Latchi: Nafsika II Boat Cruise to the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is Cyprus at its most playful. The Nafsika II cruise from Latchi combines a scenic ride along the Akamas coast with a generous swimming stop, a new waterslide, and a relaxed onboard bar. I especially like the clear, warm lagoon water and the boat’s clean, spacious layout. The main thing to consider is that the boat can rock, and some departures may spend less time at the lagoon if they leave late.

You get much more than a simple ride out and back. The route passes the Baths of Aphrodite, Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, and Blaji Bay before reaching the swimming stop. I also like the friendly service, complimentary fruit, wine, and orange squash, plus the fact that children under two travel free.

The listed price is $29 per person, which makes this a strong-value half-day outing. Just bring careful footwear for the wet deck, and do not expect a detailed sightseeing lecture at every point. The announcements can be hard to hear, and the focus is clearly on the sea, swimming, and good fun rather than formal guiding.

Key points to know before boarding

• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 90 minutes on the published schedule: That gives you time to swim, snorkel, use the slide, relax on deck, or buy a drink.
• The waterslide is the star extra: It runs from the boat into the lagoon and adds a family-friendly burst of fun.
• The route includes several Akamas coastal sights: You pass the Baths of Aphrodite, Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, and Blaji Bay.
• Fruit and drinks are included: Expect seasonal fruit, local red or white wine, and orange squash.
• Three departure patterns are available: Morning runs from 10:15 to 12:45, midday runs from 12:50 to 15:20, and the barbecue cruise runs from 15:30 until sunset.
• The boat is comfortable but not fully accessible: Wheelchair users cannot take this trip, and wet areas can become slippery.

Setting out from Latchi Harbour

Your trip begins 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 close to the harbor restaurants, so it should be easy to find if you arrive with a few minutes to spare.

The crew checks passengers in at the kiosk before directing you to Nafsika II. Service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Theo is singled out by name in several accounts for helping people who were running late, arranging practical assistance, and checking that everyone was comfortable. Staff have also helped passengers who arrived just after the expected boarding time, although you should not rely on this. Boats leave according to schedule when they can.

Once aboard, you can choose from several seating areas. The boat has a lower seating area and an upper deck where you can stretch out with a drink and watch the coast. The upper deck is the best place for wide views and sun, while the lower areas offer some relief when you need a break from the heat.

Nafsika II has been refitted and is described as clean, spacious, and well maintained. That matters on a short cruise because cramped seating can spoil the mood quickly. Here, you can move around, take photos, and find a place to sit without feeling packed in, although crowd levels vary by departure.

The coastal ride past the Baths of Aphrodite

The cruise follows the Akamas coastline, where the scenery is the main entertainment. You pass rocky coves and open sea views on the way to the lagoon. The trip is not designed as a long historical lecture, so listen carefully when the crew points out landmarks.

The first major sight is the Baths of Aphrodite. This famous spot is linked to the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite, who is traditionally said to have bathed here. From the boat, you see the coastal setting rather than the inland pool itself. It is a scenic pass-by, not a walking visit, so keep your expectations clear.

The route also includes Saint George’s Island, Manolis Bay, and Blaji Bay. These stops are viewed from the water, with the boat continuing along the coast rather than anchoring at each one. The changing angles are worth watching, especially from the top deck, but the quality of the commentary can vary. Some passengers found the tannoy difficult to hear, while others wanted more information about the sights.

My practical advice is to treat the ride as a coastal viewing trip with occasional explanations, not a full guided tour. If a landmark matters to you, ask a crew member when you can. The staff are described as friendly and willing to answer questions, even if the loudspeaker is not always clear.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon

The payoff is the Blue Lagoon, where Nafsika II stops for swimming and snorkeling. The water is repeatedly praised for its clarity and warm feel, and the turquoise color is especially striking from the boat. This is the point where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to relaxed water time.

The published schedule gives you about 90 minutes at the lagoon. That is enough time to get changed, swim, try the slide, snorkel, and still spend a few minutes sitting on deck with a drink. Some departures have provided closer to an hour, and one account described an even shorter stop after a late departure. If swimming is your main reason for booking, arrive on time and choose a departure that fits your day without a rushed connection afterward.

The lagoon can have several boats in the area, particularly in the busier season. Even so, the water stop does not necessarily feel crowded from the deck. You can swim near the boat, enjoy the view from the water, or stay aboard and watch the activity. The crew keeps an eye on people during the swim stop, which is reassuring for families.

The Blue Lagoon is lovely, but do not expect a deserted cove. Its fame brings other boats, and the experience depends partly on the weather and the number of departures sharing the area. The water itself is the reason to come. Bring a mask if snorkeling matters to you, since snorkeling equipment is not listed among the included items and some passengers wished it had been provided.

The Nafsika II waterslide

The new inflatable waterslide is the cruise’s most distinctive feature. It runs from the boat’s deck into the lagoon, giving you a simple and entertaining way to enter the water. Children tend to love it, but adults can use it too. One family even noted that an older parent gave it a try.

The slide is not a theme-park ride. It is a short, splashy addition to a boat stop, and that is exactly why it works. You do not need to spend the whole afternoon on it. Take one turn, swim for a while, then decide if you want another go.

The slide also helps make this cruise a better choice for families than a plain sightseeing boat. An eight-year-old passenger described it as the best boat trip ever, which captures the appeal. Still, you should follow the crew’s instructions and take care on the wet deck around the launch point.

Drinks, fruit, and the onboard bar

The included refreshments are modest but welcome. You receive fresh seasonal fruit, local red or white wine, and orange squash. The fruit and chilled drink are useful after swimming, while the wine gives the trip a more relaxed holiday feel.

The onboard bar is fully stocked, and prices are repeatedly described as reasonable. You can buy additional drinks and snacks, with hot dogs and crisps specifically noted. Card payment is available according to one account, but carrying a little spending money is still sensible if you prefer not to depend on card service at sea.

The bar adds value because you are not forced to leave the boat without refreshments. You can sit on the upper deck, look back toward the coast, and make the return ride part of the outing rather than dead time.

The afternoon barbecue option is separate from the standard cruise and runs from 15:30 until sunset. It includes a barbecue meal, according to the supplied details from the trip experience, and gives you a longer evening on the water. One account praised the food and the timing near sunset but found the music too loud and continuous. If you prefer calm conversation, ask about the music level before choosing the barbecue departure.

Timing, comfort, and small drawbacks

The standard trip is advertised as 150 minutes. The published times are 10:15 to 12:45, 12:50 to 15:20, and the afternoon barbecue run from 15:30 until sunset. This makes the morning or midday cruise easy to fit around other plans in the Paphos District.

Actual timing can vary. One passenger felt the whole trip lasted closer to two hours, while another had only about 50 minutes at the lagoon because the boat left late while waiting for a large group. That is not a reason to dismiss the cruise, but it is a good reminder to arrive early and avoid scheduling something tight afterward.

The sea can be calm and pleasant, but the boat does rock. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit in a steadier central area and keep your eyes on the horizon. The deck can also become slippery where mats are not installed. Wear secure sandals or water shoes, and avoid running near the slide and swim platform.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. You also need to bring your own sun hat, swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. The boat offers seating and a bar, but this is still an outdoor sea trip with strong sun exposure.

Is $29 good value?

At $29 per person, the standard cruise offers solid value. You get 2.5 hours on the water, a scenic route along the Akamas coast, a substantial swimming stop, the slide, fruit, wine or orange squash, and access to the onboard bar. For a family, the included child policy for children under two improves the value further.

The price is especially fair if you care most about swimming rather than a formal sightseeing program. A trip that combines transport to the Blue Lagoon, a comfortable boat, refreshments, and an activity for children can cost more when booked as separate pieces.

The value is less obvious if you want a quiet, highly detailed coastal tour. The commentary is limited, and the loudspeaker may be hard to hear. You are paying mainly for the boat ride and lagoon stop, with sightseeing along the way.

The barbecue sunset option may suit you better if you want a longer evening and a meal onboard. Check the exact price and inclusions for that departure, since the $29 figure applies to the standard experience described here.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose Nafsika II if you want an easy half-day on the sea without committing to a full-day excursion. It works particularly well for families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a clean boat, friendly service, and plenty of time in the water.

It is also a good choice for first-time visitors to the Paphos District who want to see the Akamas coast from the sea. You get several named sights, but you do not have to spend hours on a long route before reaching the lagoon.

You may prefer another option if you need step-free access, want a glass-bottom boat, or expect extensive information about every coastal landmark. This is not a glass-bottom boat, and the focus is not underwater viewing. The snorkeling can still be enjoyable, but bring your own equipment if that activity is important to you.

For the best balance of warmth and manageable crowds, the midday departure may suit you. Staff have sometimes contacted passengers about switching times when a large booking affected the morning run. If you are flexible, it is worth asking which sailing has more room before you commit.

Should you book the Nafsika II Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if your ideal Cyprus outing includes clear water, a fun swim stop, coastal views, a friendly crew, and a little sliding into the sea. The strong points are practical: a clean boat, reasonable bar prices, included refreshments, a well-sized lagoon stop, and a price that works for families.

Book with realistic expectations. You may share the lagoon with other boats, the commentary may be brief, the boat may rock, and a late departure can cut into swimming time. Arrive early, bring secure footwear and your own snorkeling gear, and treat the cruise as a relaxed sea day rather than a formal sightseeing lesson.

For $29, Nafsika II gives you a lot of Cyprus in a short time. If the sea is your priority, this is an easy recommendation. If you need accessibility or a quiet, highly narrated cruise, choose carefully.

FAQ

Where does the Nafsika II cruise leave from?

It leaves from the Latchi Boat Trips kiosk in Latchi Harbour. The kiosk is between Restomare Latchi and Yiangos & Peter Fish Tavern.

How long does the cruise last?

The published duration is 150 minutes, or two and a half hours. Standard departures are scheduled from 10:15 to 12:45 and from 12:50 to 15:20.

How much time is provided at the Blue Lagoon?

The itinerary allows about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxing onboard.

What refreshments are included?

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

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. The new inflatable waterslide runs from the boat into the Blue Lagoon and is available during the swimming stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling is part of the activities at the Blue Lagoon, but snorkeling equipment is not listed as an included item. Bring your own gear if you want to snorkel.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Secure footwear is also a sensible choice because wet parts of the deck can become slippery.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. Children under two can travel free.