Paphos: Half Day BBQ Cruise with Open Bar & Snorkelling

Good food, clear water, and a moving view.

This four-hour cruise gives you a relaxed way to see the Paphos coast, with stops near Coral Bay, the Sea Caves, and St George’s Island. I especially like the included BBQ buffet and open bar, plus the chance to swim and snorkel from the boat rather than spend the day on a crowded beach. The main drawback is that the boat may not have enough sunbeds for everyone, and rough waves can make the ride uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness.

I also like the three decks, which give you more choice between sun and shade, and the friendly crew has earned strong praise for its service. One memorable touch is the captain’s live music performance, reported during a March sailing. Pickup details deserve care, though: the time and meeting place may change, and at least one group had to contact the operator after a pickup error.

Four things to know before you board

• A four-hour coastal outing: You get transport, roughly three hours on the water, a meal, drinks, and a swimming break within a compact half-day.
• Three decks and first-come sunbeds: There is room to sit in different parts of the boat, but sunbeds are limited and should not be treated as guaranteed.
• The food and drinks are included: The BBQ buffet, seasonal fruit, local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and cocktails are part of the package.
• The main swim stop is at Peyia: Bring a towel and comfortable shoes, since the cruise includes swimming, snorkelling, and canoeing.
• Pickup covers two locations: You can be collected and returned at the Coral Beach Hotel & Resort or the north-east boundary of Paphos International Airport.
• Sea conditions matter: The coastline can look calm from shore, but one past sailing had waves strong enough to cause serious motion sickness.

What the $69 price really covers

At $69 per person, this cruise is priced as an all-in half-day outing rather than a simple boat ride. Your fare includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the cruise, a BBQ lunch, fruit, an open bar with cocktails, sightseeing, swimming, snorkelling, canoeing, and access to three decks.

That bundle can be good value if you want your day kept simple. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the marina, find lunch afterward, or pay separately for drinks during the trip. The cruise also gives you several kinds of entertainment in one booking: coastal views, swimming, food, music, and time in the sun.

The value is less clear if you mainly want a quiet sailing experience. You are paying for the full package, including the meal and bar, even if you do not drink alcohol or do not plan to swim. One past booking was charged €79 per person, so check the final price shown at the time you reserve. Prices and currency displays can differ.

The overall score provided for the activity is 3.6 from 10 reviews. That points to a fun outing for many people, but not a consistently polished experience for everyone. The strongest praise focuses on the crew, food, drinks, and entertainment. The weaker points concern pickup changes, limited sunbeds, and rough water.

Pickup from Paphos and the ride to Peyia

Pickup is available from the Coral Beach Hotel & Resort or the north-east boundary of Paphos International Airport. A bus or coach ride takes about 30 minutes before you reach Peyia and board the boat.

This transfer is useful if you are staying near one of the listed pickup areas. It saves you from arranging separate transport and keeps the cruise within a four-hour block. If your hotel is elsewhere in Paphos District, the stated pickup information does not confirm that collection is available, so you should check the exact meeting point before booking.

Do not treat the pickup time as fixed until the operator confirms it after booking. A previous group had the time and pickup place changed before departure and needed to call for clarification. Another group arrived late because of confusion over the pickup location, but the crew waited for them. That suggests the staff can be helpful, but it is still wise to keep your phone available and confirm the details early.

The activity is hosted in English, Arabic, and Greek. That is useful for a mixed group, though the information provided does not specify whether every announcement is made in all three languages.

The first hour on the water near Peyia

Once aboard, the boat spends about an hour cruising near Peyia. The main pleasure here is the change of pace. Instead of rushing from one Paphos sight to another, you can sit on deck and watch the coast pass from the water.

The yacht has three decks, so you can choose a position that suits your mood. A higher deck should give you broader views, while a lower or more sheltered area may feel better if the sun is strong. The exact seating arrangement is not specified, and the sunbeds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

That last detail matters. If stretching out on a lounger is important to you, arrive ready to claim a place rather than assuming each person will have one. The boat still offers other seating, but a sunbed shortage was a clear complaint on one sailing.

The ride is also where you should judge your comfort with the sea. One past passenger described the waves as unusually rough and found the motion severe despite not normally becoming seasick. Conditions vary, but the experience is still on open water, not a calm pool. If you are sensitive to motion, eat lightly before departure, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider bringing any usual seasickness remedy.

Peyia’s swim stop, BBQ, and open bar

The central stop lasts about an hour and combines lunch, swimming, snorkelling, and BBQ service. This is the most active part of the trip, but you can also stay on deck and sunbathe if you prefer not to enter the water.

The swim takes place in clear coastal water, giving you a chance to cool off away from the beach. Snorkelling is included, though the supplied details do not promise specific marine life, equipment quality, or underwater features. You should bring your own towel, and comfortable shoes are recommended for the overall outing.

Canoeing is also included. Since no further details are provided about the canoe equipment or how long you can use it, think of it as an added option rather than the main reason to book. The swimming break is the surest focus of this stop.

The BBQ buffet is one of the best reasons to choose this cruise over a basic sightseeing boat. The meal is served during the stop, along with seasonal fresh fruit. Past praise describes the food as plentiful and varied, so you can expect more than a token snack, though the exact menu changes are not given.

Drinks are available through the open bar, including local alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices and cocktails. This works well for a social afternoon, especially if you want to enjoy a cold drink without keeping track of small purchases. If you do not drink, the non-alcoholic choices mean you still receive part of the package, but the bar naturally adds more value for people who plan to use it.

The crew received especially warm praise for being attentive, professional, patient, and friendly. On one highly rated sailing, the captain also performed live music. That kind of personal touch can turn a standard lunch cruise into a more memorable outing, although it should be viewed as a possible feature rather than a guaranteed scheduled show.

Sea Caves and the route past St George’s Island

After the meal and swim, the boat passes the Sea Caves near Peyia. This section lasts about 30 minutes and includes a photo stop, sightseeing, and views from the water.

The Sea Caves are best appreciated from the boat, where you get a different angle than from a roadside lookout. Keep your camera ready, since the stop is designed for photographs and the boat may not remain in one position for a long time.

The route also includes Coral Bay and St George’s Island. These places give the cruise its sense of variety: a popular bay, striking rock formations, and an island setting all appear within one coastal journey. The information does not promise a landing at St George’s Island, so expect to pass by and view it from the boat rather than walk ashore.

The final hour continues through Paphos District with more cruising and scenic views. This is a good time to settle into a deck chair, finish your drink, and let the coastline provide the entertainment. It is less structured than the swim stop, which may suit you if you want a little quiet after lunch.

How comfortable is the yacht?

The boat is described as a luxury yacht with three decks and sunbeds. Those features suggest more comfort than a basic open boat, particularly for a four-hour outing. You can move around, choose your view, and alternate between sitting and swimming.

Still, luxury does not remove the practical limits of a shared boat. Sunbeds are first come, first served, and may run out. The supplied information also does not give the group size, the number of toilets, the exact boat model, or whether shaded seating is available on every deck.

I would plan for strong sun. Bring a towel, camera, comfortable shoes, and your passport or ID card. High heels are not allowed, and pets are not permitted. The passport or ID requirement is worth taking seriously, even though you remain within Cyprus waters, because it is part of the stated preparation instructions.

A camera is useful for the Sea Caves, Coral Bay, and the views from the boat. Protect it from spray, especially during the swimming stop. The provided information does not state whether snorkelling gear is supplied, so ask before departure or bring your own if you have it.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a social, easygoing half-day with several activities included. Families and groups of friends can split their time between swimming, food, drinks, music, and sightseeing without having to plan each part separately.

It also suits first-time visitors who want a broad look at the Paphos coast. In four hours, you see Coral Bay, the Sea Caves, St George’s Island, and other parts of the Paphos District, with hotel transport included from the listed points.

The cruise may be less suitable if you want a small, quiet boat with guaranteed personal space. The limited sunbeds and shared buffet setup make this a group experience. It may also disappoint if your priority is a long snorkelling session, since the swim stop includes several activities and lasts about one hour.

You should think twice if you are prone to seasickness. The tour operator does not mark the cruise as unsuitable for people with motion sensitivity, but one past sailing had very rough movement. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, according to the stated restrictions.

Booking tips for a smoother day

Confirm your pickup time and place after booking, since these details are confirmed later and may change. If anything looks unclear, contact the operator before the day of departure rather than waiting at the wrong hotel entrance.

Arrive prepared for both sun and water. Wear comfortable shoes, pack a towel, and bring your passport or ID card. Leave high heels and pets at home, since neither is permitted.

If you want a sunbed, reach the boat ready to claim one early. The activity does not promise a reserved lounger for each passenger. If you would rather avoid the most exposed seating, check the available decks when you board.

The cancellation terms are traveler-friendly: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Paphos plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Paphos BBQ cruise?

Book it if you want an uncomplicated coastal day with lunch, drinks, swimming, and friendly service in one package. The captain’s live music, praised crew, varied buffet, and broad route through Coral Bay, the Sea Caves, and St George’s Island give the cruise more personality than a simple transfer on the water.

I would be cautious if guaranteed sunbed space, precise pickup arrangements, or calm seas matter most to you. Confirm the meeting details, check the final price, and prepare for the possibility of rough water. For a relaxed group outing at $69 per person, it can be good value, but it works best when you see it as a lively sightseeing and lunch cruise rather than a premium private yacht charter.

FAQ

How long is the Paphos BBQ cruise?

The activity lasts four hours, including transport arrangements, cruising, sightseeing, lunch, swimming, snorkelling, and the return journey.

Where can I be picked up?

The two listed pickup options are the Coral Beach Hotel & Resort and the north-east boundary of Paphos International Airport.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for the stated locations, and the exact time and meeting place are confirmed after booking.

What food is included?

A BBQ buffet lunch and seasonal fresh fruit are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as cocktails.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming and snorkelling stop near Peyia. Canoeing is also included.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, a towel, and a camera.

Are sunbeds guaranteed?

No. Sunbeds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users.