You feel the magic in the air as soon as you arrive in the ancient city of Paphos, dating back to the Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age. Legend has it that Paphos was the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love… hello honeymoon destination!

Take a serene boat trip around the stunningly blue waters of the main island of Cyprus, and experience these natural wonders from a different perspective.

Pretend to be a mermaid swimming and snorkeling in the ocean where Atlantis was once built — as mythical stories go — and sail through sea caves. Anchor off along the western coastline and take off the beaten paths to quiet beach bays or even a turtle sanctuary!

The mythical city was inhibited by the Myceneans in the 12th century B.C. and was the capital city during the Roman period. Today, the entire city of Paphos has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What are the most popular boat trips and tours in Paphos?

There are many diverse day trips and tours in Paphos with unique options for you to choose from. Here are some of the most popular ones — even Aphrodite herself would approve!

Half-day boat trip in Paphos

Your day trip out on the waters starts in the late morning from Paphos after your hotel pickup. Spend four to six hours snorkeling, swimming and stopping off to explore famed oceanic attractions. There are different half-day boat trips in Paphos to book which offer different snorkel and swim locations, so check and book your preference.

There are four main bays which tours choose: Coral Bay which is the most popular, Ricco’s Bay (Ricco’s Beach bar is here), Blue Lagoon for crystal clear waters, and Timi’s Bay. In between snorkeling and swimming, pass by sea caves and St. George's Island. Enjoy a traditional Greek buffet lunch or BBQ on deck.

If traveling with family, book a tour on a mega yacht equipped with a slide and glass bottom, plus four decks. Or, take an adults-only boat trip on a luxury private charter.

Full-day boat trip and tours in Paphos

If you prefer more time off-land and on the ocean, a full-day boat trip is from eight to 11 hours. While travel spots for a full-day tour are similar to half-day trips for snorkeling and swimming, there are places further out to reach that you anchor at.

Visit the Akamas Peninsula inside the Akamas National Park in the northwest part of Cyprus. Stop by Lara Beach, discover sea caves and visit the Baths of Aphrodite. Boat trips in Paphos include lunch, however, some tours also include fancies like a Prosecco brunch. The full-day tour ends back in Paphos.

Pirate ship cruise in Paphos

Apart from having the option of choosing between the duration and locations that you get to visit during a boat trip in Paphos, book a unique boat trip unlike any others. Begin in Paphos with a hotel pickup or meetup at a departure point.

This pirate-themed cruise ship anchors out in Paphos Harbor’s bay and is an excellent option for families! Enjoy six hours of oceanic fun, as you play dress up, walk the pirate plank, get your face painted and enjoy a buffet lunch. Sing along with the crew members during a pirate show and get merry.

Night cruise in Paphos

Set sail from Paphos harbor in the late afternoon just before dusk. Leaving the shores, you will visit Coral or Ricco's Bay just in time for sunset. Some tours stop for snorkeling and swimming opportunities.

Enjoy a buffet — or three-course meal — out at sea and once the stars are out, the cruise ends back in Paphos harbor with a fireworks display. Transfer back to your hotel if you have organized pickup and drop-off options, or depart from the harbor.

Private self-drive boat trip in Paphos

If you’re already a captain, hire out a boat for a few hours and cruise around Paphos and the Meditteranean waters. Choose the type of boat you’d prefer, as well as your own route. Some boats come equipped with snorkel gear and a cooler box, among others.

Boat trip and 4x4 safari tour in Paphos

Experience the best of both worlds as you tour around the waters in Paphos, and enjoy a 4x4 safari drive on land at one of the pit stops. Start in Paphos and head to Avakas Gorge in the Akamas Peninsula. Visit Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station, the Baths of Aphrodite and the Blue Lagoon.

Anchoring at Akamas National Park, explore inside the park with a hike and 4x4 safari drive to viewpoints. Lunch is included and the boat trip ends back at Paphos harbor. Transfer back to your accommodation if you’ve booked the option.

How much do boat trips and tours in Paphos cost?

Half-day boat trips and tours in Paphos cost €20 to €57 per person. The price per boat trip varies depending on what’s included in the tour. The higher priced tours include lunch, for example, a BBQ, while the less expensive boat trip provides only snacks like cake and refreshments.

Shorter boat tours in Paphos, such as a two-hour trip, are more affordable than a four-hour boat trip. Special half-day tours or themed cruises also come at a higher cost.

Full-day boat trips and tours in Paphos cost from €49 to €99 per person. These eight- to 11-hour tours on the water vary in price, as some are more specialized than others. For example, you can book an adults-only tour, a boat trip on a luxury cruise liner or a sunset cruise with a fireworks show.

You can customize your trip and rent a private boat for four hours. This costs €120 to €290 per group of up to six or eight people. The price varies depending on the size of the boat.

Which places are seen/visited with a boat tour in Paphos?

St. George’s Island

Situated on the west coast of Paphos, this small fishing village is located next to the ocean and there are many sea caves in the area. Grab lunch at a local restaurant or taverna.

Coral Bay

Also on the west coast of Paphos, the area has many resorts and hotels, and its main beach is one of the most popular in Paphos, thanks to its soft sands and no pebbles.

Ricco’s Bay

Home to Ricco’s Beach Bar, this beach area is wilder than others and also has soft sands, perfect for spending the day on the beach tanning and chilling.

Blue Lagoon

It’s a very popular snorkeling and scuba diving location, and famous for its see-through waters.

Lara Bay

The quiet and secluded Lara beach is only accessible by four-wheeler vehicles, and is home to the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station. Lara Bay is in the Akamas National Park.

How long does a boat trip last?

Half-day boat trips and tours in Paphos are 2.5 to six hours long. Options include a boat tour in the morning, afternoon or evening.

Full-day tours are from eight to 11 hours long. The lengthier full-day trips are specialized tours like a cruise and 4X4 safari tour.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Most boat tours include a hotel pickup from your accommodation in Paphos. Certain tours do not include transfers, so you meet at a designated area at Paphos Harbor or Latchi Harbor.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Paphos?

Boat trips and tours are available all year round in Paphos, however, summertime in Cyprus has the best temperatures and longest nights. The summer months are officially June to August, but May and September have pearler weather too.

You can book a boat trip in Paphos in the morning, afternoon and evening. For something extra romantic, a sunset cruise is a special option.

Which other water activities can be done in Paphos?

Scuba diving

Now is the perfect opportunity to take a PADI Open Water Diving course in Coral Bay. If you’re already qualified, opt for a half-day scuba diving trip in the waters off the west coast of Cyprus.

Quad bike and beach buggying

Thrill-seekers, take an exciting two- to four-hour offroad quad bike trip around Paphos and drive yourself! Some tracks cross beaches.

Jeep safari

Forget the ordinary — instead of booking a day tour in Paphos in a minivan, opt for a jeep safari tour and feel the natural breeze as you cruise to your destination.

Jet skiing

Depart from the beach in Paphos and enjoy whizzing and zooming around Akamas National Park’s coastline on a jet ski experience! The ride is 30 minutes long.

Fishing

For avid fishermen or families looking for an epic bonding experience, wake up early and get ready to put rod and reel to the test. Choose between a three-hour coastline trip or a four-hour deep sea fishing trip, with all equipment and bait provided.

Travel tips

Bring a swimming suit, towel, sunhats and sunblock.
Make sure toddlers and babies have inflatables like armbands.
Carry extra drinking water, especially in summer.
Bring a waterproof cover along for your phone and camera.
Before you book your boat trip, check out the weather in advance.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Be a responsible traveler and do not litter during the boat trip.

Boat Tours in Paphos