Larnaca: Relaxing Cruise with Fishing and BBQ Lunch

Watch planes skim the coast. This four-hour cruise from Larnaca Marina mixes easygoing sea time with fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and a Cypriot lunch cooked aboard the Doremi vessel. I like the unusual combination of a glass-bottom boat and Zenobia shipwreck stop, and I like that the $64 price includes hotel transfers, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and a full BBQ buffet. The main consideration is that fishing equipment may feel basic, and lunch timing can run late if the boat is still making swimming stops.

The trip works well for families and mixed groups because you can choose your pace. Cast a line, swim, use the sunbeds, watch the coast, or simply sit with a drink while the boat moves along. Just remember that the route, swimming stops, and schedule depend on the weather and the captain’s decision.

Key points to know before booking

• Zenobia is the star underwater stop: You can see the famous Swedish cargo ferry from the surface and with mask and snorkel, while the glass bottom gives you a dry view below.
• The first activity begins after about 25 minutes: Fishing starts early, so you do not spend the whole morning waiting for the main attractions.
• Lunch includes your own catch if you land one: Fish caught during the outing can be cooked on board and served with the Cypriot BBQ.
• Planes pass close to the western Larnaca coast: The airport setting gives you a distinctive photo opportunity that you will not get on every Mediterranean cruise.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, wine, and zivania are available from the open bar.
• Snorkeling equipment needs a refundable deposit: The gear itself is free, but you should be prepared to leave the required deposit.

Leaving Larnaca Marina for a relaxed morning

Your cruise begins at Larnaca Marina, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Transfer times can shift because of traffic or other delays, so keep your morning flexible rather than planning a tight appointment immediately after the boat returns.

The cruise lasts four hours, which is long enough to include several stops without turning the day into a full-day commitment. I see this as one of its strongest features. You get a proper morning on the water, but you still have much of the day available for Larnaca, the beach, or another activity.

The Doremi is set up for comfort, with sunbeds and full facilities on board. You can claim a place in the sun, find shade if available, or move around during the different parts of the trip. Since not everyone has to fish or snorkel, the boat suits families and groups with different ideas of fun.

An English-speaking guide and an animator are included. The guide provides information during the outing, including background on the Zenobia, while the animator helps keep the atmosphere social and light.

Fishing begins after about 25 minutes

Around 25 minutes after boarding, the boat reaches its first fishing stop. Fishing equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring rods or tackle from home. This is a casual chance to try your luck rather than a specialized fishing charter.

I like this early stop because it gives the outing a clear sense of purpose. You are not simply cruising for hours before anything happens. You get an activity soon after leaving the marina, and you can decide how involved you want to be.

The fishing equipment has received one notable criticism: it may be the area most in need of improvement. If fishing is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations modest. The better way to view it is as a pleasant group activity, with the possibility of catching something for lunch, rather than as a serious angling session.

If you would rather not fish, you have several alternatives. You can sit in the sun, swim when permitted, use the snorkeling equipment, or watch the action from the deck. That flexibility matters when some members of your group want to fish and others do not.

Swimming and snorkeling at the Zenobia

The main underwater attraction is the Zenobia, a Swedish cargo ferry that came to rest beneath the sea in 1980. The wreck gives the cruise a stronger sense of place than a simple coastal boat ride. You are not only looking at open water. You are seeing a famous local site with a story attached to it.

Masks and snorkeling equipment are provided. The boat’s glass bottom adds another option, letting you look down toward the marine life and wreck without getting wet. This is especially useful if you are traveling with children, prefer not to snorkel, or want to keep an eye on what is below before entering the water.

The snorkeling stop is one of the most praised parts of the outing. You should have time to look around the wreck area and observe marine life, though the exact amount of time and the route can change with sea conditions. The captain has the final say on where the boat goes and whether a stop is safe.

Do not treat this as a technical wreck expedition. The focus is on accessible sightseeing, swimming, and a first look at the Zenobia. If you are a strong snorkeler, you may wish for more time or more detailed exploration. For most people, the combination of the wreck, clear water, and provided equipment offers plenty for a morning cruise.

A second swimming and snorkeling stop follows later. That gives you another chance to get in the water instead of making the Zenobia the only active part of the trip. Bring a towel and beachwear, and use biodegradable sunscreen as requested.

Flying close to the Larnaca airport coast

The route follows the west coast of Larnaca, passing close to the airport. This creates one of the trip’s most distinctive moments: aircraft can fly directly above or very near the boat as you watch from the sea.

It is an odd and memorable contrast. You have the open Mediterranean around you, then a large aircraft appears overhead. Keep your camera ready, since the timing is unpredictable and the captain may alter the route because of weather.

This section also gives you a different view of Larnaca. From the water, the coast feels removed from the roads and buildings, even though the airport is close by. I would not book the cruise solely for the plane views, but they add a memorable touch to the route and make the photographs more interesting than standard beach pictures.

A Cypriot buffet cooked aboard the boat

Lunch is served on board as a buffet of homemade local dishes, fruit, and Cypriot BBQ. The meal is included in the $64 price, along with the open bar. Drinks include water, soft drinks, wine, and zivania, a traditional Cypriot spirit.

The best personal touch is the treatment of any fish caught during the fishing stop. If you land a fish, the crew can cook it directly on board and serve it as part of lunch. That gives the fishing activity a practical reward, even though catching anything is not guaranteed.

The food has been praised for being tasty and plentiful. Fruit portions may feel limited, and one useful complaint concerned the timing of lunch. The meal can come later than expected because the boat may continue with swimming before serving it.

That timing is worth considering if you are traveling with young children or anyone who gets hungry early. A small snack before boarding could be sensible, even with a full buffet included. You may prefer the later lunch if you want to make the most of the swimming time, but it is good to know that the meal may not arrive immediately after fishing.

The open bar improves the value of the trip. You are not paying separately for basic water or soft drinks, and adults can enjoy wine or zivania. Drink responsibly, especially if you plan to swim afterward.

What the $64 price really includes

At $64 per person, the cruise is priced above a basic short boat ride, but it includes much more than transport on the water. The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a four-hour cruise, fishing equipment, snorkeling equipment, a buffet and BBQ, fruit, drinks, sunbeds, and on-board facilities.

You also avoid several small costs that can add up during a day at sea. You do not need to rent a fishing setup or buy a separate meal, and you can use snorkeling gear without a rental charge. There is a refundable deposit for the snorkeling equipment, so allow for that temporary hold when you arrive.

The value is strongest if you use several parts of the package. Someone who fishes, snorkels, eats lunch, and enjoys the open bar receives a fuller return than someone who only wants to sit on a boat and watch the coast.

Hotel transfers make the price more convenient, especially if your accommodation is not close to Larnaca Marina. The trade-off is that pickup times can be affected by traffic. Keep that in mind if you are traveling with a strict schedule.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, and mixed-age groups who want a gentle sea outing with several choices. It is especially useful when one person wants to snorkel, another wants to fish, and someone else simply wants a sunbed and a drink.

Children may enjoy the fishing, glass-bottom views, planes overhead, and swimming stops. The lack of a requirement to take part in every activity keeps the morning manageable for different energy levels.

It also suits visitors who want to see the Zenobia but do not want a technical wreck tour. The wreck is presented as part of a relaxed cruise, with equipment supplied and an English-speaking guide available.

I would be more cautious if you want serious fishing, a long uninterrupted snorkeling session, or a tightly timed itinerary. The fishing gear is functional rather than exceptional, the route can change, and lunch may be served later than you expect.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Bring a towel, camera, beachwear, and biodegradable sunscreen. A waterproof phone pouch could also be useful, although it is not specifically listed as included, and you should protect personal items around the swimming stops.

Wear something comfortable for sitting on deck and moving between the sunbeds, fishing area, and swimming access. The boat has facilities, but you should still prepare as you would for a regular beach day.

If you care most about the Zenobia, ask when the snorkeling stop is scheduled once you board. The route can change, so treat the plan as flexible rather than fixed.

Keep your camera ready near the airport section, but do not spend the whole trip watching the sky. The shipwreck, marine life, swimming, and food are the main parts of the outing.

Weather matters. Cruises are subject to sea conditions and the captain’s decision, and both the route and stops can change for safety. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later, which helps if your plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Larnaca fishing and BBQ cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed, social morning that combines Zenobia snorkeling, fishing, swimming, a Cypriot meal, and drinks in one package. The $64 price is fair when you make use of the included food, transfers, equipment, and open bar.

Skip it if fishing quality is your top priority or if you need a precise schedule. The equipment may disappoint serious anglers, lunch may come late, and weather can alter the route.

For most people, this is a good-value Larnaca outing with enough variety to keep the morning moving. You get a famous wreck, a rare airport-at-sea viewpoint, and a proper meal without having to organize each part separately.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Larnaca Marina in the Larnaca District of Cyprus.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts four hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, though transfer times can be delayed by traffic or other factors.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing is optional, and the necessary fishing equipment is provided on board.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available free of charge, but a refundable deposit is required.

Can I see the Zenobia shipwreck without snorkeling?

Yes. The Doremi vessel has a glass bottom, allowing you to look into the water without getting wet.

What food is served?

Lunch includes a Cypriot buffet, homemade local dishes, fruit, and Cypriot BBQ. Fish caught during the outing can also be cooked on board and served.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, soft drinks, zivania, and wine.

What happens if the weather changes?

The captain may change the route or stops because of weather conditions. Cruises are subject to the captain’s decision.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear.