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

Watching the boat pull away feels like vacation starting early. What I like most is the proper 2-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon and the fact that the BBQ is cooked right there, so you get fed without racing around. One thing to consider, though, is snorkeling gear, since not everyone reported getting snorkels.

The onboard setup is also made for fun downtime, with a slide and plenty of space to relax between swims. This is not a tiny private boat, and the company runs up to 120 passengers, so you’ll want to go with the right mindset, relaxed and social.

Key Points I’d Prioritize Before Booking

• 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling time
• On-board BBQ lunch with lots of sides, cooked after you get in the water
• Slide on the boat, plus options to jump in from the decks
• Bar onboard with soft drinks, beer, and cocktails
• Hotel pickup from select hotels and a mobile ticket
• Less stress pace since the day is built around the lagoon stop

From Paphos Area to Latchi Harbour: How the Day Starts

This trip is based around Latchi Harbour, in the Polis Crysochous area, so plan to think in terms of a short day away from the main Paphos bustle. If your hotel is on the pickup list, you’ll be picked up from the front of your chosen hotel, and you should be ready on time.

You’ll meet at Latchi Watersports Centre at Latchi Harbour. It’s described as near public transportation, and that matters if you’re not using a pickup. Bring your phone since you’ll use a mobile ticket, and plan to confirm your details when you book.

The Coastal Cruise Part: Views, Waiting Time, and Why It Works

Before you reach the lagoon, you sail along the coast and get sightseeing as you go. It’s not a long sermon of facts, it’s more about slow scenery and having the sea air do its job while you settle in.

One practical note: the day can feel a bit “group paced” before departure. Some people mention waiting around at the start when the group was still assembling, so if you’re sensitive to delays, come patient and ready.

Blue Lagoon Stop: The Two Hours That Make the Trip

Here’s the heart of the experience: a stop at the Blue Lagoon with about 2 hours to swim and snorkel. The water is repeatedly described as crystal clear, and several people talk about seeing lots of fish, which is exactly what you want when you plan to snorkel off the boat.

In terms of what you can do, you’re in control of the vibe. If you want a calm float, you can. If you want to gear up and explore, that’s also the plan during this stop.

Snorkeling Reality Check (Do This, Not That)

Snorkel access seems to vary by situation. Some people say snorkels were available onboard, but at least one person reported they were not supplied even after being told they would be. My suggestion is simple: if snorkeling matters to you, bring your own snorkel set so you’re not gambling with day-of availability.

If you don’t snorkel, the swimming is still the main event. Just remember that you’re on the water, so pack for sun and salt, not for a land-based picnic.

BBQ Lunch On Board: Food That Changes the Mood

After your swim window, the boat starts cooking from the on-board BBQ. This is a big deal for value because it turns the trip from “we stop, we snack, we leave” into “you get fed properly and you stay relaxed.”

The BBQ is described as generous, with lots of sides. People mention items like chicken, couscous, potatoes, and vegetables, and the food is often called tasty and well cooked. One review specifically praises the souvla as the real Cypriot deal, which is a nice detail if you care about regional flavor rather than generic burger-and-fries energy.

Drinks with lunch are set up in a straightforward way: you can buy drinks at the onboard bar, and during the BBQ time there’s mention of choices like wines or soft drinks. If you’re watching your budget, it helps to know you’re not locked into only included water or juice, you’re just paying bar prices for extras.

The Slide and Boat Fun: Built for a Day, Not a Tour

The boat is where the fun factor really shows. The slide is part of the advertised experience, and multiple people call it a highlight, especially families. There are also references to jumping in from the decks, so you get the option of a quick splash without making it a fitness challenge.

Space matters on boats, and this one seems to score well. People describe the vessel as clean and not ram packed, and some say it felt less crowded than other options on their sailing day. With a maximum capacity of 120 travelers, you can still end up with a busy boat, but the consistent praise suggests the layout helps.

Between swimming and eating, you’ll likely spend time lounging, grabbing a drink, and checking the water from the decks. That’s the point. This isn’t a hurry-along itinerary.

Onboard Bar: Drinks, Pricing, and How to Plan

There’s a bar onboard with soft drinks, beer, and cocktails. The best part is the pricing vibe. People describe the bar as reasonably priced, even calling out that it’s in line with standard village taverna prices, which is what you hope for when you’re on a captive-audience boat.

If you like beer, you might spot mentions of draft lager. If you’re more into sweet stuff, one review notes ice creams as well. The safe approach is to assume you can buy what you want, and keep your spending flexible since the trip itself already includes the lunch.

Practical tip: bring or buy water and pace your drinks. On a sunny swim day, it’s easy to lose track of time once you’re on “sea mode.”

How Long This Feels in Real Life

The total duration is about 4 hours 30 minutes. The lagoon stop takes around 2 hours of that, and the rest is the coastal sail, BBQ timing, and the return cruise.

This length is perfect if you want real time in the water but still have energy left afterward. It also tends to work well for families, since the main activities are simple: swim, eat, slide, repeat.

Who This Boat Trip Is Best For

This trip is a good fit if you want a classic Cyprus sea day without complicated planning. It’s also repeatedly described as an excellent family outing, with the slide and relaxed pace doing a lot of the work.

I’d also recommend it if you care about value. The price is listed at $42.33 per person, and what you get is not just a quick stop. You’re paying for a longer lagoon session, an on-board BBQ, and onboard entertainment like the slide, plus time to hang around the boat.

You may want to think twice if:

• You are strongly reliant on snorkeling gear being provided
• You hate any waiting while the group gets sorted

And if you’re visiting in winter, take extra care. One booking experience in December reported the boat operator was closed for the entire off-season, even though the trip was purchased. That doesn’t mean every winter is the same, but it’s a clear reminder to double-check operating dates for your travel month.

Price and Value Check: What You’re Really Paying For

On paper, $42.33 for a half-day boat trip with lunch sounds like decent value. In practice, the value comes from how the day is built. You get a proper swim stop at the Blue Lagoon, not just a photo session, and you get a BBQ meal after the water time.

Also, the “not too crowded” feel shows up in the feedback. If you end up on a day where the boat doesn’t feel packed, the same ticket price feels like a better deal. That can matter more than you’d think, especially with families and kids who want room to move.

The bar is not included, but it’s priced in a way people see as fair. So your total day cost stays predictable if you limit alcohol or just buy one or two rounds.

One more timing detail that helps: this kind of trip is often booked in advance, with an average booking window around 15 days. If you can, book ahead so you’re not stuck with whatever date and time is left.

Should You Book the Demetris Chara Blue Lagoon BBQ and Slide Trip?

I’d book it if your priority is a chill day on the water with a long Blue Lagoon swim, a real BBQ lunch, and fun onboard time like the slide. The overall rating is very strong, and the consistent pattern in feedback is friendly crew, good food, and a Lagoon stop that feels worth the money.

Before you go, do these two things and you’ll be happier:

• Bring your own snorkel gear if snorkeling matters to you
• Pack sun protection and something that works for wet feet, since you’ll be getting in and out of the water

Avoid getting caught off guard by seasonality. If you’re traveling outside the typical summer stretch, verify that the boat is operating on your exact dates, since some winter travelers have reported closure.

If that fits your travel style, this is the kind of trip you’ll remember as “the day we actually swam,” not “the day we watched a boat and ate later.”

FAQ

Where does the Demetris Chara boat trip start and end?

The tour starts at Latchi Watersports Centre, Latchi Harbour, Polis Crysochous 8820, Cyprus. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered from select hotels. You should be at the front of your chosen hotel at the pickup time.

How long is the trip?

The duration is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.

What does the Blue Lagoon stop include?

You stop at the Blue Lagoon for about 2 hours, with time to swim and snorkel. The admission ticket for that stop is listed as free.

Is the BBQ lunch included?

Yes. You’ll start cooking from the on-board BBQ at the Blue Lagoon, and a barbecue lunch with lots of sides is included.

Is there a slide on the boat?

Yes, the experience includes a slide on board, and the boat day includes onboard fun built around it.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.