Larnaca: Relaxing Cruise with Fishing and BBQ Lunch

The Zenobia makes this boat trip special. Departing from Larnaca Marina, this four-hour cruise combines wreck snorkeling with fishing, swimming, a Cypriot BBQ, and striking views of aircraft passing close overhead. I like the easy mix of activity and downtime, and I like that lunch, drinks, equipment, and hotel transfers are included. The main consideration is that the route, swimming stops, and timing can change with the weather and the captain’s decision.

This is not a serious fishing expedition or a dedicated wreck expedition. It is a relaxed half-day on the water, with enough variety to keep families and mixed groups happy. Fishing equipment and snorkeling gear are provided, though the fishing equipment could use some improvement, and the snorkeling gear requires a refundable deposit.

What makes this Larnaca cruise worth considering

• The Zenobia wreck is the main underwater attraction: You can snorkel above the famous Swedish cargo ferry that sank near Larnaca in 1980, while the boat’s glass bottom gives you another way to see below the surface.
• Fishing begins only about 25 minutes after departure: You do not spend most of the morning waiting for the first activity. Fishing gear is available, and you can cook any fish you catch later on board.
• The airport views are wonderfully unusual: The cruise follows Larnaca’s west coast, where aircraft can appear very close overhead, giving you a memorable setting for photographs.
• Lunch is more than a basic snack: The buffet includes homemade Cypriot dishes, BBQ food, fruit, and the option to have your catch cooked for the table.
• You can set your own pace: Fish, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply sit on a sunbed. The boat is arranged for a lazy morning rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.
• The $64 price covers a lot: Hotel pickup and drop-off, an open bar, lunch, equipment, and a four-hour cruise are all included.

Leaving Larnaca Marina for a relaxed morning

Your day begins with hotel pickup and a transfer to Larnaca Marina. Pickup times can be delayed by traffic or other road conditions, so I would keep your morning schedule loose rather than planning another timed activity immediately afterward.

The boat used for the cruise is the Doremi, designed with sunbeds, onboard facilities, a glass bottom, and space for several different kinds of holiday mood. You can take part in every activity, or you can treat the trip as a floating seaside break with occasional reasons to get in the water.

That flexibility is the heart of the experience. One person in your group can fish while another swims, and someone else can stay dry and watch the seabed through the glass panels. This makes the cruise a sensible choice for families and couples who do not all want the same thing from a boat trip.

An animator is also included, adding some atmosphere during the sailing and activity stops. The tour is conducted in English, so you should be comfortable following English instructions and explanations.

Fishing starts after about 25 minutes

The first fishing stop comes roughly 25 minutes after boarding. That early start is useful because you get a quick taste of the day instead of spending the opening hour simply traveling along the coast.

Fishing is optional, and all the basic equipment is supplied. You do not need to bring your own rod or tackle. The experience is best viewed as a light holiday activity rather than a technical angling trip. You cast a line, wait, and enjoy the sea around you. Catching something is possible, but it should not be the reason you book.

The equipment has received some criticism, so serious anglers may find it too basic. For most people, especially families and first-time fishers, the simple setup should be enough to make the stop enjoyable.

If you catch a fish, the crew can cook it on board and serve it with lunch. That gives the meal a personal touch, but do not count on fish being part of your plate. Your catch is optional, and there is no promise that every fishing attempt produces one.

While fishing is under way, you can also choose to sunbathe, swim, or use the snorkeling equipment. I like this arrangement because nobody is forced to fish, and the stop does not feel wasted if the fish are not biting.

The Zenobia wreck is the cruise’s big moment

The trip continues toward the Zenobia, a Swedish cargo ferry that sank in 1980. The wreck is one of the best-known underwater sights near Larnaca, and it gives the cruise more character than a standard coastal swim outing.

Masks and snorkeling equipment are provided for the stop. You can look into the water and see the wreck area and marine life around it. The Doremi’s glass bottom provides a second option, allowing you to view the underwater scene without getting wet.

That glass-bottom feature matters for children, cautious swimmers, and anyone who would rather not use a mask. It also means you can still see something during the stop if the water feels too cool or you simply want a break from swimming.

The amount you can see will depend on sea conditions and visibility. The captain controls the route, and the Zenobia stop can be adjusted if weather or water conditions make the planned route unsuitable. Keep that in mind if the wreck is your only reason for booking.

For many people, this will be the most memorable part of the morning. You are not just looking at open water. You are seeing a real shipwreck linked to Larnaca’s maritime story, with fish and underwater life around it.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time on the sunbeds

After the wreck stop, the cruise includes another opportunity to swim and snorkel. This second water stop gives you a chance to enjoy the sea without feeling that everything depends on one short visit to the wreck.

You can use the supplied snorkeling gear free of charge, but a refundable deposit is required. Bring a towel and beachwear, and pack biodegradable sunscreen to protect yourself and reduce harm to the marine environment.

The water activities are not compulsory. You can stay on board, use the sunbeds, take photographs, or watch the coast. That is helpful for anyone who wants a social boat outing but does not want to spend much time in the water.

I would bring your camera, but protect it carefully around the swimming stops. The airport views also give you a reason to keep it ready. Aircraft flying close above the west coast create an unusual contrast with the calm Mediterranean setting.

Aircraft overhead along Larnaca’s west coast

The sailing route along the west coast of Larnaca includes views toward the airport. Planes can pass directly above or close to the boat, creating one of the trip’s most distinctive photo opportunities.

This is not a formal airport tour, so the timing of aircraft is not guaranteed. Still, the location gives the cruise a feature you will not get on every coastal boat ride. Keep your camera handy rather than putting it away between stops.

The airport views also add variety to the scenery. You move from marina and open sea to a shipwreck, then to swimming water and aircraft overhead. The cruise does not rely on one attraction to carry the whole morning.

A Cypriot lunch cooked on board

The included meal is one of the strongest parts of the package. Lunch comes as a Cypriot buffet with homemade local dishes, BBQ food, and fruit. Drinks are covered too, including water, soft drinks, zivania, and wine.

The BBQ is served on board, so you can eat while still enjoying the sea around you. If you have caught a fish, the crew can cook it directly on the boat and add it to your lunch.

The food sounds generous rather than fancy, which suits this kind of outing. You are getting a proper meal after time in the water, not just a packet of snacks. The open bar also means you do not need to budget separately for basic drinks.

Fruit portions may feel limited at times, and lunch timing can vary. It may be served later so the swimming and sailing schedule can continue first. If you are hungry early in the morning, eat breakfast before pickup and bring water for the transfer, even though water is included during the cruise.

I especially like the catch-and-cook idea because it connects the fishing stop with the meal. Even if you catch nothing, the buffet and BBQ provide the main lunch, so the day does not depend on your luck with a fishing line.

What the $64 price really includes

At $64 per person, this cruise offers solid value for a four-hour outing. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat ride, an animator, fishing equipment, snorkeling equipment, sunbeds, onboard facilities, lunch, fruit, and an open bar.

You would usually pay more if you arranged transport, a boat trip, a meal, and drinks separately. The included transfer is particularly useful if you are staying outside central Larnaca or do not want to arrange marina transportation yourself.

The value is strongest for people who will use several parts of the package. If you plan to fish, snorkel, eat lunch, and enjoy the bar, the price is reasonable. If you only want a short sightseeing cruise and will avoid the water and food, you may find a simpler boat ride better suited to your plans.

The four-hour duration also works well. It is long enough for several stops and a meal, but short enough to leave part of the day free. I would not book another activity too tightly around it because transfers and weather can affect the schedule.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This experience suits families, couples, and mixed-age groups. Children can watch fish through the glass bottom or try fishing, while adults can swim, relax on sunbeds, and enjoy the open bar.

It is also a good fit if you want several holiday activities in one package without committing to a full-day boat excursion. The combination of a wreck, fishing, swimming, aircraft views, and lunch gives the morning a pleasant rhythm.

You should think twice if you want a quiet, small-scale sailing trip with no animation or group activity. You should also choose another experience if your priority is serious fishing, since the equipment is basic and catching fish is not guaranteed.

Strong swimmers and snorkelers will get the most from the water stops, but non-swimmers are not left out. The glass-bottom boat and sunbeds give you ways to enjoy the trip from the deck.

Practical tips before you go

Bring a towel, beachwear, a camera, and biodegradable sunscreen. Keep your belongings secure around the swimming areas, and remember that snorkeling equipment requires a refundable deposit.

Wear something comfortable for both sitting in the sun and moving around the boat. You may want a light layer for the start of the morning, though conditions can change at sea.

Do not treat the route as fixed. Weather can change the sailing plan, swimming stops, and access to the wreck. The captain has the final say, which is normal for a sea excursion and important for safety.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful if your Cyprus plans are still shifting, but you should still check the available start time for your date.

The cruise has earned a 4.9 rating from 48 reviews, with especially strong praise for the friendly crew, food, swimming stops, and uncrowded feel during an October family outing. The main practical complaints are limited fruit, a later lunch, basic fishing gear, and the possibility that you may not catch a fish.

Should you book the Larnaca fishing and BBQ cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want an easy, good-value morning with several activities rather than one narrowly focused tour. The Zenobia wreck, glass-bottom viewing, airport photo opportunities, fishing, and Cypriot BBQ give you plenty for $64.

Book it with realistic expectations. The sea controls the route, the fishing equipment is not aimed at experts, and your own fish may never reach the grill. But if you want a relaxed boat day with food, drinks, swimming, and a little adventure, this is a well-rounded choice from Larnaca Marina.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Larnaca Marina in the Larnaca District of Cyprus.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts four hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $64 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is fishing optional?

Yes, fishing is optional, and fishing equipment is provided.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is available free of charge, but a refundable deposit is required.

Can I see the Zenobia shipwreck?

The cruise travels to the Zenobia shipwreck, where you can snorkel and see underwater marine life. The boat also has a glass bottom for viewing without getting wet.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch includes a Cypriot buffet, BBQ food, fruit, and fish caught during the trip if you catch one and choose to have it cooked.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, soft drinks, zivania, and wine.

Can the route change?

Yes, the route and swimming stops can change because of weather conditions or the captain’s decision.