Latchi: Nafsika II Boat Cruise to the Blue Lagoon

The best part of this Latchi cruise is simple: you get about an hour and a half at the Blue Lagoon, not just a quick photo stop. Nafsika II cruises along the Akamas coast, then anchors in clear, warm water where you can swim, snorkel, relax, or launch yourself from the new inflatable waterslide.

I like the clean, spacious boat and the friendly crew, especially Theo, who has helped late arrivals and phoned passengers about timing changes. I also like the value: at $29, you get the boat ride, fresh fruit, local wine, orange squash, and the Blue Lagoon stop. The main drawback is that commentary can be hard to hear, and some departures have reached the lagoon late, cutting swimming time.

Key points to know

• Blue Lagoon stop: Plan on roughly 1 to 1.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
• Coastal sights: The route passes the Baths of Aphrodite, Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, and Blaji Bay.
• Waterslide: The inflatable slide runs from the boat into the lagoon and is a hit with children and adults.
• Onboard extras: Fresh seasonal fruit, local red or white wine, and orange squash are included.
• Departure choices: Standard cruises run from 10:15 to 12:45 or 12:50 to 15:20. A barbecue cruise runs from 15:30 until sunset.
• Practical limit: The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users, and wet decks can be slippery.

Setting Out From Latchi Harbour

You meet at 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 meeting point is easy to find once you are along the harbour, but allow a few minutes to locate the kiosk and check in.

Nafsika II is a refitted boat with several seating areas. You can sit inside, find a spot on the upper deck, or visit the bar. I would head upstairs early if you want open views and a good place for photographs. The upper deck is also the best place to feel the breeze and watch the coastline unfold.

The boat has a social, relaxed feel rather than a formal sightseeing setup. You can order drinks from the bar, chat with your group, and move around as the boat cruises. Card payment is available onboard, according to the practical details shared by passengers, and bar prices are described as reasonable.

The crew has earned strong praise for being friendly and helpful. Theo is a name worth knowing if you need assistance at the harbour. He has helped people who were running late and even arranged alternatives in one case so they did not miss the trip. That sort of personal attention matters when you are trying to find a boat in an unfamiliar port.

The standard cruise lasts 150 minutes, though one departure finished closer to two hours. Timing can shift if the boat leaves late while waiting for a large group. If the Blue Lagoon is your main reason for booking, arrive early and board promptly. A late start can reduce the time available for swimming.

Cruising Past the Akamas Coast

The outward route follows the coast from Latchi toward the Akamas Peninsula. The trip is scenic rather than packed with formal stops, so think of it as a moving coastal view followed by one substantial swim break.

You pass the Baths of Aphrodite, a famous natural setting linked with the story of Aphrodite. From the water, the value is the setting and the view rather than a land visit. You will not be getting off for a walking tour, so keep your camera ready as the boat passes.

The cruise also goes by Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, and Blaji Bay. These names help you follow the route, but the onboard announcements may not always be easy to hear. Several passengers wished for clearer information about the sights, and one practical solution would be a printed route sheet or a map on your phone.

I would treat the sightseeing portion as a pleasant introduction to the coast, not a detailed guided tour. The live guide speaks English and Greek, but the tannoy has sometimes been unclear. If you want to know exactly what you are passing, ask a crew member directly or listen carefully near the announcement area.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. It is described as clean, well maintained, and roomy enough to move around without feeling packed on many departures. Still, conditions vary by sailing. The boat rocks a little, and the wet deck can become slippery, especially around the swim area. Use the available mats where provided and walk carefully.

The Blue Lagoon Swim Stop

The Blue Lagoon is the reason to book this trip. The water is known for its clear, turquoise appearance, and the stop gives you time to enjoy it rather than simply look at it from the rail.

The planned stop is listed as 1.5 hours. In practice, many departures provide about an hour, while one late-running trip offered only around 50 minutes. That is still enough time for a proper swim, but you should not assume every sailing will deliver the full scheduled period if boarding or departure runs behind.

I like the choice of activities once the boat anchors. You can swim straight from the boat, snorkel near the vessel, stay on deck with a drink, or simply sit and take in the water. The stop works well for mixed groups because not everyone has to get wet.

The water is often warm, especially in the summer months. Clear conditions make it possible to see fish near the Blue Lagoon, though this is not presented as a specialist snorkeling excursion. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, and one passenger specifically wished gear had been provided. Bring your own equipment if snorkeling matters to you.

The lagoon is not an empty private cove. Other boats use the area, but the water remains the main attraction, and the stop does not necessarily feel overcrowded from the boat. If you want the quietest possible visit, the standard morning or early afternoon departures may not always be ideal. The sunset barbecue sailing offers a different mood, with a longer outing and a return around sunset.

The New Waterslide From Nafsika II

The inflatable waterslide is the cruise’s playful extra. It runs from the deck into the Blue Lagoon, giving you a quick, splashy way into the water. Children especially enjoy it, but adults can use it too. One family even had an older parent try the slide.

You should still bring sensible swimwear and take care when climbing and landing. The deck can be slippery, and the sea is the landing area. The slide adds real value for families because it gives children something to do beyond swimming, while adults can choose the steps or ladder instead.

I would not book this solely for a water-park experience. It is one slide on a sightseeing boat, not a full aquatic attraction. But it is a welcome feature, and it turns the swim stop into more than a standard jump from the side of the boat.

The crew keeps an eye on people during the swim stop, which adds reassurance. You are still responsible for your own swimming ability and for watching children closely, but the crew’s presence makes the activity feel organized rather than chaotic.

Fruit, Wine, and the Onboard Bar

Fresh seasonal fruit, local red or white wine, and orange squash are included. Oranges and melon have been served, and the free drinks make the $29 fare feel stronger than a basic transport-only boat trip.

The bar also sells other drinks and snacks. Hot dogs, crisps, and similar items have been available, and bar service is described as good value. You can buy something during the coastal ride or after swimming, when a cold drink is especially welcome.

The included wine and squash are modest touches, but they suit the relaxed nature of the cruise. This is not a luxury yacht outing, and you should not expect a full meal on the standard sailing. If lunch matters, choose the separate barbecue cruise, which runs from 15:30 until sunset.

Music may be played onboard. One sunset barbecue passenger found it too loud and constant, so this is worth considering if you prefer a quiet trip. The daytime cruises are mainly about the views, swimming, and casual time with your group.

Choosing the Right Departure

There are three main timing patterns:

• The first standard cruise runs from 10:15 to 12:45.
• The second standard cruise runs from 12:50 to 15:20.
• The barbecue cruise leaves at 15:30 and continues until sunset.

The morning sailing can work well if you want to keep your afternoon free. The early afternoon option gives you a later start and may suit anyone who prefers warmer conditions. One passenger accepted a time change from morning to afternoon and found the warmer weather and smaller crowd worthwhile.

The sunset barbecue trip is not the same short cruise. It lasts into the evening and includes food, making it a better choice for a relaxed meal and sunset outing. If your priority is a simple swim in the Blue Lagoon, the 150-minute cruise is the more direct option.

Keep weather in mind. The cruise is weather dependent, and a cancellation caused by weather receives a full refund. Sea conditions also affect comfort. The boat can rock, so anyone prone to motion sickness should consider that before booking, even though several passengers found the ride calm and comfortable.

Is $29 Good Value?

At $29 per person, I consider this a good-value half-day outing. You are paying for a coastal cruise, a substantial Blue Lagoon stop, access to the waterslide, fresh fruit, local wine or squash, and the convenience of returning to the same harbour.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange a separate visit to the lagoon. You get the route, the boat, the swim stop, and the crew in one package. Families also get an entertainment feature in the slide, while couples and adults can treat the trip as an easy scenic cruise with a swim.

The price does not include every possible extra. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, and food beyond the fruit is available to buy rather than included on the standard departure. The boat is also not glass-bottomed, though that does not limit the main experience, which is swimming in the lagoon rather than viewing the seabed from indoors.

The 4.7 rating from 716 reviews reflects a strong overall response, and the repeated praise centers on the same practical points: friendly staff, a clean boat, clear water, a fun slide, and good value. The few cautions are also consistent: announcements can be unclear, the boat may leave late, and the deck can be slippery.

Who Will Enjoy Nafsika II Most?

I would choose this cruise for families, couples, and groups of friends who want a straightforward way to see the Akamas coast and swim in the Blue Lagoon. It is especially useful if you prefer a shorter outing instead of a full-day boat trip.

Children have the slide and the swim stop, while adults can sit upstairs with a drink and enjoy the view. The boat also works for mixed-age groups because you can stay dry, swim, snorkel, or simply relax.

You should think twice if you need wheelchair access, since the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users. You may also want a different excursion if detailed guiding is your main goal. The sights are pointed out, but the commentary is not always clear or extensive.

Bring a sun hat, swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. I would also pack water shoes or footwear with good grip because wet decks can be slick. A small dry bag for phones and cameras is sensible, though it is not specifically listed as required.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your Cyprus schedule is still moving around, but check the exact departure time and availability when booking.

My Take: Book It for the Water, Not a Lecture

Book Nafsika II if you want clear water, a friendly crew, and a good-length swim stop without committing to an all-day excursion. The combination of coastal scenery, included refreshments, and the slide makes the fare easy to justify.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a relaxed boat outing, not an intensive nature cruise, a glass-bottom trip, or a detailed historical tour. Commentary may be patchy, timing can slip, and the lagoon is shared with other boats.

For most people staying around Paphos or Latchi, I would book it, arrive early, sit on the upper deck, and bring your own snorkeling mask if you have one. Choose the sunset barbecue if food and evening views appeal more than a quick daytime outing. Choose the standard cruise if the main goal is to swim in the Blue Lagoon and be back in Latchi within about two and a half hours.

FAQ

Where does the Nafsika II cruise depart from?

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

How long does the standard cruise last?

The scheduled duration is 150 minutes. Standard departures run from 10:15 to 12:45 and from 12:50 to 15:20, although the exact timing can vary.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The planned stop is 1.5 hours. Actual swimming time can be shorter if the boat leaves late, so arrive at the meeting point on time.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise stops at the Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, and you can also remain on the boat if you prefer.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not listed among the inclusions. Bring your own gear if you want to snorkel.

Is the waterslide included?

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

What refreshments are included?

Fresh seasonal fruit, local red or white wine, and orange squash are included. Other drinks and snacks can be purchased from the onboard bar.

What languages are spoken on the cruise?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Take care on the wet deck, which can be slippery.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What happens if the weather cancels the cruise?

The cruise is weather dependent. If the operator cancels because of weather, you receive a full refund.