Half-Day Odyssey Guided Boat Safari with Lunch in Cyprus

If you’re visiting Larnaca and craving a day out on the water, the Half-Day Odyssey Guided Boat Safari might catch your eye. This tour promises a balanced mix of scenic cruising, snorkeling, and cultural highlights—plus a generous Cypriot lunch to fuel your adventure. We’ve taken a close look at what this experience offers to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your trip.

What we genuinely appreciate about this tour is how accessible it is—being only about five hours, it fits well into a busy itinerary. Plus, the chance to see the famous Zenobia shipwreck really stands out; it’s a bucket-list dive site that’s often hard to access without a dedicated diving trip. On the flip side, some travelers have noted that the boat can feel crowded or noisy, which is worth considering if you prefer quiet, more intimate experiences.

This cruise is ideal if you’re looking for a way to see a variety of Cyprus’s coastal sights in one go, especially if you enjoy snorkeling, scenic views, and learning about local history and wildlife. It’s also suitable for those who want an organized, guided outing that includes food and drinks without fussing over logistics. However, if you’re expecting a small, tranquil boat with minimal crowds, this might not be the best choice.

Key Points

• Convenient half-day format makes it manageable for most schedules.
• Includes a traditional Cypriot buffet lunch, perfect for refueling after snorkeling and sightseeing.
• Comfortable transportation with pickup options adds to the ease of planning.
• Multiple stops for swimming and sightseeing allow you to enjoy the coast’s highlights at a relaxed pace.
• The Zenobia wreck is a major highlight, offering a memorable experience even for non-divers.
• Some reviews mention crowd levels and noise, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere.

What to Expect from the Tour

This cruise begins at Larnaca Marina early in the morning, around 9 AM, with pickup options that make getting there quite simple if you’re staying in the area. The boat can hold up to 150 travelers, and most days you’ll find about 70–90 people onboard—enough to give a lively vibe but not so packed that you feel cramped.

The Itinerary

The tour is designed to give you a taste of Cyprus’s stunning coastline and marine life. Each stop lasts approximately 30 minutes, giving plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and taking photos.

Stop 1: Zenobia Wreck

The Zenobia, a Swedish cargo ferry that sank in 1980, is the star of the show for many. It’s considered one of the world’s best artificial reefs for diving, but even snorkelers can get a good look from the surface. Expect to see divers exploring the wreck and plenty of marine life swarming around it. A reviewer raved: “We saw a dolphin, swam with a turtle (luck), and saw flying fish,” which highlights how lively and full of life the site can be.

Stop 2: Cape Pyla

Next, the boat heads to Cape Pyla, where you can swim among Red cliffs and caves. The scenery here is truly striking—imagine red rock formations against a blue sky and sea. The outlook also offers a chance to spot sea eagles, making it a nature lover’s highlight. This stop balances natural beauty with wildlife watching.

Stop 3: Ayia Napa and Fish Farm

Cruising past Ayia Napa’s beaches, you’ll get scenic views of the popular resort area. The tour mentions a fishing farm breeding Tsipoura (sea bream)—a small but interesting insight into local aquaculture. The focus here is on cruising past this lively stretch, with no designated stop, so it’s more about taking in the sights from the boat.

Stop 4: Cape Greco and Pirate Caves

Moving on, the boat approaches Cape Greco, passing iconic Love Bridge and the Pirate Caves, which have historical intrigue. You won’t stop here but will enjoy the views of the caves—an exciting glimpse into pirate lore and natural formations. The scenery here is dramatic and photo-worthy.

Stop 5: Blue Lagoon

The highlight for many is the Blue Lagoon, a crystal-clear bay perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The calm waters and vibrant marine life make it an ideal spot to cool off and explore underwater. The lagoon’s beauty is often praised, and it’s a favorite among guests — one reviewer called it “the best” part of the cruise.

Stop 6: Famagusta Viewpoint

The tour passes close to Famagusta, giving you a glimpse of the Ghost City, a poignant reminder of Cyprus’s complex history. While no stop is made here, the commentary provides context and adds a layer of cultural understanding to your day.

Food and Drinks

A real bonus with this tour is the lunch included— a Cypriot buffet with homemade dishes and BBQ treats. Based on reviews, the food is plentiful and tasty, offering a taste of local flavors. The cruise also provides hot drinks, soda, and local wines like zivania, making it a relaxed, social experience.

Some reviews note the quality of the food as good and plentiful, making the ticket price seem more reasonable. You’ll enjoy traditional dishes while soaking in the scenery. Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages are limited to wine and zivania, with no extra alcohol available for purchase, so plan accordingly if you want more.

Durations and Group Size

The trip is designed to last around five hours, departing at 9 AM and ending in Protaras around 2 PM. The boat’s capacity allows for up to 150 guests, and most reviews suggest that the experience is comfortably paced, with enough room for everyone to relax and enjoy.

While some reviews mention feeling crowded or noisy, the majority say the boat wasn’t full or uncomfortable. If you prefer a quieter or more intimate cruise, arriving early or choosing a less busy day might help.

The Experience from Travelers’ Perspectives

Many visitors have loved the diverse sights and marine encounters. One reviewer shared, “The swimming was fantastic. We saw a dolphin, swam with a turtle (luck), and saw flying fish,” highlighting the marine life that often makes this tour memorable.

Others appreciated the knowledgeable guides and scenic views. The lunch was generally well-received, with many saying it added value to the experience. The cruise offers a good balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural insight.

On the downside, a few guests felt the vessel could get crowded or that the music and announcements were a bit much, especially on busy days. One review specifically noted discomfort on a crowded boat, though they also acknowledged the vessel was within its legal capacity.

Price and Value

At around $87 per person, including lunch, drinks, and a scenic cruise, this tour offers solid value, especially considering the multiple stops and the chance to see the Zenobia wreck—an attraction that would otherwise require a dedicated diving trip. The included buffet and drinks add to the overall value, making it a stress-free way to enjoy Cyprus’s coast.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers looking for a fun, all-in-one day on the water that combines sightseeing, snorkeling, and good food. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re interested in marine life, historical shipwrecks, and scenic coves.

If you enjoy social atmospheres and don’t mind a lively crowd, you’ll probably love it. However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate experience, or are prone to motion sickness, you might find the boat a bit busy or bumpy.

The Half-Day Odyssey Guided Boat Safari offers a well-rounded glimpse of Cyprus’s coastline packed with scenic stops, marine encounters, and a delicious local lunch. It’s a convenient way for travelers to see the Zenobia shipwreck, explore caves and bays, and enjoy some time in the water—all within five hours. The tour’s value is solid, especially with the included food and drinks, and it’s generally praised for scenic views and friendly guides.

This experience is ideal for those who love a little adventure, enjoy social atmospheres, and want a full coastal overview without committing to a full-day tour. It’s particularly suited to visitors who want to combine sightseeing with swimming and a taste of local culture. Just be prepared for some potential crowding and a lively vibe—perfect if that sounds like your style.

Is pickup included in the tour? Yes, pickup is offered, making it easier to start your day without worrying about transport.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately five hours, from around 9 AM to 2 PM, ending at the Golden Coast fishing port.

What is included in the price? The tour includes a traditional Cypriot buffet lunch, coffee, tea, water, soda, and some alcoholic beverages like wine and zivania.

Are there stops for swimming? Yes, there are multiple stops, including the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim and snorkel, and around 30 minutes are allocated for each.

Is the vessel crowded? Some reviews mention feeling crowded or noisy, but most guests find it comfortable. The boat has a license for 150 guests and typically accommodates fewer.

Is this tour family-friendly? The tour is suitable for most travelers, but the minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18, and the overall atmosphere is lively.

Can I see marine life? Yes, many guests report seeing dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and other marine creatures during the cruise.

What about the scenery? Expect stunning coastal views, caves, cliffs, and historic sites like Love Bridge and Pirate Caves.

Is the shipwreck accessible for snorkeling? The Zenobia wreck is a major highlight and easily viewed from the surface, though advanced divers will appreciate its dive appeal.

What’s the best time to book? The tour is popular, averaging 23 days in advance, so booking ahead ensures availability, especially in peak season.

If you’re looking for a lively, scenic, and culturally interesting boat trip in Cyprus, this Odyssey Boat Safari offers a memorable way to spend half a day on the water. Just keep in mind your preferences for crowd size and atmosphere, and you’re set for a fun adventure!