Half Day BBQ Lunch Cruise from Paphos

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet memorable way to enjoy the waters around Paphos, this Half Day BBQ Lunch Cruise offers a great mix of sun, sea, good food, and entertainment. While we haven’t taken this cruise ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty enticing picture. It sounds like a day that combines fun water activities with a hearty Greek-style barbecue, plus plenty of relaxing moments on deck.

What we love about this tour? Firstly, the authentic Greek barbecue prepared right on the boat makes for a delicious, savory highlight, especially paired with the open bar of local drinks. Secondly, the snorkeling and canoeing options give you a chance to explore the underwater world of Coral Bay—a significant plus for water lovers. The only consideration? The tour can get quite busy, so securing a good spot or sun lounger might require some early planning.

This cruise appeals most to travelers looking for a mid-length, all-in-one water day—a perfect outing whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or even family. If you enjoy good food, lively atmosphere, and a splash of adventure, this tour is likely to tick your boxes.

Key Points

• Includes a traditional Greek barbecue cooked fresh on the deck.
• Offers an open bar with local drinks for the duration of the cruise.
• Includes snorkeling gear and kayaks for exploration.
• Pickup available at select hotels, making it convenient.
• Ideal for water enthusiasts who love opportunities to swim and kayak.
• Popular choice booked 23 days in advance, indicating good value and reliability.

The cruise starts and ends at Paphos Harbour, making it straightforward for most travelers staying nearby. The departure time is early in the morning at 9:20 am, which helps you beat the heat and make the most of your day out on the water. The six-hour experience includes a mix of relaxing, active, and culinary moments, balanced to give you a comprehensive taste of what Coral Bay and the surrounding waters have to offer.

Paphos Harbour: The Starting Point

The journey begins at Sail at Castle, located at Apostolou Pavlou Ave. This scenic spot provides a natural gateway to the sea. The boat itself can accommodate up to 150 travelers, so expect a lively, social atmosphere. Many reviews mention arriving early to claim a good spot or sun lounger—since the boat can get busy, arriving promptly helps ensure you get ample space to relax.

The Water Activities: Snorkeling and Canoeing

Once out on the water, you’ll find snorkel masks and kayaks available, giving you a chance to explore Coral Bay’s underwater beauty or paddle nearby. Reviewers highlight that the long swim and water activities are enjoyable and well-organized, making this a standout feature. One guest noted, “a lovely swim and for £50 odd quid you can’t beat it,” emphasizing the value for such a comprehensive experience.

Midday: Greek BBQ and Live Entertainment

The highlight for many is the traditional Greek barbecue prepared on deck. The food is said to be amazing, with some reviews describing it as exceeding expectations. Expect grilled meats, local flavors, and a lively, communal atmosphere. As one reviewer put it, “the BBQ exceeded my expectations,” which suggests quality and authenticity.

While you dine, you can enjoy live music and entertainment, adding a festive touch to the day. Several reviews mention the friendly and fun staff, who keep the mood lively and inclusive. A guest noted, “good live musicians and a lovely swim,” capturing the relaxed, joyful vibe of the cruise.

The Return: Relaxing and Reflection

After the meal and entertainment, you’ll return to Paphos Harbour, typically around early afternoon. This timing allows you to continue your holiday activities or relax afterward. Reviewers appreciated the cleanliness of the boat and the good level of service, making for a comfortable end to the trip.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers great value for the price of $73.52 per person. Included are the BBQ lunch, local drinks from the open bar, snorkeling equipment, and kayak access. The hotel pickup and drop-off are available at selected hotels, which simplifies logistics.

However, some important details are worth noting: imported drinks are not included, and travelers need to bring their own beach towels, swimwear, and sun protection. This is a common practice but worthwhile to prepare for, especially since the tour is outdoors and in the sun.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early to secure a good spot and sun lounger.
• Bring swimwear, beach towels, and sun cream—the sun can be strong, and comfort is key.
• Wear beach footwear to protect your feet when moving around on deck.
• Confirm your pickup time and location after booking, as the tour provider will contact you.
• The experience is weather-dependent: if canceled due to poor weather, you get a full refund or reschedule.

The reviews reveal that most travelers found this tour excellent value for money and a fun, relaxing day. Guests appreciated the friendly staff, the delicious food, and the entertainment. One caller said, “the staff were amazing and had a lot of local knowledge,” which hints at the authentic, personable service.

Some guests did express minor frustrations, such as overcrowding—one noted it was hard to find a seat because of the number of people onboard. Others wished they had more time for swimming, but given the six-hour duration, most found it adequate for a leisurely day.

The live music and entertainment seem to be a highlight, with guests remarking how it added to the festive atmosphere. The water activities like snorkeling and kayaking are praised for their accessibility and fun factor.

This cruise is best suited for water lovers, foodies, and those wanting a relaxed day out. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a casual, social environment with plenty of opportunities for swimming, eating, and drinking. If you appreciate a well-organized, fun-filled water adventure with a touch of local flavor, you’ll find this tour offers good value.

However, if you’re seeking a quiet, solitary experience or want to explore more remote areas, this might not be your best pick. The tour’s popularity and group size mean it can get crowded, especially during peak season.

All in all, this Half Day BBQ Lunch Cruise from Paphos offers a lively, enjoyable combination of water activities, excellent food, and entertainment. The authentic Greek barbecue and friendly staff provide a welcoming atmosphere, while the snorkeling and kayaking give you a chance to actively explore.

It’s especially suitable for those who want a taste of local flavors and lively water fun without committing to a full-day excursion. The convenient pickup and drop-off make it accessible, and the relatively modest price provides good value considering the included food, drinks, and activities.

If you’re looking for a fun, social water day with memorable food and lively music, this cruise could very well be a highlight of your trip to Paphos.

Is hotel pickup available? Yes, pickup is offered at selected hotels, simplifying your logistics.

What should I bring? Pack swimwear, beach towels, sun cream, and beach footwear. Some reviews mention bringing additional sun protection.

What’s included in the price? The ticket covers the BBQ lunch, local drinks from the open bar, snorkel masks, kayaks, and hotel pickup at designated locations.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor? Yes, if canceled due to weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How long is the cruise? The cruise lasts around six hours, from departure at 9:20 am until returning to Paphos Harbour.

Is the experience suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, the water activities and family-friendly environment suggest it’s suitable for most ages, with water safety precautions.

Are drinks included? Yes, local drinks from the open bar are included, but imported drinks are not.

What’s the main highlight of the tour? The Greek barbecue and live entertainment stand out as the most praised features.

Is there time to swim? Yes, the stop at Coral Bay allows for swimming and relaxing, although some reviews wish there was more time for water activities.

This cruise offers a refreshing way to enjoy Paphos’s waters, with tasty food, lively atmosphere, and scenic views—perfect for a laid-back, fun-filled day at sea.