Ayia Napa: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Open Bar

The best part of this Ayia Napa cruise comes late in the day, when the catamaran turns toward the setting sun after stops at Cape Cavo Greco and the Blue Lagoon. You get a long afternoon on the water, not a quick boat ride with a rushed swim.

I like the small maximum group of 20, which should make the boat feel more personal, and I like the generous package: lunch, local pastries, drinks, snorkeling gear, SUPs, fishing equipment, and even a flamingo float are included. The main drawback is the price, $171.52 per person, which only makes sense if you plan to use the food, drinks, water toys, and full five-and-a-half-hour schedule.

Key points

• Sunset timing: The 3:30 pm departure gives you swimming time before the sun drops over the coast.
• Three scenic stops: Lover’s Bridge, Cape Cavo Greco, and the Blue Lagoon each offer a different view of Cyprus.
• Food is part of the outing: Local pastries, a cheese platter, and a chef-prepared Mediterranean lunch are included.
• Open bar: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are available throughout the cruise.
• Water activities: You can use SUPs, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, noodles, and an inflatable flamingo.
• Comfort aboard: Expect sunbeds, shaded lounges, Wi-Fi, an onboard WC, and an outdoor shower.

Setting Sail From Ayia Napa at 3:30 pm

The cruise begins at Riva Beachouse52 on Ayias Theklas in Ayia Napa, with departure set for 3:30 pm. You return to the same meeting point after roughly five hours and 30 minutes.

That timing is smart. You still get the clear light of late afternoon for swimming and coastal views, then the softer colors of sunset for the return trip. A morning cruise can offer brighter water, but this outing is built around the evening glow and a slower, more social pace.

The boat is a modern catamaran with both sunbeds and shaded lounges. That matters in Cyprus, where five hours in direct sun can turn a pleasant cruise into a tiring one. You can move between the two areas as the afternoon changes, though towels are not supplied, so bring your own.

The maximum group size is 20 people. This is not a private charter, but it is smaller than the large sightseeing boats that can make a swim stop feel crowded. The crew speaks English and handles the food, drinks, equipment, and safety gear. A life jacket is supplied, and swimming jackets are available as well.

The boat also has an onboard toilet and outdoor shower. These are easy details to overlook when comparing cruises, but they make a real difference during a long afternoon at sea.

Lover’s Bridge Starts the Coastal Story

The first sightseeing stop is Lover’s Bridge, one of Cyprus’s best-known romantic spots. The natural rock formation gives the cruise an early landmark and a chance to take photographs before the main swimming portion begins.

This stop is more about scenery than a long activity session. You should think of it as an introduction to the coast, with the catamaran giving you a broad view of the rock and sea rather than a guided historical visit. There is no guided tour included, so the crew’s role is practical rather than that of a formal sightseeing guide.

That lack of a guide can be a plus or a minus. If you want stories about geology, local legends, or Cypriot history, you will need to arrange that elsewhere. If you mainly want time on the water without a running commentary, the quieter format may suit you better.

The crew welcomes you with coffee, tea, and local pastries. A cheese platter is also included, giving you something to eat before lunch without turning the first hour into a full meal. I like this arrangement because it spreads the food across the cruise instead of making you wait until the main lunch service.

Cape Cavo Greco by Catamaran

From Lover’s Bridge, the boat continues toward Cape Cavo Greco, one of the most dramatic stretches of coast near Ayia Napa. You can expect cliffs, rock arches, and clear blue water, with the catamaran providing a comfortable platform for taking it all in.

The catamaran’s sunbeds are especially useful here. You can stretch out while the boat moves along the cape, then shift into the shaded lounge if the sun becomes too strong. The setting is scenic, but you are still on a vessel, not hiking through the national park or walking along the cliffs.

A selection of local bites is served around this part of the cruise. Wine and beer are available, along with water and soft drinks. Since drinks continue throughout the outing, the price includes more than a single welcome beverage and one meal. That helps explain the cost, especially if you would otherwise buy lunch, drinks, and a separate boat trip.

Still, do not treat the open bar as the main reason to book. The cruise lasts several hours, and you will want to stay comfortable in the heat. The strongest value comes from using the whole package: food, swimming, equipment, shaded seating, and the sunset route.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and the Pink Flamingo

The water stop is where the cruise becomes more than a sightseeing ride. The crew prepares high-quality masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and fishing equipment.

You can snorkel, paddle, take a gentle fishing session, or simply get into the water for a swim. An inflatable pink flamingo is provided for floating around and taking photographs. For families, a box of toys is available by request, which adds a useful option for children who may not want to snorkel for long.

The equipment is included, so you do not have to rent each item separately. That is convenient, but it also means the boat may feel most worthwhile to people who plan to be active. If you prefer to sit in the shade and watch the coast, you will still have a pleasant outing, but you may not get the same value from the package.

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, and personal care items. These are not provided. The outdoor shower lets you rinse off after swimming, but it does not replace having dry clothes and a towel for the ride back.

The exact length of the swimming time is not specified. That means you should expect the crew to manage the schedule around the route, lunch, and sunset rather than assuming a fixed block of time. You get several chances to swim, including after lunch, but this is not sold as a dedicated snorkeling tour.

The Blue Lagoon and Its Clear Water

The cruise then reaches the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered spot known for its turquoise water. It is the natural center of the afternoon because it combines the best parts of the outing: swimming, floating, paddling, and an easy place to relax aboard the boat.

The lagoon is also where you will want to decide how you prefer to spend your time. You can take the mask and fins, try a SUP, use a noodle or flamingo, or remain on the sunbeds with a drink. There is no need to commit to one activity for the whole stop.

The boat’s fishing equipment offers a quieter alternative. It is described as a gentle fishing experience, so think of it as something casual to try rather than a serious fishing trip. That small choice is useful for mixed groups, where one person wants to snorkel and another would rather sit and fish.

After swimming, the outdoor shower helps you rinse off before lunch. Again, pack a towel. The boat supplies life jackets and swimming jackets, but not the basic beach items you would normally carry yourself.

A Chef-Prepared Mediterranean Lunch

Lunch is freshly prepared onboard by a private chef. The meal includes a Mediterranean-inspired main course and dessert, served with the drinks available on the boat.

This is one of the stronger reasons to compare this cruise with cheaper coastal boat trips. A low-cost excursion may provide a simple snack or require you to bring food. Here, lunch is part of the afternoon and arrives after you have had time in the water.

The exact menu is not specified, so do not book expecting a particular dish. The description points to a Mediterranean-style meal, but it does not promise vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special options. If you have dietary needs, ask the provider before booking rather than assuming the chef can adjust the meal.

I also like the timing of lunch. Eating after the first swimming stop gives you a chance to dry off, settle into a seat, and enjoy the meal without rushing to a restaurant. You can then take another swim or simply relax afterward.

The food is described as gourmet, but the overall mood remains a boat outing rather than a formal restaurant meal. You will be eating onboard, with the sea, music, and other passengers around you. That is part of the charm, but it may not suit someone seeking a quiet private dining setting.

Sunset on the Return to Ayia Napa

The final act is the sunset. The cruise is scheduled to reach this part of the day after the main sightseeing and swimming stops, so you get to watch the colors change from the water rather than from a crowded beach.

The sunset is also the point most likely to make this cruise feel special. The boat gives you open views, and the return to Ayia Napa adds a natural ending to the route. Find a comfortable place on deck, keep your camera ready, and do not spend the whole final stretch below in the lounge.

The crew has music onboard, and free Wi-Fi is included. These are nice extras, though the strongest appeal remains the view and the calm end to the day. The Wi-Fi may be useful for sending a quick photo, but I would not choose a sunset cruise because of its internet connection.

One practical note: the activity requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is sensible for any boat trip, but keep your schedule flexible if the forecast looks uncertain.

What the $171.52 Price Really Covers

At $171.52 per person, this is a premium half-day outing. The cost is easier to justify when you count the full package:

• A five-and-a-half-hour catamaran cruise
• A professional English-speaking crew
• Coffee, tea, pastries, and a cheese platter
• Chef-prepared lunch and dessert
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine
• Snorkeling gear, SUPs, fishing equipment, and floats
• Sunbeds, shaded lounges, Wi-Fi, and onboard facilities

You are paying for convenience as much as for the boat. There is no need to find a seaside restaurant, rent water equipment, or carry your own drinks. The group limit of 20 also gives the outing a more controlled feel than a large public cruise.

The value drops if you do not drink alcohol, skip lunch, avoid swimming, or plan to spend most of the time sitting alone. In that case, a shorter sightseeing cruise may cost less and suit you better.

The price makes most sense for couples, small groups, and families who want one polished afternoon with several activities built in. The branded gift for special occasions is another small touch, though the details of that gift are not specified.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a full afternoon on the sea rather than a quick photo stop. It suits people who like a little structure, but also want choices once the boat reaches the swimming areas.

Couples will appreciate Lover’s Bridge, the sunset, and the chance to share a meal on the water. Friends can split up between the SUPs, snorkeling, fishing, and sunbeds without anyone needing to plan separate activities.

Families may find the equipment and toy box useful, especially with swimming jackets and inflatable noodles available. The five-and-a-half-hour duration is the main question for younger children. Most people can participate, but a long afternoon aboard a boat can feel tiring if a child is not comfortable with extended time in the sun.

This is less suitable if you want a detailed cultural tour, a private cabin, or guaranteed privacy. Private cabins can be requested, but use is not guaranteed. Hotel transfers are also not included, although they can be arranged upon request.

The tour has received a perfect rating from four submitted reviews, and the clearest praise focuses on the crew, the swimming, and the sunset. One especially useful detail is that the crew was helpful with everything needed during the afternoon. That suggests the service is a meaningful part of the outing, not just an afterthought to the scenery.

Booking Details to Know Before You Go

Your confirmation arrives when you book, and the experience is available near public transportation. You meet at Riva Beachouse52, Ayias Theklas, Ayia Napa, at 3:30 pm.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. Since hotel transfers are not included, allow time to reach the marina and bring your own towel, sunscreen, and personal items.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Cyprus time.

Should You Book This Ayia Napa Sunset Cruise?

Book it if you want one easy, well-filled afternoon that combines scenery, swimming, lunch, drinks, and sunset without having to organize each part yourself. The helpful crew, small group limit, broad equipment list, and final sunset give it a strong appeal.

Skip it if you want a low-cost boat ride, a formal guided tour, or a guaranteed private cabin. At $171.52, you should plan to use the water toys, enjoy the meal, and stay for the full sunset return. For couples and active groups who want a comfortable day on the coast, this is a solid splurge.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin and end?

The cruise begins at Riva Beachouse52 on Ayias Theklas in Ayia Napa. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 3:30 pm. The activity lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A private chef prepares a Mediterranean-inspired main course and dessert onboard. Local pastries and a cheese platter are also included.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, local beer, and white wine are included. Coffee and tea are provided as welcome drinks.

Can I use snorkeling and water sports equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, fishing equipment, swimming jackets, inflatable noodles, and an inflatable flamingo are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. For other cancellations, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.