REVIEW · AYIA NAPA
Ayia Napa: Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks
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One day, two of Cyprus’s prettiest waters. I love the small-group feel and the chef-prepared lunch; it’s the kind of day that feels planned, not rushed. The only real catch is the price: at about $170 per person, you’ll want to be sure you’re into snorkeling plus lots of time on the water.
You start in Ayia Napa with easy morning comforts, then spend the day bouncing between cliff views and swim stops. It runs about 7 hours, and the vibe is relaxed enough for first-timers, but organized enough that gear and lunch don’t become a scavenger hunt. If you’re very sensitive to motion or have health concerns, you’ll want to think carefully before booking.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Watch for Before You Go
- A Premium Catamaran Day for Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon
- Getting Oriented: DanEri Yachts, Crew, and the Ayia Napa Start
- Cape Greco National Forest Park: Cliffs, Sea Arches, and Quick Swim Time
- The Long Sail to the Blue Lagoon: Time to Relax and Get Ready
- Blue Lagoon Swim Time: Snorkeling, SUP, and the Pink Flamingo Float
- The Lunch: Chef-Prepared, Served Onboard, and Actually Worth It
- Unlimited Drinks and Onboard Comfort: What You Gain for Paying More
- Gear, Toys, and Swimming Options for Different Types of Swimmers
- Group Size, Motion, and Why Weather Can Change the Day
- Price and Value: Is $170 Worth It?
- Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Should Skip It)
- Should You Book This Luxury Catamaran Cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the cruise?
- Where do I meet the crew?
- Is pickup available?
- What’s included with lunch?
- Are drinks included?
- Do I get snorkeling gear and water toys?
- Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
- What should I bring?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key Things I’d Watch for Before You Go

- Semi-private catamaran with sunbeds and shaded lounges, so you can actually find your spot.
- Cape Greco cliffs and sea arches for photos and short swim moments.
- Blue Lagoon swim time built for snorkeling and paddleboarding, plus free time to just float.
- Private onboard chef lunch with a Mediterranean-style main and dessert, plus options if you request them.
- Unlimited drinks (water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine) during the cruise.
- Plan for weather changes, since rough seas can cut the number of swim stops.
A Premium Catamaran Day for Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon

If you like your Cyprus day out to feel special without effort, this is one of those cruises where the details are doing the work for you. You’re not just “on a boat.” You’re moving between two standout nature areas: Cape Greco’s dramatic coastal scenery and the Blue Lagoon’s famous turquoise shallows.
I like that the experience is structured in a calm way. You get early refreshments, then clear breaks at the best water moments. And you’re not stuck waiting around for someone to find the snorkeling gear or explain lunch. It’s handled onboard, and it keeps you moving.
The tradeoff for all that smoothness is price. This isn’t the budget end of boat tours in Ayia Napa. But if you value a more personal group, better on-deck comfort, and a real chef-prepared meal, it starts to make sense.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Ayia Napa
Getting Oriented: DanEri Yachts, Crew, and the Ayia Napa Start

Your day begins near the Riva Beachhouse parking. A crew member in a DanEri logo t-shirt meets you about 15 minutes before departure. If you choose the option that includes pickup, they’ll arrange transfer from Nicosia, but otherwise you’ll want to reach the marina yourself.
Once aboard (on a modern catamaran), the start is simple and friendly. You get coffee and tea, plus water and soft drinks, and you’ll also see local pastries for a light brunch-style welcome. It’s a small touch, but it matters. No one wants to rush into the first hour hungry, especially when you’re going to be in the sun.
Also worth noting: this cruise is designed for comfort and order. You have onboard toilets (WC) and an outdoor shower, plus music and free Wi‑Fi if you want it. That stuff doesn’t sound exciting, but it makes a real difference when you’ve got swims planned.
Cape Greco National Forest Park: Cliffs, Sea Arches, and Quick Swim Time

Cape Greco National Forest Park is where you get the “wow” scenery first. Expect dramatic coastal cliffs, plus rock formations like sea arches that nature carved over time. From the water, these features look sharper and more three-dimensional than they do from shore.
When you reach the park, you’ll have a break built around both photos and water time. You get scenic viewing as you move in, then a photo stop, plus time for swimming and snorkeling. There are also local snacks, and drinks like beer, coffee, tea, and white wine are part of the onboard flow.
A practical tip: on days when conditions are good, you’ll likely feel you have enough time to do a real snorkel session. But if the sea gets choppier, it’s still set up with safety in mind, and the crew may adjust the time in the water. One review specifically mentioned strong waves limiting the planned number of bathing stops, while increasing the time to play in calmer moments. That’s a good sign: they’ll choose safety over the schedule.
If you’re the type who likes cliffside views but also needs at least one swim right away, Cape Greco is a great first act.
The Long Sail to the Blue Lagoon: Time to Relax and Get Ready

After Cape Greco, you move offshore for the next highlight. There’s a longer stretch where you can settle in on sunbeds or shaded lounges. This is the time to decide how you want the day to feel: do you want sunscreen out and eyes on the horizon, or do you want to hang back and let the boat do the work?
Drinks continue during the cruise, so you don’t feel the “dry boat” problem that some group tours have. You also get music onboard, which helps the day feel more like an outing than a timed shuffle.
This middle stretch is also where you can plan your gear use. You’ll have snorkeling masks and fins available, plus stand-up paddleboards later. If you’re new to SUP, it helps to watch once, then try when the crew is around to help you get set up.
Blue Lagoon Swim Time: Snorkeling, SUP, and the Pink Flamingo Float

The Blue Lagoon is the star for a reason. The water here is bright turquoise and extremely clear, so you can see the seabed even a few meters down. It’s the kind of place where the water color alone makes you want to get in, even if you’re not a hardcore swimmer.
Your Blue Lagoon block is long enough to be real time, not just a “quick dip.” You’ll get a photo stop, a chunk of free time, and multiple opportunities to swim and snorkel. There are drinks available here too, including spirits, plus dessert and lunch during the main part of the onboard day.
Then comes the fun part: the water toys. You can use
- stand-up paddleboards (SUP)
- snorkeling equipment
- inflatable noodles
- and that iconic inflatable flamingo float for easy floating
That flamingo matters more than it sounds. Floating on something bright and buoyant turns “I’m not sure I can snorkel” into “I’m having a great time anyway.” Even if you don’t plan to do a long snorkel, you can still enjoy the clear-water views and relax with less effort.
If you get motion sickness easily, this is also the time to think about timing your activities. One review mentioned crew support for sea sickness and suggested taking a tablet if you’re sensitive. If that’s you, I’d rather be boring and prepared than spend your swim time feeling green.
The Lunch: Chef-Prepared, Served Onboard, and Actually Worth It

This cruise is one of those rare boat days where lunch isn’t just a sandwich held together with vibes. An onboard chef prepares a gourmet lunch fresh, and it’s served as part of the cruise rather than as an afterthought.
The menu is Mediterranean-inspired, with a main course followed by dessert. Seasonal menus are used, and the lunch is built around high-quality local produce. There are also options available if you request them: seafood lovers, vegetarians, and children.
What I like most is the way it fits the day. Lunch happens while you’re already out on the water, when you’re warm and hungry, and when everyone has earned a sit-down meal. You’re not traveling to a restaurant and back. You’re staying in the experience.
Drinks pair with lunch too. The open bar includes local beer and white wine, and unlimited drinks are listed for the cruise. That’s a big part of the value equation, since you’d normally pay separately on many tours.
Unlimited Drinks and Onboard Comfort: What You Gain for Paying More

On most cheap catamaran trips, you get a “welcome drink” and then you’re on your own. Here, the deal is clearer: unlimited drinks are included (water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine). That changes the feel of the day. You can focus on where you’re going instead of checking your budget every time someone hands you a glass.
On top of that, the catamaran layout matters. You get sunbeds plus shaded lounges, and you’re not fighting for space with a crowd. The max group size is 20 travelers, and reviews often praised how small the group felt, including one group of just 7 passengers with 3 crew. Less crowd means more calm, and it also means the crew can actually help with gear and questions.
You also have small comfort boosts that make boat time easier:
- snorkeling gear included (high-quality masks and fins)
- swimming jackets
- inflatable noodles
- life jackets
- onboard WC and outdoor shower
- on special occasions, a branded gift
- kids’ toy box available by request
- personal feminine hygiene products onboard
If you like a day where comfort is baked in, not added later, those details support the price.
Gear, Toys, and Swimming Options for Different Types of Swimmers

This isn’t a “one activity fits everyone” cruise. The water time is designed with options, so you can match your energy level.
If you’re a snorkeler: you’ll have masks and fins, plus the clarity of both Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon doing most of the work.
If you’re new to snorkeling: the setup removes friction. You’re not renting gear on the fly. You’re just suited up and ready.
If you want easy fun: inflatable noodles and the flamingo float let you enjoy the water without committing to gear-heavy swimming.
If you like balance: SUP is included, and it’s usually the type of activity that turns a group day into a memory. Even a short attempt can be a hit.
And if you’re the calm “watch the sea” type: you still get plenty of scenery time, plus drinks and lounge space.
There’s also fishing gear onboard (complete set for a gentle fishing experience). The data doesn’t say fishing is a guaranteed stop, so don’t plan your whole day around catching something. But if you want the option, it’s there.
Group Size, Motion, and Why Weather Can Change the Day

This cruise depends on weather conditions. If seas are rough, the itinerary can shift, including swim time and the number of bathing stops. That’s not a problem if you accept it up front. It’s a safety move.
If you’re planning with kids, note that the cruise includes a toy box by request, which is a nice touch for keeping them settled between water activities.
If you’re pregnant or you have pre-existing medical conditions, or if you’re 95+, the cruise is listed as not suitable. I’d take that seriously. Being on the water for hours, with sun exposure and movement, is not the place to “see how you feel.”
My practical advice: pack for sun and water, and plan for at least some time on deck. This tour is built around being outside. Bring your hat and swimsuit, and accept that you might get splashed while sailing.
Price and Value: Is $170 Worth It?
At about $170 per person, this cruise costs more than many standard boat options in the Ayia Napa area. So here’s how I’d judge the value like an adult.
You’re paying for three big things:
- Chef-prepared lunch onboard, with dessert and menu options for different diets.
- Unlimited drinks across the cruise (not just one drink at the start).
- A more personal catamaran setup, with comfort areas and a max of 20 travelers.
If you’d otherwise buy lunch and drinks separately, and if you want better space and a crew that can run activities smoothly, the price can feel fair. Also, Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon aren’t minor stops. You’re paying to get to the scenic spots by boat and spend meaningful time in the water.
The main value risk is weather. If seas limit swim stops, your “activity time” can shrink a bit. One review noted reduced bathing stops when waves were strong. So if water time is the whole point for you, it’s worth checking the forecast and being flexible.
Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Should Skip It)
You’ll likely love this if you:
- want a relaxed luxury-feeling day on the water without planning anything
- care about a real lunch and included drinks
- enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, or floating
- like scenery but still want active time
You might want to skip or rethink it if you:
- are prone to motion sickness and haven’t planned for it
- have any of the health situations the tour lists as not suitable
- need accessibility features beyond what’s mentioned (nothing specific is provided)
It’s also a solid family pick on paper, since kids’ meals and kids’ toys are available by request, and the deck and water options are varied. Just remember the cruise has restrictions, so check the “not suitable” notes first.
Should You Book This Luxury Catamaran Cruise?
Yes, I think you should book it if you’re aiming for a day that mixes classic coastal views with real swim time, plus a chef-made lunch and included drinks. This is the kind of experience that makes sense when you’re tired of tours that feel like a production line.
But book with the right expectations: you’re paying for comfort, food, and options—not just for transportation. And since the day can adjust with the sea, be flexible about exact swim stop timing.
If you’re the type who values smooth organization, small-group energy, and water toys beyond basic snorkeling, this cruise is a strong match for your Ayia Napa trip.
FAQ
How long is the cruise?
It runs about 330 minutes, or roughly 7 hours.
Where do I meet the crew?
You’ll meet near the Riva Beachhouse parking area about 15 minutes before departure.
Is pickup available?
Pickup is optional if you select a transfer option that covers Nicosia.
What’s included with lunch?
You get a gourmet lunch prepared by the onboard chef, plus dessert. Vegetarian and children’s options are available upon request, and seafood options are also mentioned.
Are drinks included?
Yes. Unlimited drinks include water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine throughout the cruise.
Do I get snorkeling gear and water toys?
Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and stand-up paddleboards (SUP), swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and the inflatable flamingo are part of the included items.
Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
Yes, music and free Wi‑Fi are included.
What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen (sunscreen and personal care items are not included).
What happens if the weather is bad?
The cruise depends on weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are poor.






