Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours

Wine tastes better with Cyprus below you. This four-and-a-half-hour cruise combines Cypriot wine tasting, a barbecue lunch, and a long stop at the Blue Lagoon, making it more than a simple boat ride. I especially like the generous two-and-a-half-hour stay at the lagoon and the personal wine guidance from hosts such as Gergana, also called Geny or Gerry in some accounts.

I also like that you can choose pickup from Paphos or meet at Latchi port, which makes the outing easier to fit into a Cyprus holiday. The main consideration is the two-hour round-trip sailing time, plus the fact that the wine tasting may feel either intimate or less social depending on how many people book it.

Key points to know before you book

• Two and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon: You have time for swimming, lunch, photos, and a relaxed pause instead of a rushed stop.
• Cypriot wine with a dedicated host: Gergana, Geny, or Gerry may lead the tasting, depending on the booking, with local wine knowledge and personal service.
• Barbecue lunch included: The meal gives the cruise more value than a basic sightseeing boat trip.
• Two pickup choices: You can arrange pickup from Paphos or meet the Demetris Chara BBQ boat at Latchi port.
• A long sailing section: About two hours of the outing is spent traveling to and from the lagoon, with Latchi Beach among the first coastal sights.
• Small wine groups can be a bonus: Some bookings have had only one couple taking part in the tasting, creating a private-feeling experience.

Why this boat trip feels different from a standard lagoon cruise

The Blue Lagoon is the star, but the wine tasting changes the pace of the day. Instead of spending the whole outing waiting for the swim stop, you have something structured to enjoy while the boat moves along the coast.

That matters because the total journey lasts about four hours and 30 minutes. Roughly two hours are spent sailing out and back, while two and a half hours are reserved for the lagoon. The wine and food help make the travel time feel like part of the experience rather than simple transport.

At $90.02 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Blue Lagoon. You are paying for more than the boat ride, though. The price includes the tasting, barbecue lunch, the lagoon stop, and possible pickup from Paphos. If you value local wine and a slower day on the water, the package can be good value. If your only goal is a quick swim, a simpler boat trip may suit you better.

The experience has a maximum group size of 80 people. That is large enough for a lively boat, but the wine tasting itself may be much smaller. In fact, one booking had only a couple taking part in the wine session, while other people on board enjoyed the cruise in their own way. That setup can feel wonderfully personal, though it may surprise you if you expect the entire boat to join the tasting.

Boarding at Latchi and settling into the day

You have two ways to begin. The first is pickup from Paphos. The second is to make your own way to Latchi port and find the Demetris Chara BBQ boat there.

For anyone staying in Paphos, pickup removes one of the day’s practical headaches. One account describes a pickup from accommodation about 45 minutes from the boat, with the driver, Dmitri, also stopping at scenic points when asked. That suggests the transfer can add useful views along the way, though you should allow enough time for the road journey before the cruise even begins.

Meeting at Latchi port gives you more control if you already have a car or are staying nearby. The supplied details do not specify an exact boarding time or precise port instructions beyond finding the Demetris Chara BBQ boat, so confirm the meeting details at booking.

Once aboard, you can expect the wine portion to shape the mood. This is not a formal cellar visit with a long lecture. It is a boat-based tasting, where the setting, food, open water, and conversation all form part of the experience.

Sailing past Latchi Beach and along the coast

The first named beach on the route is Latchi Beach. It is one of the early coastal sights as the boat heads toward the Blue Lagoon.

This part of the trip is useful for getting comfortable on board and taking in the Mediterranean views before lunch and swimming begin. It also gives the wine host time to introduce the bottles and explain the Cypriot wines being poured.

The sailing time is worth considering carefully. The route takes about two hours in total for the outward and return journeys. Some people will enjoy that rhythm, especially with a glass in hand and the coast passing by. Others may find the long boat section less appealing if they want almost all of their time spent in the water.

I would treat the sailing as a central part of the outing, not a minor transfer. Bring a relaxed attitude and expect the boat ride itself to occupy a large portion of the day.

Cypriot wine with Gergana, Geny, or Gerry

The most praised part of the experience is the wine host. Gergana is described as warm, attentive, and very well informed about both Cypriot wine and the island. Other accounts use the names Geny or Gerry, which may reflect different spellings or references to the same wine team.

The strength of this service is its personal touch. The host does more than hand over glasses. She explains the wines, pours several varieties, answers questions, and offers suggestions for the rest of your time in Cyprus. One account also describes her taking photos while the couple swam, a small gesture that made the day feel special.

The tasting can be especially good for people who want an introduction to local wine without committing to a full winery visit. You can sample a range of Cypriot wines while enjoying the sea, then compare your favorites over lunch.

There is one practical warning: the wine may keep coming once the first bottle is opened. Have a proper breakfast before setting out, especially if you plan to swim later. The combination of sun, movement, food, and alcohol can catch up with you faster than expected.

If you are the only couple booked for the wine tasting, do not assume the day will feel awkward. In practice, that can turn into a private lesson with more time for questions and one-to-one attention. If you prefer a lively group discussion, the social side will depend on how many other wine tasters are aboard that day.

Two and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

The boat anchors at the Blue Lagoon, where you have about two and a half hours. This is the main event and one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise.

A long stop gives you room to do several things without rushing. You can swim, eat the barbecue, take photographs, and spend time simply sitting on the boat. The schedule is not built around a quick dip followed by an immediate departure.

The Blue Lagoon is described as especially beautiful, and the extended stay is useful because other boats may come and go while you remain in the area. You get a better chance to enjoy the setting at your own pace, though the lagoon can still feel busy when several boats are present.

Bring what you need for a comfortable swim and remember that the wine tasting may continue around the same period. If swimming is important to you, pace yourself with the drinks. The best version of this day includes both the tasting and the water, not one at the expense of the other.

The information provided does not specify water equipment, changing facilities, or onboard seating arrangements. I would avoid assuming that towels, snorkeling gear, or other extras are included unless the operator confirms them.

Barbecue lunch beside the water

The barbecue lunch is included and served during the Blue Lagoon stop. It gives the cruise a more complete feel, since you are not left to find food after swimming or expected to bring a full meal yourself.

The food is repeatedly described as good, though the available details do not list the exact dishes. Think of it as a straightforward barbecue meal rather than a restaurant tasting menu. That fits the setting: you are anchored at a lagoon, eating on a boat, with the sea around you.

Lunch also helps balance the wine. Still, I would follow the advice to eat breakfast first. The day begins before the main meal, and a hearty start is sensible if you plan to sample several wines.

If you have dietary needs, ask the provider before booking. The supplied information confirms that lunch is included but does not state which ingredients, vegetarian choices, or allergy accommodations are available.

Pickup from Paphos or meeting at Latchi port

The Paphos pickup option is valuable if you do not have a car. It saves you from arranging separate transport to Latchi and can make the day easier for couples or families staying in Paphos.

The downside is time. A transfer from Paphos adds road travel before the 4.5-hour boat experience. One pickup account involved about 45 minutes each way from accommodation, though the exact time will depend on your location and traffic.

Meeting at Latchi port is the simpler choice if you are already in the area. You avoid the extra pickup route and can organize your own arrival. Make sure you have the correct meeting instructions and allow time to find the boat, since the port may have several vessels operating nearby.

The experience is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. A moderate level of physical fitness is requested, so you should be comfortable boarding a boat, moving around on board, and getting in and out of the water if you plan to swim.

Who will enjoy this $90.02 experience most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want several Cyprus experiences combined into one day:

• You enjoy tasting local wine but do not need a formal winery setting.
• You want a substantial Blue Lagoon stop rather than a quick photo visit.
• You like the idea of a barbecue lunch served on the water.
• You are happy spending about two hours sailing as part of the outing.
• You value attentive hosting and personal recommendations.
• You are staying in Paphos and appreciate included pickup.

It may be less suitable if you dislike boat travel, prefer a tightly scheduled sightseeing program, or mainly want swimming time. The cruise is also not ideal for anyone hoping for a large, organized wine class involving every person on board. The tasting group may be tiny, which can be wonderful for personal service but less lively for social interaction.

The tour has a 4.8 rating from 21 reviews and is recommended by 95 percent of those who rated it. Those figures suggest strong satisfaction, especially with the wine host, food, views, and lagoon stop. The sample is not huge, so I would use the numbers as a helpful sign rather than a guarantee that every departure will feel identical.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the experience is usually booked about 18 days ahead. That lead time suggests you should reserve early if the cruise fits a fixed Cyprus itinerary.

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 cruise depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of people, so if that minimum is not reached, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Demetris Chara wine cruise?

Book it if you want the Blue Lagoon wrapped into a fuller day of wine, food, and coastal views. The best feature is the combination of a long lagoon stop and a highly personal wine tasting, especially when Gergana or another attentive host is leading the session.

I would not book it simply as the fastest way to reach the water. You will spend about two hours sailing, and the $90.02 price makes the most sense when you plan to enjoy the wine and included barbecue as much as the lagoon.

For wine lovers, couples, and anyone who likes an easygoing day with good hosting, this is a strong choice. Eat breakfast, pace yourself with the wine, confirm pickup details, and leave plenty of room in your schedule for the sea.

FAQ

Where does the Demetris Chara wine cruise operate?

The experience operates from Latchi port near Paphos, Cyprus. You can meet the Demetris Chara BBQ boat at Latchi port or choose pickup from Paphos.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes. About two hours are spent traveling out and back, with about two and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon.

Is pickup from Paphos available?

Yes. Pickup from Paphos is offered as one of the two transport options. You can also meet the boat directly at Latchi port.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included and is served during the Blue Lagoon stop.

Are Cypriot wines included?

Yes. The experience includes a tasting of a variety of Cypriot wines, led by a dedicated wine host.

How long do I stay at the Blue Lagoon?

You stay at the Blue Lagoon for about two and a half hours. This time includes the barbecue meal and an opportunity to swim or relax on board.

Is the experience offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. Weather or minimum-number cancellations may result in another date or a full refund.