BBQ Boat: Nafsika II Sunset BBQ, Waterslide & Swimming Trip

The best part of the Nafsika II trip is the long stop at the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim in clear, warm water before dinner is cooked aboard the boat. Then the new waterslide turns the swim stop into a floating playground, especially for children and anyone who still enjoys a good splash.

I like the generous BBQ portions and the relaxed ride back toward Latchi as the sun drops behind the coast. I also like the friendly crew, including Theo, and the clean, refitted boat with a bar and several seating areas. One thing to keep in mind: the cruise may return before the exact sunset time, and the schedule can be shortened or changed by wind.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon swimming time: Plan on roughly 90 minutes to two hours in the water, depending on the day’s running time.
• A proper BBQ on board: Chicken, pork, seasonal salad, and drinks are included, with generous servings.
• A new inflatable waterslide: The slide runs from the boat into the lagoon after the meal.
• A scenic Akamas Coast route: You pass the Baths of Aphrodite, Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, and Blaji Bay.
• A useful family option: Children enjoy the slide, and children under two travel free.
• Good value at $41: The price includes the cruise, swim stop, meal, wine or orange squash, and onboard entertainment.

Leaving Latchi for the Akamas Coast

Your afternoon begins at Latchi Harbor, opposite the Yiangos & Peter Hotel and Restaurant. Look for the Nafsika II boat. The listed departure time is 3:30pm, with the full trip lasting about four hours.

I suggest arriving early. You can choose a seat before the boat fills, and one of the most useful tips from the day is to arrive in time for a good spot. The boat has seating on more than one level, plus a fully stocked bar, so you are not locked into one place for the whole trip.

The lower deck is practical for eating and for getting out of the sun. The top deck is the better place for views and a drink while the boat runs along the coast. The Nafsika II has been refitted, and cleanliness comes through as one of its strongest points. It feels like a working excursion boat made comfortable for a relaxed afternoon, rather than a bare-bones ferry.

The first part of the ride is mainly about the coast and the changing view from the water. You pass the Baths of Aphrodite, a famous Cyprus site linked with the goddess Aphrodite, then continue past Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, and Blaji Bay. These places are viewed from the boat rather than treated as separate walking stops, so do not book this trip expecting shore visits at each one.

That matters when you compare it with a land tour. You get a broad look at the Akamas Coast without spending the afternoon in a vehicle, but the experience is about being on the water, not exploring every named site up close.

The Blue Lagoon swimming stop

The boat takes about an hour to reach the Blue Lagoon on many departures. Once anchored, you have the main event: swimming and snorkelling in clear water around the Akamas Peninsula.

The lagoon is the kind of stop where you can make your own pace. You can swim near the boat, use a snorkel to look around the rocks, or stay on deck and enjoy the view. Fish are visible around the rocky areas, so bringing or using snorkelling gear adds something to the stop. The supplied information confirms snorkelling, but does not specify that equipment is included, so check the current arrangement before you rely on the boat for gear.

Most importantly, you are not rushed straight back aboard. The stop has been around an hour and a half to two hours on several departures, giving you enough time to swim before and after dinner. The crew cooks while you are enjoying the water, which makes good use of the time and avoids turning the meal into a long interruption.

The water is the star here, but the setting can also be busy with other boats. That is normal for the Blue Lagoon and part of the trade-off for visiting one of the Akamas Coast’s best-known swimming spots. You get easy access from Latchi and a comfortable boat base, but not a private cove reserved just for your group.

The BBQ is more than a light snack

The meal is served on board, usually after the first stretch of swimming. The included food is fresh chicken and pork BBQ with seasonal salad. On several departures, the meal also included couscous, yoghurt, and bread, and portions were described as generous enough to be genuinely filling.

That is important because some boat trips advertise a BBQ and then serve a small plate that feels like an afterthought. This one is designed as dinner. The meat is cooked on the lower deck, and the smell drifting across the boat adds to the sense that the meal is part of the outing, not just a basic package extra.

You receive local red or white wine, along with orange squash. The onboard bar is available for other drinks, but the supplied price includes the listed wine and squash rather than every drink sold on the boat.

I like the timing. You swim first, eat while the crew handles the cooking, then have the chance to use the waterslide after the meal. If you have young children, this order works well because there are several different activities rather than four hours of sitting still.

The food is not a restaurant tasting menu, and you should not expect a wide choice of dishes. It is a straightforward BBQ with substantial servings. For $41 per person, that is a sensible setup, especially when the boat ride and swimming stop are already included.

The waterslide adds real fun

The Nafsika II’s inflatable waterslide is the trip’s most distinctive extra. It is set up from the boat into the Blue Lagoon after the BBQ, allowing you to slide straight from the deck into the water.

The slide is particularly appealing for families, but it is not limited to children. Adults can use it too, and the novelty is part of the fun. One family described it as the favorite feature for a daughter, while another group enjoyed returning to the water after dinner rather than simply sailing back to port.

The slide is not a separate water park attraction. It is a simple onboard slide, and its appeal depends on the conditions and how much time the crew has to operate it. Still, it gives the swim stop a second phase. First you have calm water and snorkelling; later, you have a more playful way to get back in.

The slide may run for around 45 minutes on some departures, but the exact schedule can vary. If you want a quiet sunset cruise with no activity around you, this may feel a little lively. If you want a trip that keeps children occupied, it is a major advantage.

The return ride and sunset timing

After the swimming stop and meal, Nafsika II heads back toward Latchi. This is often the most peaceful stretch of the day. You can settle on the upper deck with a drink, watch the coast recede, and enjoy the late afternoon light.

The return is sold as a sunset cruise, but you should treat that description as a general guide, not a promise that the boat will remain offshore until the exact moment the sun disappears. One departure reached the harbor shortly before the official sunset time. Starting 15 or 20 minutes later could improve the sunset view on some days, but the operator controls the schedule and must also allow for harbor movements and weather.

That is a minor issue, yet it matters if sunset photography is your main reason for booking. You will still get beautiful evening light on many departures, but you may not be at sea for the final few minutes of sunset.

The boat normally returns around four hours after departure, though one booking ran closer to three and a half hours. Weather, harbor traffic, and the day’s schedule can affect the length. I would leave your evening flexible rather than arranging a tight dinner reservation immediately afterward.

What the crew and boat are like

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Theo is mentioned by name for helping passengers and finding a solution when a group arrived late. The crew also handled a situation where passengers were moved by another boat and had their bags transferred safely after a departure problem.

That does not mean you should arrive late. The practical lesson is to reach Latchi Harbor ahead of the 3:30pm departure. But it does suggest that the team is willing to help when plans go wrong.

The boat is described as clean, with friendly service and a well-stocked bar. You have the choice of sitting on the top deck for open views or using the lower deck for shade and the BBQ. Music is part of the atmosphere, although the volume and selection may not suit everyone. One departure had music loud enough to make conversation difficult, so this is worth knowing if you prefer a quiet ride.

The language options are English, French, Greek, and Russian. A live guide is available in those languages, which makes the trip easier for mixed-language groups.

Is $41 good value?

At $41, the package offers solid value. You get a four-hour coastal cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop, swimming and snorkelling time, the BBQ meal, local wine or orange squash, and the waterslide.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and dinner. The meal is substantial rather than token-sized, and the boat provides several ways to spend the afternoon. You are paying for a complete outing, not just transport to a swimming spot.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a silent boat ride or a private experience. Nafsika II is a shared cruise, and the music, other passengers, and popular Blue Lagoon anchorage are part of the setting. The boat can also be affected by wind, which may change the BBQ arrangement or the schedule.

Children under two travel free, making the price especially useful for families with toddlers. The waterslide also gives children a clear reason to look forward to the trip, while adults can enjoy the food and coastal ride.

Who should book the Nafsika II cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a mix of swimming, food, views, and easy entertainment in one afternoon. It suits families, couples who enjoy a casual outing, and groups looking for a social boat ride rather than a formal sailing experience.

You will get the most from it if you:

• Want plenty of time in clear water
• Enjoy a filling BBQ more than a restaurant meal
• Like having a waterslide as well as snorkelling
• Prefer a shared cruise with a bar and several seating areas
• Can keep your evening schedule flexible
• Are happy seeing coastal landmarks from the boat rather than visiting them on foot

I would look elsewhere if you want a private charter, a very quiet cruise, or a precise sunset photography schedule. You should also keep an eye on the weather forecast. The outing is weather dependent, and a cancellation because of conditions brings a full refund, but a windy day can still affect the experience even if the boat sails.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon BBQ cruise?

Yes, I would recommend it for most people staying in the Paphos District who want an easy half-day on the water. The strongest reasons are the long Blue Lagoon stop, the generous chicken and pork BBQ, the clean boat, and the waterslide, which gives the trip more energy than a standard coastal cruise.

Arrive early at Latchi Harbor, choose a good seat, and do not count on seeing the exact last second of sunset from offshore. With those expectations, the Nafsika II offers a lot for $41 and works particularly well for families and mixed-age groups.

FAQ

Where does the Nafsika II cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Latchi Harbor. Look for Nafsika II opposite the Yiangos & Peter Hotel and Restaurant.

What time does the cruise start?

The trip begins at 3:30pm.

How long does the cruise last?

The listed duration is four hours. Actual timing can vary, and one departure returned after about three and a half hours.

What food is included?

The included meal is fresh chicken and pork BBQ with seasonal salad. Departures have also included couscous, yoghurt, and bread.

What drinks are included?

Local red or white wine and orange squash are included.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

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

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. Nafsika II has an inflatable waterslide that runs from the boat into the Blue Lagoon.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English, French, Greek, and Russian.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is also weather dependent, and a full refund is given if the operator cancels because of weather.