Latchi: Nafsika II Boat Cruise to the Blue Lagoon

The best part of the Nafsika II cruise is simple: you get to swim from the boat in the Blue Lagoon, rather than only looking at the water from shore. The sea is clear, warm, and beautifully colored, and the new inflatable slide gives children and playful adults a second way into the water.

I like the generous swimming stop and the easy, friendly service, especially the help offered by Theo and the harbor team. I also like the value: at $29, you get a coastal boat ride, fresh fruit, local wine or orange squash, and access to the slide. The main consideration is that the boat can rock, the deck may be slippery, and the sightseeing commentary is not always easy to hear.

Key points

• About 150 minutes on the water: The cruise runs from Latchi along the Akamas coast and returns to the same harbor.
• A long Blue Lagoon stop: The main swimming break is scheduled for about 1.5 hours, though exact time can change if departure is delayed.
• A slide from the deck: The new inflatable slide is a hit with families and anyone who wants more than a quiet swim.
• Complimentary refreshments: Fresh seasonal fruit, local red or white wine, and orange squash are included.
• Three departure choices: Morning and afternoon cruises run during the day, with a separate BBQ trip from 3:30 p.m. until sunset.
• Friendly practical help: Theo and the crew have helped late arrivals, answered questions, and kept the trip running smoothly.

Why the Blue Lagoon stop is the main event

From Latchi, the Nafsika II follows the Akamas coast toward the Blue Lagoon. The scenery is the real backdrop: rocky coves, open sea, and the pale, clear water around the peninsula.

You are not simply being ferried to a swimming spot. The ride gives you time to sit on the lower deck, claim a seat upstairs, or visit the bar while the coast passes by. The top deck is the best place for wide views and a drink, though it offers little shade, so bring a hat and sunscreen.

Once the boat reaches the Blue Lagoon, you have a long pause for swimming and snorkeling. The water is the star here. It is transparent enough to make the stop feel special even if you do nothing more ambitious than float beside the boat.

You can also stay aboard, relax with a drink, or watch people use the slide. The swimming time matters because short boat tours often allow only a quick dip. Here, the scheduled stop is about 1.5 hours, giving you time to swim, dry off, take photographs, and settle back into the boat without rushing every minute.

One practical note: the exact time in the lagoon depends on how promptly the boat leaves Latchi. One departure returned sooner than the advertised schedule after leaving late to wait for a large group. If swimming is your priority, arrive early and be ready for boarding.

Boarding at Latchi Harbour

The meeting point is the Latchi Boat Trips kiosk, between Restomare Latchi and Yiangos & Peter Fish Tavern. Look for the signs for Blue Lagoon, Akamas, and Cyprus Mini Cruises.

The harbor staff check passengers in and direct you to the boat. Theo is a name worth remembering. He has helped people who were running late and has even contacted passengers before departure about shifting to a quieter or warmer sailing time. That kind of communication makes the outing less stressful.

Nafsika II has been refitted and is described as clean, spacious, and in good condition. Seating is available in several areas, so you can choose between a more social spot near the bar and a quieter position with a view. The boat is not a glass-bottom vessel, so book this for the coast and the swim, not for underwater viewing through the hull.

The boat may not feel perfectly still. It can rock in the sea, and the open deck becomes wet around the swimming area. One useful warning is that some parts of the deck can be slippery where mats are not present. Walk carefully, particularly after using the slide or climbing back aboard.

The coastal route past the Baths of Aphrodite

The route includes the Baths of Aphrodite, one of the best-known stops along this part of Cyprus. From the boat, you see the coastal setting and hear information about the sights as the cruise passes.

The boat also goes by Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, and Blaji Bay. These are scenic viewing points rather than extended shore visits. You will not be getting off at each one, so think of them as part of a moving coastal tour.

The commentary is given in English and Greek. The crew point out sights along the way, but the public-address system is not always perfectly clear. If you want detailed historical or geological information, this is not the strongest choice. You may hear enough to identify the major places, but some announcements can be hard to follow over the wind and general activity on deck.

I would treat the sightseeing as pleasant context for the boat ride, not as a formal guided lecture. Bring your camera, look out from the upper deck, and ask the crew directly if you miss the explanation.

The Blue Lagoon swim and the new slide

At the Blue Lagoon, the boat becomes a floating swimming platform. The water is clear and generally warm during the main summer season, making this the most memorable part of the trip.

The new inflatable slide runs from the deck into the sea. It adds a playful edge to what could otherwise be a quiet swim stop. Children tend to love it, but adults use it too. One family even had an older parent try the slide, which tells you something about the relaxed spirit of the activity.

You will want swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A sun hat is also important, especially if you plan to spend time on the upper deck. The provided information does not say that snorkeling equipment is supplied, and one passenger specifically wished it had been included, so bring your own gear if you have it.

There can be other boats in the Blue Lagoon, but the stop does not necessarily feel crowded from aboard Nafsika II. You should expect a popular swimming area rather than a private cove. The water remains the attraction, even when other boats are nearby.

The crew keep an eye on people during the swim stop, which adds reassurance, but you still need to judge your own comfort in the water. Follow the crew’s instructions when boarding the slide and returning to the boat.

Fruit, wine, and the onboard bar

The ticket includes fresh seasonal fruit, local red or white wine, and orange squash. The fruit is a welcome touch after time in the sun, and the wine makes the cruise feel more like a relaxed coastal outing than a basic transfer.

The bar is fully stocked, with drinks and additional snacks available to purchase. Prices are described as reasonable, and card payment has been available. Some food choices mentioned aboard include crisps and hot dogs, though the included offer is limited to fruit, wine, and orange squash.

The bar also gives you a reason to stay on deck after swimming rather than immediately packing up your towel. You can dry off, order something cold, and watch the coastline on the way back to Latchi.

Music is part of the atmosphere, but it may be too loud or continuous for some people. If you want a quiet nature outing, choose a seat away from the speakers if possible. If you like a sociable boat ride, the music may fit the mood.

Choosing the right departure time

Standard boat trips run in three broad time slots:

• 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
• 12:50 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.
• A BBQ cruise from 3:30 p.m. until sunset

The first two options are about 150 minutes. They suit different styles of day. The morning sailing gives you an early start and leaves the rest of your afternoon open. The midday option can work well if you want warmer conditions for swimming or prefer a slower start.

The BBQ trip is a different product from the standard cruise. It runs toward sunset and includes a BBQ meal, according to the information provided. One passenger especially enjoyed the long Blue Lagoon stop and the return shortly before sunset.

Weather matters. The trip can be cancelled in poor conditions, with a full refund offered. Even when the cruise runs, wind and sea conditions can affect how much the boat rocks and how comfortable you feel on the open deck.

What the $29 price really gives you

At $29 per person, this is strong value if you want a straightforward Blue Lagoon visit without arranging a separate boat, drinks, and swimming stop.

You are paying for more than the ride from Latchi to the lagoon. The price includes the coastal sightseeing route, the Nafsika II experience, about 150 minutes on the water, fresh fruit, local wine or orange squash, and use of the slide. Children under two travel free.

The value is best for people who plan to swim. If you intend to remain seated and skip the water, the ticket still provides a pleasant coastal cruise, but the Blue Lagoon stop is the reason the outing earns its price.

This is not a luxury yacht trip and it is not a specialist snorkeling expedition. It is a practical, family-friendly boat outing with clean facilities, a bar, a scenic route, and a fun swimming stop. That clear focus is part of its appeal.

Who will enjoy Nafsika II most

I would recommend this cruise to families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone staying around Paphos who wants a shorter sea outing. The slide gives children something to do beyond swimming, while the bar and upper deck give adults a comfortable way to enjoy the ride.

It also suits people who want to see the Blue Lagoon but do not want a full-day excursion. The standard trip takes about 2.5 hours, leaving plenty of time for lunch, the beach, or other plans in the Paphos District.

It may not suit wheelchair users, as the activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users. It is also a less ideal choice if you need extensive commentary, guaranteed quiet, or specialist snorkeling equipment.

For older passengers, the main concerns are boarding, wet decking, and the movement of the boat. The experience can still be enjoyable, but take care on the stairs and around the swimming area. If you are prone to seasickness, the boat’s movement is worth considering before booking.

Small details that make the trip easier

Arrive at the Latchi kiosk with time to spare. This is especially important if the Blue Lagoon swim is your main goal, since a late departure can reduce the time available in the water.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and snorkeling equipment if you want to explore below the surface. The boat has refreshments, but you may want to buy additional snacks from the bar.

The top deck gives you the best views, but it also exposes you to the sun. I would start there for the coastline, then move to a shadier or lower seat for part of the trip.

Listen for announcements, but do not worry if you miss every detail. The most important landmarks are the Baths of Aphrodite, Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, Blaji Bay, and the Blue Lagoon itself. Ask the crew if you want clarification.

Should you book the Nafsika II cruise?

Yes, if you want a well-priced coastal boat ride with a long swim in clear water. The friendly crew, clean boat, included refreshments, and slide give it more personality than a simple sightseeing transfer.

Book with realistic expectations. You may share the lagoon with other boats, the commentary can be difficult to hear, and the boat may rock or have slippery patches on deck. But at $29, the combination of coastal views, a generous swimming stop, fruit, wine or squash, and the slide is hard to fault.

I would choose the morning or afternoon cruise for a simple Blue Lagoon visit. Choose the sunset BBQ option if food and evening scenery matter more to you. For most families and casual visitors, Nafsika II offers an easy half-day on the water without taking over your whole Cyprus itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the Nafsika II cruise depart from?

Meet at the Latchi Boat Trips kiosk in Latchi Harbour. The kiosk is between Restomare Latchi and Yiangos & Peter Fish Tavern.

How long is the boat cruise?

The advertised duration is 150 minutes. Standard trips are scheduled from 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 12:50 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $29 per person. Children under two travel free.

What places can I see from the boat?

The route passes the Baths of Aphrodite, Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, Blaji Bay, and the Blue Lagoon.

How long do I spend at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop is scheduled for about 1.5 hours. The exact time can vary if the boat leaves Latchi late.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise stops at the Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, and the boat has an inflatable slide into the water.

Are food and drinks included?

Fresh seasonal fruit, local red or white wine, and orange squash are included. The onboard bar also sells additional drinks and snacks.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and snorkeling equipment if you want your own gear. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as an included item.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

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