Paphos: Sunset BBQ Cruise with Swimming & Live Music

4.71

(147 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried grilled halloumi out at sea?” That’s what our guide, Andreas, asked as we drifted from Paphos Harbour. The boat was bigger than I’d pictured—white paint chipped here and there, but the crew made it feel like you were already among friends. The sun wasn’t quite low yet; just that late afternoon Cyprus warmth, salt in the air, kids running past us to the railings. I could hear someone tuning a guitar near the back. It smelled like charcoal and sunscreen mixed together.

We cruised along the east coast toward Atlantida Bay. Honestly, I lost track of time watching the coastline slide by—rocky bits, then little pockets of beach where people waved as we passed. At some point Andreas handed me a kayak paddle (I’m not sure I looked confident) and pointed out where we could jump in for a swim. The water was cold at first but perfect after a minute or two—one of those moments when you forget about your phone or emails or whatever else you left on land.

The BBQ started while we were still drying off. Chicken skewers, salads, and that salty halloumi—maybe it was the sea air but everything tasted better than usual. There was live music too; not loud enough to drown conversation but enough to make people start humming along. I tried asking for a song in Greek (no idea if I pronounced it right), and Andreas just grinned. As the sun finally dipped low over the Mediterranean, everyone went quiet for a second—just that orange light on faces and water, nobody needing to say much at all.