Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours

Picture this: you’re sailing out of Paphos waters, then spending a long, relaxed chunk of time at Blue Lagoon while a sommelier guides you through Cypriot wines on board. I like that it mixes proper tasting time with real time in the water. I also like the included BBQ lunch, because you are not doing this on empty. The one thing to consider is timing, the whole experience is only about 4.5 hours, so you’ll want to treat the Blue Lagoon stop as the main event.

The guides make a big difference here. Captain Dmitri can help with the flow of the day and even adjust around scenic moments, and the wine side is led by Gergana (you may see the name written as Geny or Gery too, same role). It’s a good fit if you’re after a fun, food-and-wine day at sea rather than a long, busy sightseeing marathon.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• BBQ lunch included so you can focus on tasting instead of hunting for food
• Guided Cypriot wine tasting with sommelier Gergana leading the session
• Blue Lagoon anchor stop for about 2.5 hours for swimming and hanging out
• Sailing along the Mediterranean with a pass by Lachi Beach
• Pickup option from Paphos or meet at Latchi Port if you prefer to drive yourself
• Small-tour feel with a maximum of 80 travelers, and sometimes very few people on board

Why This Wine Tasting Feels Different From a Regular Boat Trip

This tour works because it’s built around two things people actually want in Cyprus: great wine and a real swim stop. Most half-day boat experiences give you either a quick taste or a quick swim. Here, you get both, and they happen in a way that feels like a day with a plan, not a checklist.

What I love is the balance of structure and freedom. You’re guided through the wine tasting on board, then you have a clear block of time at the water. That means you can participate fully, taste a range of wines, and still spend time doing the Cyprus thing, which is getting in the sea and letting the day slow down.

The other big plus is the vibe created by the crew. Captain Dmitri and sommelier Gergana show up as the sort of team that makes the day feel personal. In practice, that often means you get more attention during the tasting, and the day keeps moving smoothly even if you’re chatting, taking photos, or stepping out for a swim.

A quick note on pace

You’re doing a sailing loop, then anchoring at the Blue Lagoon, and then heading back. There is not much time for random stops or long shore wandering. So if you’re the type who needs an itinerary full of land sightseeing, this one might feel too water-focused.

Getting Onboard: Pickup From Paphos or Meet at Latchi Port

You have two ways to start the day. If you want an easy morning, choose pickup from Paphos. The alternative is to meet at Latchi Port and find the Demetris Chara BBQ boat there.

Either option is practical. Pickup is great if you’re staying in town and don’t want to deal with parking or timing. Meeting at Latchi port can be a nice choice if you already plan to be out in that side of the island and want to handle your own schedule.

One more practical detail: this is offered in English, and it runs as a mobile-ticket experience. That usually means less time spent digging through paperwork and more time getting ready for sun, sunscreen, and a seat that faces the sea.

The 4.5-Hour Schedule, Broken Down Simply

The total time is about 4 hours 30 minutes. Within that, you’ll do sailing time, the anchor stop, and then the return trip.

Here’s the structure you can plan around:

• You board the Demetris Chara BBQ boat.
• You sail along the Mediterranean, passing Lachi Beach.
• You reach Blue Lagoon and anchor for your main swim and relaxing time, about 2 hours 30 minutes.
• After that, you head back. There’s roughly 2 hours travel time back and forth built into the day.

Why this matters: it tells you what to prioritize. Your real window to swim, float, and reset your brain is that Blue Lagoon block. Everything else is there to get you to the water and keep the day moving.

What to expect at the start

At the beginning, you’ll settle in, get oriented, and then the wine tasting portion unfolds on board with sommelier guidance. If you’re thinking you’ll show up and be ready for a lot of wine without planning, don’t. Go in with a normal breakfast, or at least something substantial.

Blue Lagoon Stop: 2.5 Hours to Swim, Float, and Watch the Color Change

The Blue Lagoon is the moment you came for. The boat anchors, and you get a substantial 2.5 hours at the water.

This is not a quick dip. It’s enough time to:

• swim for a while
• take breaks on board
• just relax and enjoy the view
• decide when you’re ready to rejoin the group

Also, because you’re on a boat, you can often find a comfortable rhythm that land tours rarely give. You can go in, come out, dry off, and return without having to “keep moving” like on a bus.

A practical consideration

This is still a boat day, so bring what you need to enjoy the water comfortably. Sunscreen is not optional. Also consider a cover-up or something easy to wear when you’re transitioning from sun to shade. If you’re prone to getting chilled after swimming, you’ll be happier with an extra layer.

Wine Tasting on the Demetris Chara: Cypriot Wines With Gergana at the Helm

The wine tasting is guided, and the standout name you’ll hear is Gergana. Depending on the timing or how the day’s notes are written, you might see variation of the spelling in communications, but the role is clear: she leads the tasting and makes it feel like more than just opening bottles.

What you can expect:

• tasting multiple Cypriot wines
• explanations that connect what you’re tasting to the local wine scene
• an interactive feel where you can ask questions and keep up with the pacing

This is one of those tours where the guide can turn a simple tasting into a memorable experience. If you’re the type who enjoys learning what to order later, this is a good match. If you’re more of a relax-and-enjoy person, you’ll still get enough structure to keep things interesting without it turning into a classroom.

The lunch timing matters

BBQ lunch is included, so the day is designed to keep you fueled while you’re tasting. In practice, it also helps you enjoy the wines without getting that heavy, “I should have eaten more” feeling that can sneak up on you.

A helpful tip if you want to be comfortable: eat a hearty breakfast beforehand. Once the first bottle is open, the pacing tends to keep flowing, and you’ll enjoy the day more if you start with a full tank.

BBQ Lunch Onboard: Eat Well, Then Keep Tasting

The lunch is included and it’s barbecue fare. This may sound like a simple add-on, but it changes the whole experience. Wine tastings on the road can quickly become uncomfortable if there isn’t proper food. Here, the meal is built into the rhythm of the day.

What makes this valuable to you:

• You can eat without leaving the boat or worrying about finding a restaurant later
• You get enough energy to enjoy the swim without feeling drained
• You stay in the moment instead of splitting attention between food plans and tasting plans

In other words, lunch is part of the “value” of the tour, not just a perk.

Views, Photos, and That “Crew Makes the Day” Effect

One of the quiet reasons people love this tour is that it feels like the crew is watching the experience, not just moving the boat. Captain Dmitri can make scenic moments happen when the conditions allow, and that can add little surprises to your route.

Then there’s Gergana with the tasting. The best part is that she doesn’t just pour and disappear. The day tends to include the kind of small touches that help you feel like you’re on a real outing, not a production line.

And yes, you’ll likely spend a chunk of time in and around the water. That means you’ll want to be ready for photos, even if you’re not a professional photographer. The vibe is right for quick snapshots while you swim and then settle back for wine and lunch.

Price and Value: Is $90.02 a Good Deal?

At $90.02 per person, you’re paying for more than a seat on a boat. You’re paying for:

• guided wine tasting with a sommelier
• an included BBQ lunch
• a long Blue Lagoon stop
• either pickup from Paphos or a defined meeting point at Latchi Port
• a half-day that combines sailing, food, and water time

To judge the value, I think in terms of what you’d otherwise pay for separately. If you tried to do this on your own, you’d be juggling transport, a place for wine tasting, and your own food plan, then adding time at Blue Lagoon. This package compresses all of it into one block of time.

The other value angle is the group size. The tour has a maximum of 80 travelers, so it’s not an endless crowd situation. Also, based on real experiences of people who’ve done it, sometimes the boat doesn’t feel busy at all, which can make the tasting feel more personal.

When it might not be worth it

If you don’t drink wine, or you hate structured activities, then the price can feel steep for what is still basically a swim-and-lunch boat day. It can still be fun for the water time, but the tour is clearly designed for wine lovers.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Skip It)

I’d point you toward this tour if you:

• love wine and want to taste multiple Cypriot styles with guidance
• want a relaxed boat day with a real swim stop
• like the idea of a included BBQ lunch so you can focus on the experience
• prefer English-speaking guidance

You might skip it if you:

• want lots of land sightseeing stops
• dislike drinking wine, or you prefer a self-guided tour where you control every element
• need a full day schedule, because this one is intentionally half-day focused

Fitness-wise, it asks for moderate physical fitness. That usually means you should be comfortable with steps, moving on a boat deck, and swimming or getting in and out of the water safely and calmly.

Should You Book This BBQ Boat Wine Tasting in Paphos?

If you want a straightforward, high-comfort Cyprus day that combines wine tasting with a proper Blue Lagoon swim stop, this is a strong choice. The wine portion with Gergana, the included BBQ lunch, and the generous time in the water make it feel like you’re getting your money’s worth in real experience, not just in activity checkmarks.

Book it if your ideal day looks like: sea air, a guided tasting, good food, then time to swim and relax. Skip it if you want a deep history tour or a day packed with land stops. For everyone else, this is a fun way to do Cyprus that feels easy from start to finish.

FAQ

Do I have pickup from Paphos for the Demetris Chara BBQ boat tour?

Yes. There are two pickup options. One option includes pickup from Paphos, and the other option is to meet at Latchi Port and find the Demetris-Chara BBQ boat.

Where do I meet if I choose not to use the pickup?

You can meet at Latchi Port and find the Demetris-Chara BBQ boat there.

How long do we stay at Blue Lagoon?

You’ll have about 2 hours 30 minutes at the Blue Lagoon stop.

What’s included besides the wine tasting?

Besides wine tasting, the tour includes an onboard BBQ lunch and time to swim or relax during the Blue Lagoon stop.

Is there a fitness requirement for this tour?

The tour asks for moderate physical fitness. You should be comfortable moving around and participating in the water time.

What is the cancellation policy if weather changes?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.