Reviewed · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Wave Dancer Sunshine Full Day Cruise – All Inclusive

★ 5.0 · 323 reviews 6 hours (approx.) From $99 Operated by J&A Shipping Ltd · Bookable on Viator
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The Wave Dancer Sunshine cruise turns a day on the Cyprus coast into a floating holiday, with two swim stops, a barbecue lunch, drinks, music, and views of the Akamas area. You leave from Paphos Harbour and sail toward St George Island, the Sea Caves, and Coral Bay.

I like the easy all-in setup: hotel pickup is free, and lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and snorkeling equipment are included. I also like the boat’s mix of activity and downtime, from the water slide and swim stops to sun loungers, showers, live music, and magic shows from Joseph.

The main caution is the sea. A six-hour boat trip can feel long if you get seasick, and the sun is strong even when a sea breeze makes the air feel mild. Swimming locations can also change if the captain decides the weather is not suitable.

Key things to know before booking

Wave Dancer Sunshine Full Day Cruise - All Inclusive - Key things to know before booking

  • The cruise lasts about six hours, leaving Paphos Harbour at 10:00 am and returning to the same place.
  • The route includes St George Island, the Akamas area, Sea Caves, and Coral Bay, though weather may change the swim stops.
  • Lunch, soft drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment are included, with a barbecue meal served onboard.
  • Free hotel pickup is available in the Paphos region, but you need to request it after booking and confirm your hotel details.
  • The boat carries up to 150 people, so expect a lively shared cruise rather than a small private sailing.
  • Live music, onboard entertainment, a water slide, showers, sun loungers, and a bar make this more than a simple sightseeing boat.

Setting off from Paphos Harbour at 10:00

Wave Dancer Sunshine Full Day Cruise - All Inclusive - Setting off from Paphos Harbour at 10:00

The day begins at Wave Dancer Cruises & Events in Paphos Harbour. If you make your own way there, arrive at the boat entrance at least 15 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because a large boat with a full passenger list cannot wait for late arrivals.

You can also request a pickup from any hotel in the Paphos region at no extra charge. This is one of the strongest practical features of the trip, especially if you do not have a car or want to avoid finding a taxi early in the morning. The pickup must be arranged after booking, so do not assume it has been added automatically.

If you use the transfer, be ready at the earliest pickup time you receive and keep your phone available. One unhappy booking experience involved confusion over a pickup, so I would save the transfer confirmation and make sure the hotel name and contact number are correct before the morning of the cruise.

The boat carries a maximum of 150 people. That is a sizable group, but it also helps explain the range of facilities and the steady food and drink service. You are joining a full day out at sea, not a quiet sail with only a few other people.

Sailing toward St George Island and the Akamas coast

Once the boat leaves Paphos, the focus shifts to the coast. The route heads toward St George Island and the Akamas area, a protected coastal region known for its open sea views and rugged shoreline. The exact experience depends on the weather, the captain’s judgment, and sea conditions on the day.

This part of the trip is best treated as a moving coastal tour. You can settle on a sun lounger, watch the shoreline, listen to the onboard commentary, or order a drink from the bar. The captain and crew also provide information about Cyprus and the places visible from the water.

I like this format because it gives you a different view of the coast than you get from a road trip. You are not stopping at every landmark, but you see the shoreline from a broad, open angle. It is also a good break from the heat and traffic of inland sightseeing.

The trade-off is exposure. There is little escape from the sun on a boat, and the deck can become hot. Bring a large towel for the sun loungers, apply strong sunscreen often, and do not let the breeze fool you into thinking the sun is mild.

The Sea Caves and coastal views

Wave Dancer Sunshine Full Day Cruise - All Inclusive - The Sea Caves and coastal views

The Sea Caves are among the most appealing sights on the route. From the boat, you get a water-level view of the rock formations and the coast around them. This is less about a long shore visit and more about seeing the formations as part of a coastal cruise.

The boat may also pass local shipwrecks and other landmarks visible from the sea. The onboard guide provides information during the journey, which adds some context to what you are seeing instead of leaving you with only a view and a camera.

You should keep your expectations sensible. The advertised route includes several coastal points, but the captain can alter the swimming stops if weather conditions make a location unsafe or impractical. The cruise is designed around a flexible sea route, not a fixed schedule with guaranteed time at every site.

Swim stops, snorkeling, and the water slide

Wave Dancer Sunshine Full Day Cruise - All Inclusive - Swim stops, snorkeling, and the water slide

The two swimming stops are a major reason to choose this cruise. They give you a chance to cool off after sitting in the sun and turn the day into an active outing rather than a sightseeing ride. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own gear.

The stops may include the waters around St George Island, the Akamas area, and Coral Bay, with some descriptions also referring to a Blue Lagoon stop. The final locations depend on the captain and the weather. You should think of the advertised places as the intended route, not a promise that every stop will happen exactly as described.

The boat also has a water slide, which adds extra appeal for families and anyone who prefers a little action. Showers are available after swimming, a small but useful feature when you want to remove salt before lunch or the return journey.

Sea conditions matter here. One family outing had a choppy sea, and some people became seasick. The crew helped those who felt unwell, but staff care cannot remove the motion of the boat. If you are prone to seasickness, ask a pharmacist or doctor about suitable medication before the trip, and consider eating lightly before departure.

Barbecue lunch, snacks, and drinks

Wave Dancer Sunshine Full Day Cruise - All Inclusive - Barbecue lunch, snacks, and drinks

The included food is a genuine part of the value. You receive a freshly prepared barbecue lunch, along with soft drinks and snacks. The meal has been described as generous, with enough variety to suit different tastes, and special diets can be catered for.

You should tell the operator about dietary needs when arranging the booking. The provided information confirms that special diets are catered for, but it does not give a full menu, so do not expect to choose every item in advance.

Drinks are available throughout the day, including cocktails and other bar choices. The combination of food and drinks helps justify the $99.21 price more than a basic boat ticket would. A separate boat ride might look cheaper at first, but you would then need to budget for lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and possibly transport to the harbour.

The service is another plus. The crew handles food and drinks while keeping the atmosphere relaxed. If you want a particular cocktail, ordering early may be sensible during busy service periods. One especially playful suggestion from the onboard bar is the Sex on the Boat cocktail.

Live music, magic, and the mood onboard

Wave Dancer Sunshine Full Day Cruise - All Inclusive - Live music, magic, and the mood onboard

This is not a silent nature cruise. Live music forms a large part of the day, with singers and guitarists performing a mix of older and newer songs. The music is designed to keep the boat lively without making the entire trip feel like a nightclub.

Entertainment varies, but magic shows are a recurring highlight. Joseph is singled out for his magic tricks, especially with children, and another account also praises George for a magic performance. There is also an acrobatic act mentioned, along with commentary about Cyprus and its history.

This mix suits people who want more than scenery. You can swim, eat, listen to music, watch a show, or simply sit with a drink. It also means the boat is not ideal if your perfect day at sea requires quiet and solitude.

Families with older children, couples seeking an easy day out, and groups of friends should find the format appealing. Very young children may find the heat, boat movement, and long duration demanding. Pushchairs can be accommodated with staff help, but moving around a busy boat is still work for parents.

How the $99.21 price measures up

Wave Dancer Sunshine Full Day Cruise - All Inclusive - How the $99.21 price measures up

At $99.21 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Paphos coast. It is priced as a full-service day rather than a simple transport ticket.

The value improves when you use the included parts:

  • Hotel pickup in the Paphos region
  • About six hours on the boat
  • Barbecue lunch
  • Soft drinks and snacks
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Two swim stops
  • Live entertainment
  • Water slide and showers

You also receive the convenience of returning to the original meeting point. There is no need to arrange a second boat or find your way back from a remote beach.

I would choose this cruise if I wanted one easy, social sea day with food and entertainment already organized. I would look elsewhere if I wanted a small-group sailing, a quiet wildlife trip, or a strict schedule with guaranteed time at each coastal site.

Who will enjoy the Wave Dancer most

Wave Dancer Sunshine Full Day Cruise - All Inclusive - Who will enjoy the Wave Dancer most

The cruise is a good fit for:

  • Families with school-age children and teenagers
  • Couples who like music and an active atmosphere
  • Visitors without a car
  • Anyone who wants swimming, food, and sightseeing in one booking
  • People who prefer a planned day to arranging separate transport and meals

It may be less suitable for:

  • Anyone who gets badly seasick
  • Visitors seeking a peaceful, uncrowded boat
  • Very young children who struggle with heat and motion
  • People who need every stop to happen exactly as advertised
  • Those who want a short excursion rather than a full day at sea

Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation, but the boat’s size and movement still matter. Think carefully about your comfort on open water.

Booking, cancellations, and weather

Confirmation is provided when you book. The experience is offered in English, and mobile tickets are accepted.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the 10:00 am start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local Cyprus time.

The cruise requires suitable weather and a minimum number of people. If poor weather cancels the trip, or if the minimum number is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book this Paphos cruise?

I would book the Wave Dancer Sunshine cruise if you want value through convenience: hotel transfer, a full meal, drinks, swimming, snorkeling gear, entertainment, and a return to Paphos Harbour all in one day.

Bring sunscreen, a large towel, and seasickness medication if you need it. Expect a lively boat with up to 150 people, not a private coastal tour. If that sounds right, the combination of Akamas views, two swim stops, barbecue food, live music, and Joseph’s family-friendly magic makes this a strong choice for a full sea day in Paphos.

FAQ

Where does the Wave Dancer Sunshine cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at Wave Dancer Cruises & Events in Paphos Harbour and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise leave?

The stated departure time is 10:00 am. If you make your own way to the harbour, arrive at the boat entrance at least 15 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is available at no extra charge from hotels in the Paphos region. You need to message the provider after booking with your hotel details if you want a transfer.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes a barbecue lunch, soft drinks, and snacks. Drinks and cocktails are also available onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for the swimming stops.

Can the swimming stops change?

Yes. The captain can alter the swimming stops if weather conditions do not allow a visit to one of the planned locations.

What happens if the cruise is canceled?

If poor weather or insufficient bookings cause cancellation, you will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

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