REVIEW · SAILING

Full-Day Family Catamaran Cruise from Limassol with Lunch

4.5 · 22 reviews 7 hours (approx.) From $70 Operated by Destination Services Cyprus · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Sea time fixes many holiday problems. This seven-hour catamaran cruise from Limassol gives you open water, two swimming stops, lunch, drinks, and a simple escape from the city. I like the calm-water focus for families, and I like that beginners get instruction for snorkeling and canoeing. The main caution is limited shade, plus a few past problems with pickup and booking communication.

The price is $70.89 per person, which is fair if you use the hotel transfer, eat lunch on board, and take advantage of the included drinks and activities. You should still check your exact pickup details carefully, especially if you are celebrating something important or staying outside the selected hotel area.

Key things to know before you book

Full-Day Family Catamaran Cruise from Limassol with Lunch - Key things to know before you book

  • Cape Gata is the first proper swim stop: You get time to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe after a short cruise from Limassol.
  • Ladies Mile Beach adds a second water stop: You can swim again or use a canoe along the coast.
  • The package covers more than the boat ride: Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Limassol hotels, a buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, and local drinks are included.
  • The catamaran can carry up to 80 people: That makes this a social group outing rather than a private sailing trip.
  • Shade may be limited: Bring sun protection and do not assume every seat will be covered.
  • Pickup details need attention: The operator sends the exact time and place separately, and you should contact them if that information has not arrived 48 to 72 hours before departure.

Setting Sail From Limassol Old Port at 9:30

The day begins with pickup from selected hotels in Limassol. The boat departs from Limassol Old Port, but the exact collection time and place may differ from the standard details shown on your ticket. The operator says to follow the separate pickup message instead.

That detail matters. One past booking went wrong because the local operator and customer had different assumptions about the pickup arrangement. Another person had to take a short taxi ride to the port after finding the stated meeting point less convenient than the marina itself. I would check your email early, then confirm the pickup point if anything looks unclear.

Once you reach the port, you meet the captain, crew, and the rest of the group before boarding the catamaran. This is not a private charter, and the boat can hold up to 80 people. A booking itself is limited to 15 people, but the full boat may be much larger depending on the day.

The catamaran has a toilet and Wi-Fi, useful comforts on a long day at sea. Boat type can change, so do not book this expecting a particular vessel or a luxury yacht. The strongest appeal is the time on the water, not high-end fittings.

The Morning Cruise Toward Cape Gata

Full-Day Family Catamaran Cruise from Limassol with Lunch - The Morning Cruise Toward Cape Gata

After leaving Limassol, the boat cruises along the Mediterranean toward Cape Gata. The first part of the trip is about getting away from shore traffic and settling into the pace of the day. You can sit back, listen to music, watch the coast, and let the boat carry you toward the swimming area.

This is where the catamaran format helps. Compared with a small motorboat, a catamaran offers more room to move around and makes it easier for a family or mixed-age group to spread out. The tradeoff is that you share the space with a sizable crowd.

The cruise is not presented as a sightseeing tour with a guide explaining Cyprus history or coastal landmarks. There is no guide included. The crew’s role is practical: helping with activities, serving food and drinks, keeping the boat clean, and paying attention to safety.

Past comments give the crew strong marks for being friendly, attentive, and helpful. That fits the kind of day this is. You are not buying expert commentary. You are buying an easy day where the staff handles the boat, meals, swimming setup, and basic instruction.

Cape Gata: Calm Water for Swimming and Snorkeling

Full-Day Family Catamaran Cruise from Limassol with Lunch - Cape Gata: Calm Water for Swimming and Snorkeling

Cape Gata is the first anchor stop, and it is the heart of the morning. Here you can swim, snorkel, or stay on deck and sunbathe. The calm conditions are especially useful for children and anyone who is not confident in open water.

You do not need previous snorkeling experience. Instruction is included, and the same applies to canoeing later in the day. That makes this a better choice for families with mixed abilities than an activity built around advanced water skills.

I like the flexibility at this stop. One person can swim while another sits in the sun. Children can try snorkeling without the pressure of joining a serious water-sports group. If you prefer not to get wet, you can enjoy the sea views and the relaxed boat setting.

Still, calm water is not the same as guaranteed perfect conditions. The trip depends on favorable weather, and the operator can cancel for poor conditions. You will be offered another date or a full refund if that happens.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and something to protect your eyes from the sun. Shade is one of the weak points. A past account specifically noted that there were not enough shaded places on board. If you are sensitive to heat, plan to move between sun and shade rather than count on a covered seat all day.

Ladies Mile Beach and the Second Water Stop

The boat continues to Ladies Mile Beach, where you get more free time beside the coast. You can swim again or use a canoe. For families, this second stop keeps the day from feeling like one long stretch in the same place.

Ladies Mile is useful because it gives you another chance to choose your own pace. You might want a second swim after lunch, while your children may prefer canoeing. If you have already had enough sun, remaining on board is also an option.

Do not expect a full beach excursion with a long stay on shore. The experience is built around the catamaran and the water, with Ladies Mile used as a coastal activity stop. The main value is variety, not a detailed visit to the beach itself.

The two stops also make the day more forgiving. If one swimming period does not suit you, the next stop offers another chance. That is helpful for families managing children’s energy, changing sea conditions, or different comfort levels.

More boat trips from Limassol:

Lunch, Fruit, and Local Drinks on Board

Full-Day Family Catamaran Cruise from Limassol with Lunch - Lunch, Fruit, and Local Drinks on Board

After the water activities, you return to the catamaran for a buffet lunch. The package includes seasonal fresh fruit and an open bar with water, juices, soft drinks, wine, beer, and other local drinks. Cocktails are also described as part of the onboard refreshment service.

This is where the $70.89 price begins to make sense. A separate boat trip, lunch, drinks, and hotel transport could easily add up during a day in Cyprus. You are also paying for several hours at sea, two activity stops, equipment instruction, and the convenience of having the day arranged for you.

The food receives generally positive attention, with several strong comments about its quality and one particularly high opinion of the meal compared with other boat lunches. But expectations should stay sensible. One person found the food only acceptable and expected more, while another pointed out that vegetarian choices were very limited.

If you do not eat meat, contact the operator before booking and ask what can be provided. The supplied information does not promise a vegetarian menu or special dietary alternatives. That is the clearest food-related weakness.

Imported drinks are not included. Local drinks, beer, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water are covered, but you should expect to pay extra for imported brands. There was also a complaint about unclear fees connected with a euro transaction. I would check the payment terms and any onboard charges before ordering anything outside the included package.

What the Catamaran Day Feels Like

The mood is relaxed rather than formal. Music, cold drinks, swimming, and time in the sun shape the day. The crew has been praised for keeping the catamaran clean and for being available when people need help.

The boat’s size creates both comfort and compromise. With room for up to 80 people, you are unlikely to feel trapped in a tiny craft. You also have a toilet and Wi-Fi, both useful on a seven-hour outing. On the other hand, a full boat means more competition for shade, deck seating, and quiet space.

I would choose this trip if you want a social day with built-in activities. I would not choose it if you want solitude, a private captain, serious sailing, or a detailed coastal tour. The boat may change, so anyone focused on a particular catamaran should ask before paying.

The activity level is moderate. You can swim, snorkel, canoe, or simply relax. No experience is needed, and most people can participate. The operator does not recommend the cruise for people with disabilities for safety reasons, so anyone with mobility or access needs should ask specific questions before booking.

Is Seven Hours Too Long?

Full-Day Family Catamaran Cruise from Limassol with Lunch - Is Seven Hours Too Long?

Seven hours sounds long until you break it into sections: hotel transfer, departure, cruising, Cape Gata, Ladies Mile Beach, lunch, and the return to Limassol. The schedule gives you enough time to enjoy the sea without rushing from one activity to the next.

For a family, the length can be a benefit because there is no need to organize separate transport, lunch, and swimming stops. You can settle into one outing. The downside is that children who dislike boats, strong sun, or group activities may find the final hours tiring.

I would bring light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a towel, and a dry change of clothes. A waterproof pouch for phones is sensible, though the tour information does not state that one is supplied. Since shade may be scarce, sun protection is not a small detail.

The open bar includes local alcoholic drinks, but this is still a family cruise first. You can enjoy beer or wine with lunch, while children have soft drinks and juice. The overall tone is easygoing rather than a dedicated party boat.

Price, Group Size, and Practical Value

At $70.89 per person, this is a strong package if you make use of the inclusions. The hotel transfer removes taxi planning, the buffet removes the need to buy lunch, and the drinks and fruit cover much of the day’s basic refreshment.

The value is less clear if you do not drink alcohol, do not eat the buffet, or plan to make your own way to the port. In that case, part of the package goes unused. You also need to accept the group setting and possible lack of shade.

The average booking lead time is about 22 days. That suggests you should not leave this until the last minute during a busy holiday period. The operator requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation is possible if that minimum is not reached. In that event, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since weather can affect the trip, this policy is worth noting before you make other firm plans.

Who Should Book This Limassol Cruise?

I would recommend it to families who want an uncomplicated day on the Mediterranean. It suits first-time snorkelers, casual swimmers, couples who want a low-effort day at sea, and anyone who values lunch and drinks included in the price.

It is also a good fit if you are staying at a selected Limassol hotel and want transport handled for you. The short transfer to the port keeps the morning simple, provided the pickup details are confirmed correctly.

I would hesitate if you need abundant shade, a broad vegetarian buffet, wheelchair-friendly arrangements, or a quiet private setting. I would also choose another type of excursion if your main goal is historical information or professional-level snorkeling.

Final Booking Advice

This is a good-value Limassol boat day with a friendly crew, two useful swimming stops, and food and local drinks included. The strongest parts are the relaxed pace, beginner-friendly water activities, clean catamaran, and the chance to spend most of a day away from crowded city spaces.

Before booking, confirm your exact pickup location and time, ask about vegetarian food if needed, and prepare for limited shade. If you are happy sharing a boat with as many as 80 people, the package offers an easy and enjoyable way to experience the coast. If you want privacy or a tailored meal, spend your money on a smaller charter instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise departs from Limassol Old Port. Pickup is available from selected hotels in Limassol, with the exact pickup time and place sent separately by the operator.

What time does the cruise start?

The stated start time is 9:30 am. If hotel pickup is included, use the exact time provided by the operator rather than relying only on the time shown on the ticket.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours and ends back at the meeting point in Limassol.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. Swimming, snorkeling, and canoeing are included, and instruction is provided. No previous snorkeling or canoeing experience is required.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch and seasonal fresh fruit are included. The available information does not promise a wide vegetarian selection.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, juices, soft drinks, wine, beer, and local drinks. Imported drinks are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

More like this

Sailing, compared.

The full Sailing list →
Luxury Yacht Cruise with slide, BBQ Lunch & Drink
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 1,227 reviews· from $47

Luxury Yacht Cruise with slide, BBQ Lunch & Drink

Read our review →
Catamaran Cruise to Blue Lagoon
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 534 reviews· from $69

Catamaran Cruise to Blue Lagoon

Read our review →
DREAM – Luxury Yacht – HUGE SLIDE – BBQ meal – 1 free drink
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 234 reviews· from $48

DREAM – Luxury Yacht – HUGE SLIDE – BBQ meal – 1 free drink

Read our review →
Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 88 reviews· from $170

Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Read our review →
Catamaran Crystal Sea Cruise from Protaras
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 68 reviews· from $78

Catamaran Crystal Sea Cruise from Protaras

Read our review →
Catamaran Cruise with Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 66 reviews· from $73

Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

Read our review →
Land Sailing in Limassol
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 62 reviews· from $90

Land Sailing in Limassol

Read our review →
Catamaran Adults Exclusive Cruise from Protaras
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 48 reviews· from $106

Catamaran Adults Exclusive Cruise from Protaras

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Explore Cyprus

Every kind of day out on the island, and the best of each.