REVIEW · PAPHOS
Ocean Blue | Afternoon Blue Lagoon
Book on Viator →Operated by Paphos Sea Cruises · Bookable on Viator
Two hours in the Blue Lagoon? That sounds like the right kind of problem. Ocean Blue’s afternoon cruise out of Latchi Harbour is built around a relaxed anchored swim break, with the coastline and views of the area doing the heavy lifting. I like that you get buffet lunch and seasonal fruits during the same time you’re in the water, so you don’t have to break the day in two. I also like the simple freedom to swim, canoe, or sunbathe without a constant schedule. One thing to consider: if there’s a last-minute boat change due to technical issues, you may end up with less space on deck and a more crowded, bouncy ride.
The vibe is family-friendly and the crew is clearly there to keep things running smoothly, including accommodating special dietary needs when possible. With a 2:00 pm start and about 4 hours total, it’s a smart pick if you want “Cyprus coast day” without surrendering your whole afternoon.
In This Review
- Key things I’d zero in on
- Latchi Harbour to Blue Lagoon: the route that feels like you went a little off-script
- The cruise portion: coast views plus an open bar that makes the day easier
- Blue Lagoon swim stop: two hours to choose your own pace
- Buffet lunch and fruits: all-inclusive that doesn’t feel like an afterthought
- Crew, boat, and comfort: why the staff attitude can make or break the day
- Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $78.44
- Who this works for (and who should rethink it)
- Tips to make the afternoon go smoothly (and feel worth it)
- Should you book Ocean Blue | Afternoon Blue Lagoon?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Ocean Blue Afternoon Blue Lagoon tour?
- What time does the tour start in Paphos?
- Is lunch included on the Blue Lagoon portion?
- Are drinks included during the cruise?
- Is there pickup from hotels or meeting points?
- How many people is the tour limited to?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key things I’d zero in on

- Latchi Harbour departure: you start on the scenic coast instead of starting inland.
- Aphrodite’s Baths en route: the scenery route includes a famous landmark name, even if you stay on the water.
- A 2-hour Blue Lagoon swim stop: long enough for swimming, a snack-meets-lunch buffet, and proper downtime.
- Open bar for the whole cruise: unlimited local alcoholic and soft drinks while you’re cruising and anchored.
- Canoe and swimming time: the tour isn’t only about sitting and hoping for photos.
- Crowding and comfort can shift: if the boat is changed or the lagoon is busy, deck space and lounging spots may be limited.
Latchi Harbour to Blue Lagoon: the route that feels like you went a little off-script

The afternoon starts at Latchi Harbour, and you cruise along the Cyprus coast toward a classic set-piece on the map: Aphrodite’s Baths. Even if you’re not stepping on land there, the name helps you connect the dots while you’re out at sea. And unlike tours that feel like a nonstop checklist, this one is built for “look, float, snack, repeat.”
The timing matters too. A 2:00 pm departure usually means you’re not competing with the earliest crowds, and you can pair this with a relaxed morning on your own schedule. You’ll still get daylight time to enjoy the water, and the day ends at a reasonable hour since the total is about 4 hours.
One practical note: you may arrive at the harbour and wait briefly before boarding. It’s not a drama, but it’s good to plan for some sitting in a seaside setting while everyone gets organized and the boat is ready.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paphos.
The cruise portion: coast views plus an open bar that makes the day easier

Once you’re underway, the experience is simple: enjoy the scenery while you’re taken where you’re supposed to be. The highlight here isn’t a long lecture or a string of stops. It’s the “time on the water” part that many people miss when they only do short land excursions.
What makes this section genuinely convenient is the open bar running for the duration of the cruise. Unlimited local alcoholic and soft beverages means you can keep your energy up without hunting for a shop or packing extra drinks. And because it’s set up to last through the whole cruise, you can take your time enjoying the view without thinking, I should really stop and buy something.
The cruise is also described as having sightseeing and relaxing value in the same mix. That’s a good sign if you want a tour that works for both photo people and people who just want to sit comfortably and let the sea do the work.
Blue Lagoon swim stop: two hours to choose your own pace
This is the heart of the tour: once you reach the Blue Lagoon, the boat anchors and you get a swim stop that lasts about 2 hours. That length is key. It’s enough time to actually get in the water, not just do the quick “splash and run” version.
During this anchored time, you can:
- Swim
- Canoe (if you want some light activity)
- Sunbathe and lounge
That freedom is what turns a cruise into a mini beach day. You’re not stuck waiting for a guide to herd you to one tiny spot. You can move from shade to sun, take a slow swim, then come back when you’re hungry.
There’s a small reality check that can matter for expectations: the boat may moor a bit out from the clearest shoreline area, which means you’ll likely be entering the water directly from the boat. That’s normal on sea stops, and it can be part of the fun, but it does change the experience if you were imagining a straight shot onto sand.
Also, if the lagoon is crowded that day, deck space can feel tighter. On busy moments, you’ll do better if you treat lounging as a “grab a spot when you can” situation rather than a guaranteed lounge chair moment.
Buffet lunch and fruits: all-inclusive that doesn’t feel like an afterthought

Food is included during the swim stop, and it’s not just a token snack. You’ll find an appetizing buffet meal plus fresh seasonal fruits while the boat is anchored. That timing is smart. You get fed right when you’ve worked up an appetite from swimming and sun time.
What I like about this setup is that it removes decision fatigue. You don’t have to think, Where’s lunch? or Can I find something that doesn’t take forever? You just eat, then go back to the water.
And the open bar pairs well with that “no fuss” style. It turns the day into something closer to a relaxed day out rather than a strict itinerary with meals as interruptions. If you’re traveling with family, it’s especially useful: kids are fed, adults have drinks, and the whole group doesn’t need to split to find separate food plans.
One more detail worth knowing: the crew’s approach to special dietary needs has shown up in real situations. If you (or someone in your group) has kosher needs or another dietary requirement, it’s worth asking about options onboard. The tour doesn’t promise a full specialty menu in every case, but the staff attitude matters—and it’s been praised for staying helpful when possible.
Crew, boat, and comfort: why the staff attitude can make or break the day

On a boat day, the crew isn’t just there to sell tickets and point you toward the buffet. They’re running the pacing, the boarding flow, and the overall feeling of order on deck.
This cruise is run by Paphos Sea Cruises, and the staff reputation leans strongly toward friendly and organized. In particular, people highlight a captain and crew that keep things under control while still being kind. That balance is exactly what you want when you’re on water and everyone’s trying to enjoy themselves without chaos.
Boat comfort is another major factor. One positive review notes the boat being new and comfortable, and that fits with the idea of a modern day-cruise setup: you want seating that feels safe and stable enough to ride out a few waves without feeling miserable the whole time.
Now the honest part: there is a real downside risk. If there’s a technical issue with the boat, you might be moved to another vessel at the last minute. When that happens, your group could be larger than expected for the new boat, with fewer lounge spots and potentially a more crowded deck. It can also change how smoothly the day feels if the switch throws off timing.
So pack for two versions of the day:
- the smooth, orderly cruise with plenty of space
- the “things change, adapt fast” version if equipment swaps happen
Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $78.44

Let’s talk value, not just sticker shock. At $78.44 per person, you’re not paying for a “boat ride only” experience. The big value elements are stacked together:
- Blue Lagoon admission included (the swim stop is tied to your ticket)
- Buffet lunch plus seasonal fruits
- Unlimited local alcoholic and soft beverages
- A guided-style cruise with time built in for swimming and optional canoeing
That combination changes the math. If you tried to recreate this day yourself, you’d quickly spend money on transport, entry costs, food, and drinks. Here, those pieces are rolled into one package, which keeps your day simple and saves you planning time.
The duration also helps. About 4 hours isn’t a half-day that drags, and it’s not a full-day grind. For many people in Paphos, that’s the sweet spot: enough time to feel like you left the city, not so long that you lose your energy for the evening.
One more value point: the group size is capped at 100 travelers. That doesn’t guarantee a quiet experience, but it does keep the tour from becoming unlimited-chaos. For a lagoon swim stop, fewer people on board is almost always better.
Who this works for (and who should rethink it)

This tour is described as suitable for most travelers, and it’s clearly aimed at casual enjoyment rather than athletic sea adventures. It’s also a strong fit if you’re traveling with a family, since the overall flow is straightforward: get onboard, cruise, swim, eat, drink, return.
You’ll especially like it if you want:
- a simple all-inclusive day at the water
- a two-hour lagoon window (not a rushed stop)
- the chance to swim and canoe rather than only watch
If you’re sensitive to motion or you’ve had seasickness before, take extra care. The negative feedback includes stories of rougher-than-expected ride conditions and speeding up that made some people feel sick. You can’t control the sea, but you can prepare (more on that below).
Also, if you’re the type who needs lots of guaranteed deck space, keep in mind that if there’s a last-minute boat change or a crowded lagoon day, the seating and lounging setup might feel tighter.
Tips to make the afternoon go smoothly (and feel worth it)

If you book this Ocean Blue afternoon cruise, I’d do a few things to protect the experience.
First, think about sun and water time. You’re out for hours with a swim stop and time to lounge, so plan on using sunscreen and having swim-ready comfort. Even if you’re not a “sunbathe for hours” person, you’ll likely spend enough time in the elements to get warm.
Second, be honest with yourself about motion sickness risk. If you’re prone to it, consider bringing your preferred remedy and keep some fresh air on hand while you cruise and settle in. One regret people shared was feeling miserable when the boat felt rockier than they expected.
Third, keep your expectations flexible about timing and onboard changes. The cruise aims to run smoothly, but the real world sometimes includes technical issues. If you hear about a boat swap or see the schedule shift, stay calm and adjust fast. The tour is still about getting you to the lagoon and giving you time to swim.
Finally, remember there are small add-ons. You can buy small souvenirs onboard, and extreme jet-boat activity can be purchased on board. If you’re curious, it’s easiest to decide while you’re onboard rather than trying to plan it separately.
Should you book Ocean Blue | Afternoon Blue Lagoon?
I’d book this tour if you want a hassle-free, all-inclusive Blue Lagoon swim break from Paphos, with food and drinks handled and time to choose how you spend your water hours. The best version of this day is all about the combination of scenic cruising, a real two-hour anchored stop, and a crew that keeps things pleasant and organized.
Skip it or think twice if you:
- get seasick easily and don’t handle rougher water well
- need guaranteed deck lounging space no matter what
- hate last-minute change risk (technical issues can lead to boat swaps)
If you’re ready for an afternoon that’s more about the sea and less about ticking boxes, this is the kind of tour that can fit perfectly into a Cyprus trip—especially when you want your lunch, drinks, and lagoon time wrapped into one simple plan.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Ocean Blue Afternoon Blue Lagoon tour?
It’s about 4 hours.
What time does the tour start in Paphos?
The start time listed is 2:00 pm.
Is lunch included on the Blue Lagoon portion?
Yes. A buffet meal and fresh seasonal fruits are included during the swim stop.
Are drinks included during the cruise?
Yes. There is an open bar for the duration of the cruise, with unlimited local alcoholic and soft beverages.
Is there pickup from hotels or meeting points?
Pickup is offered.
How many people is the tour limited to?
The maximum is 100 travelers.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.






















