Demetris Chara Boat/Blue Lagoon boat trips with BBQ and SLIDE

The best part of this 4.5-hour Blue Lagoon cruise is simple: you get plenty of time in the water, not just a quick photo stop. The Demetris Chara sails from Latchi, pauses at the lagoon for about two hours, serves a generous BBQ lunch, and lets you swim again afterward.

I especially like the long swimming stop and the easygoing mix of food, sea views, and onboard fun. The slide and two jumping levels give the boat a family-day-out feel, while the bar serves soft drinks, beer, cocktails, and wine. One thing to check before you go is the snorkel situation. Some trips have had snorkels available, while another booking party was told they were not supplied, so bring your own if looking underwater matters to you.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours at the Blue Lagoon: You have time for swimming, snorkeling if equipment is available, lunch, and another dip.
• A proper BBQ buffet: Expect generous portions of BBQ chicken or souvla, couscous, potatoes, vegetables, and a drink.
• Slide and jumping spots: The boat offers more than a quiet cruise, with a slide and places to enter the water from different levels.
• Reasonable onboard prices: The bar serves alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks at prices described as fair for a boat.
• Hotel pickup may be included: Transfers are offered from selected hotels, with pickup at the front of your hotel.
• A large but generally comfortable boat: The maximum group size is 120, though the boat may feel less crowded than some competing cruises.

Sailing from Latchi Harbour toward the Blue Lagoon

Your day begins at the Latchi Watersports Centre in Latchi Harbour, near Polis Crysochous. If you use the pickup option, wait at the front of your chosen hotel at the stated time. That detail matters, since the transfer service is available only from selected hotels and the boat itself leaves from Latchi.

The first part of the trip is a coastal cruise. You will pass the shoreline on the way to the lagoon, with time to settle in, look around, and order something from the bar. This is not a packed sightseeing program with a long list of formal stops. The pleasure comes from the slow movement along the coast and the change from harbor activity to open water.

I would think of the cruise as a full half-day outing rather than a simple transport ride. You get scenery on the way out, a long stop at the Blue Lagoon, lunch on board, and a quieter return to Latchi. That slower pace suits you if you want a boat day without constantly checking the clock.

The boat can take up to 120 people, so this is not a private charter or a tiny sailing trip. Still, the seating arrangement has been described as comfortable, with tables and chairs available for everyone on board. The boat has also been praised for being clean and spacious enough to avoid the cramped feeling that can spoil a cheap sea excursion.

Two hours in the Blue Lagoon

The main event is the Blue Lagoon stop. The boat remains there for about two hours, giving you far more breathing room than tours that allow only a short swim before moving on.

The water is the reason to come. It is described as clear enough to see fish, and the lagoon provides a fine place for a relaxed swim from the boat. You do not need to rush into the water the moment the boat arrives. You can first find a place to sit, take in the view, and decide how you want to use the stop.

I like the way the timing works here. You can swim before lunch, eat when the BBQ is ready, and return to the water afterward. That breaks up the stop naturally. It also means you are not forced to choose between eating and swimming.

The boat has a slide, and you can enter the water from more than one level. This adds a bit of energy for children and adults who enjoy playful boat trips. If you prefer a quiet swim, you can simply use the ladder and stay clear of the slide area.

Life jackets are offered to people who are less confident in the water. That is useful, especially because the stop is from the boat rather than a sandy beach. Most people can participate, but you should still be comfortable getting in and out of the sea from a vessel.

Snorkeling needs a small warning. One booking party was told that snorkels were supplied, only to learn after leaving the harbor that they were not. Other experiences have included goggles and snorkels. Since the information is not fully consistent, pack your own mask and snorkel if you want to look for fish and explore below the surface.

A generous BBQ lunch on the boat

The BBQ is one of the strongest parts of this trip. It is not just a sandwich or a small snack served between swims. The meal has been described as generous and tasty, with BBQ chicken or Cypriot-style souvla, couscous, potatoes, vegetables, and a drink such as wine or a soft drink.

That makes the $42.33 price easier to judge. You are paying for a long cruise, a two-hour lagoon stop, a cooked lunch, and access to onboard facilities. Similar boat trips may cost less if they offer only a short swim and basic refreshments, while more expensive options may not give you much extra time in the water.

The food also gives the trip a local touch. Souvla is a familiar Cypriot barbecue dish, and the meal is more substantial than the usual resort excursion buffet. The couscous has received particular praise, while the chicken, potatoes, and vegetables make the lunch filling enough for an active afternoon in the sun.

The meal is served while the boat is stopped at the lagoon. You can eat at a table rather than balancing food while standing on a crowded beach. After lunch, there is still time to swim again, which is a practical touch. You will not feel that the meal has ended the best part of the day.

If you have strict dietary needs, the supplied information does not explain the available alternatives. I would contact the operator before booking rather than assume the buffet can be changed.

Drinks, cocktails, and the onboard atmosphere

The bar is open for more than just water. You can buy soft drinks, beer, cocktails, wine, and ice cream during the trip. Prices have been described as reasonable for a boat, which is worth noting because captive-audience pricing can quickly change the value of an excursion.

A draft Alpha lager has received a specific mention, and drinks can be enjoyed with lunch or during the return cruise. You do not need to organize a separate beach lunch or carry a full cooler, although bringing your own water may still be sensible for a sunny day.

The general mood is sociable without needing to be a party cruise. The slide, swimming, BBQ, and bar create a lively family atmosphere, but the route also leaves room to sit and enjoy the coast. I would recommend it to couples, families, and groups of friends who want some action without booking a full-day water-sports program.

If you are looking for a silent sailing trip with a small group and no onboard activity, this may feel too busy. The boat can carry 120 people, and the slide and bar naturally create more movement than a quiet private cruise.

How the timing affects your day

The total trip lasts about four hours and 30 minutes. That is long enough to feel worthwhile but short enough to fit into a busy Paphos or Polis holiday schedule.

The listed meeting point is in Latchi, not central Paphos. Pickup is available from selected hotels, but you should check that your hotel is included before relying on the transfer. If you are making your own way there, the activity begins and ends at the Latchi Watersports Centre.

The return to the same meeting point is helpful. You do not need to arrange a second transfer from another harbor. At the end of the lagoon stop and lunch, the boat cruises back to Latchi, allowing you to finish where you started.

One practical issue is punctuality. There has been at least one complaint about waiting for late passengers before setting off. You should arrive at the pickup point on time, especially if using a hotel transfer. A delay at the start reduces the time available for the lagoon, even if the crew tries to keep the day running smoothly.

The trip is offered in English, and booking confirmation is provided at the time of booking. It is also near public transportation, though the exact transport connection from your accommodation is not specified.

Weather, cancellations, and the right season

This experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

That weather rule is sensible for a sea trip, but you should avoid booking it as the only fixed highlight of a short visit if your schedule has no flexibility. A canceled sailing can be moved, but a new date may not suit your plans.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff follows local Cyprus time.

Do not book this trip in the off-season without checking operating dates directly. A December booking once led to a long wait at the pickup point before the passenger learned that the boat was closed for the entire off-season. The booking was eventually refunded, but the communication failure caused needless hassle.

Who will enjoy the Demetris Chara most?

I would choose this cruise if you want a balanced boat day with swimming, food, and scenery. It is especially suitable for:

• Families who want a slide and easy access to the sea
• Couples looking for a relaxed half-day on the water
• Visitors staying near Polis or Latchi
• People who value a cooked lunch rather than a packed snack
• Swimmers who want a long Blue Lagoon stop
• Anyone comparing boat trips on price and time in the water

You may want a different experience if you dislike group excursions, need guaranteed snorkeling equipment, or want a private boat. The maximum group size is 120, and the activity is built around shared facilities.

The cruise also works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can use the slide and jumping points, while less confident swimmers can wear a life jacket and stay near the boat. People who do not want to swim can eat, take photographs, and enjoy the coastal views.

Is $42.33 good value?

At $42.33 per person, I consider this good value if the full four-and-a-half-hour schedule operates as planned. The price covers the boat trip, the Blue Lagoon stop, a BBQ lunch, and the chance to use the slide. The bar is extra, but drinks are reported to be fairly priced.

The value improves because the lagoon stop lasts about two hours. A cheaper cruise with only a brief swim may not save much once you add lunch and drinks elsewhere. Here, the food is part of the outing, and you can swim both before and after eating.

The price is less attractive if you do not care for group boat trips or will not use the swimming stop. You are paying for the whole combination, not simply a transfer to the Blue Lagoon.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon cruise?

Yes, if you want a relaxed, good-value family boat day from Latchi with a strong mix of swimming, BBQ food, and easy onboard fun. The long lagoon stop, tasty lunch, clean boat, friendly crew, and fair drink prices make it a well-rounded choice.

Before booking, confirm your hotel pickup, check that the trip is operating during your dates, and pack your own snorkel if you want reliable equipment. With those details settled, the Demetris Chara offers a practical way to enjoy the Blue Lagoon without rushing from one short stop to another.

FAQ

Where does the Demetris Chara boat trip start?

The trip starts at the Latchi Watersports Centre at Latchi Harbour, Polis Crysochous 8820, Cyprus.

Where does the boat trip finish?

The activity ends back at the Latchi Watersports Centre, the same place where it starts.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

How long do I spend at the Blue Lagoon?

The boat stops at the Blue Lagoon for about two hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch with several sides is included. The food described includes BBQ meat, couscous, potatoes, and vegetables, along with a drink option such as wine or a soft drink.

Are drinks available on the boat?

Yes. The onboard bar serves soft drinks, beer, cocktails, wine, and ice cream. The drinks are not described as part of the main tour price.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered from selected hotels. You should wait at the front of your chosen hotel on time and confirm that your accommodation is included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The information is not fully consistent. Some trips have had goggles and snorkels available, while another booking party was told that snorkels were not supplied. Bring your own if snorkeling is important to you.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.