 4.9 from 23 verified bookings, with repeated praise for the views, the Blue Lagoon, the friendly staff, the BBQ, and the value. One person described the activity more plainly as a basic Blue Lagoon cruise with a slide. That is fair. The appeal is the combination of several enjoyable elements, not luxury or rare access.

Guides, languages, and communication

The activity lists live guiding in English, French, Greek, and Russian. Theo is specifically associated with the operation, and one French-language booking described the transfer guide as punctual, funny, kind, and able to add historical information along the route.

Still, language support may vary by departure. One French-speaking passenger found that the activity was not actually conducted in French and said English was necessary. If you do not speak English, contact the operator before booking and ask which language will be available on your specific date.

The guide may also be involved mainly in the land transfer rather than staying on the boat. One booking questioned why a guide was needed because the guide was not aboard during the cruise. That is useful to know if you expect a full-time onboard guide explaining every coastal landmark.

In practice, the boat crew appears to be the people you rely on for boarding, food, swimming, and waterslide help. The transfer guide may add commentary and handle the road journey. Ask about this division if your priority is detailed coastal interpretation.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a simple, active way to see the Akamas coast without arranging transport. It works particularly well for:

• Families who want a swimming stop and waterslide
• Couples who like a sunset setting but do not need a quiet luxury boat
• Groups of friends looking for food, drinks, music, and social time
• Paphos hotel guests without a rental car
• Anyone who wants Blue Lagoon swimming as the main focus of the day

The boat is less suited to you if you dislike group activities, need a quiet setting, or want extensive time ashore. The named coastal points are viewed from the water, and the main stop is the Blue Lagoon.

It may also be tiring for very young children if they do not enjoy a long transfer followed by several hours on a boat. Children under two travel free, but the information does not provide details about child seats, stroller storage, or specific onboard facilities. Ask before booking if those details matter to you.

Practical tips for a better afternoon

Confirm your pickup time before the day of the cruise if possible. The operator may contact you on the day, but one booking had a last-minute scramble when the vehicle was already waiting.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a dry layer for the sunset ride. The trip begins in the afternoon, but the return after swimming can feel cooler, especially on the top deck.

If you want views, aim for an outdoor seat. If you want shade, choose a covered area when boarding. You can move around the boat, but popular seating may fill quickly.

Tell the operator about vegetarian meals in advance. The vegetarian option is available, but the supplied information does not explain its exact contents.

Keep your schedule open around the sailing time. The tour is weather dependent, and poor conditions can lead to cancellation with a full refund. Departure times can also change, as shown by an evening booking that was shifted to the afternoon.

The cancellation terms are friendly: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. These options are useful for a Cyprus holiday where weather and plans can change.

Should you book the Nafsika II cruise?

Book it if you want strong value from a Paphos day trip, with transport, a Blue Lagoon swim, Akamas views, a BBQ, drinks, and a waterslide all packed into four hours. The most praised parts are also the most important ones: the clear water, the friendly crew, the good food, and the smooth return transfer when arrangements are confirmed.

Skip it if you are looking for a quiet sailing, a small group, or a detailed guided tour in French. The language service may not match every departure, and the boat is geared toward easygoing fun rather than polished luxury.

For most Paphos visitors who want a lively sea outing without hiring a car, the $55 package makes sense. Just confirm pickup, ask about your language and meal needs, and set your expectations correctly: this is a cheerful Blue Lagoon cruise with a sunset BBQ and slide, not an exclusive yacht charter.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Latchi Harbour aboard the Nafsika II.

Is transport from Paphos included?

Yes. Pickup and return transport between your Paphos hotel and Latchi are included. Transport may be by taxi, minibus, or coach.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts about four hours. It starts at approximately 3:30 PM and continues until sunset, subject to the final schedule.

What places does the boat pass?

The route passes the Baths of Aphrodite, Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, Blaji Bay, and the Blue Lagoon.

Can I swim in the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The boat stops at the Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkelling in clear water.

Is food included?

Yes. Seasonal fruit is served in the afternoon, followed by chicken or pork souvlaki BBQ at sunset. A vegetarian option is available.

What drinks are included?

Local red or white wine and orange squash are included.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is listed in English, French, Greek, and Russian. English may be the safest choice because language availability can vary by departure.

Are children under two charged?

No. Children under two travel free.

What happens if the weather cancels the cruise?

The cruise is weather dependent. If the operator cancels the activity, you receive a full refund.