Paphos is one of Cyprus’s top spots for snorkeling** thanks to its clear waters, abundant marine life, and a variety of tour options that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you’re interested in relaxing on a boat with a BBQ, searching for turtles with sea scooters, or exploring ancient shipwrecks from a glass-bottom boat, Paphos offers something for all. We especially like the Half-Day BBQ Cruise for its comfort, entertainment, and all-around fun, and the Turtle-Watching Snorkeling Sea Scooter Trip for its chance to see sea turtles up close — an experience that stands out in this list.
The waters around Paphos are famous for their visibility and the chance to spot sea turtles, making snorkeling here particularly rewarding. If you want a family-friendly outing, tours with professional guides and equipment keep it simple and safe. For a more adventurous day, options like the Glass Bottom Boat or the Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour provide opportunities to explore underwater sites and observe marine life in their natural environment.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the 10 best snorkeling experiences in Paphos, each with its own unique appeal — from scenic boat rides to close encounters with turtles and shipwrecks.
1. Paphos: Half-Day BBQ Cruise with Open Bar and Snorkeling
At number 1, this Half-Day BBQ Cruise stands out for its combination of comfort, entertainment, and fun on the water. Over 180 reviews give it a 4.8/5, highlighting excellent food, lively music, and a relaxed atmosphere. The cruise departs from Paphos Harbor, offering a 4-hour trip along the coast, with all adults guaranteed sunbeds — a rare treat on a boat trip. The itinerary includes swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and plenty of time to relax with drinks from the open bar.
What makes this tour special is its focus on customer comfort and entertainment. The deck is designed for lounging, and the staff ensures safety while creating a lively atmosphere. The snorkeling stop at Coral Bay allows guests to explore underwater, with the option to bring your own goggles. Reviewers find it a perfect balance of fun and relaxation, with “ample beds, delicious food, and excellent entertainment.” This tour is ideal for families, couples, or groups looking for a laid-back, social day on the water.
Bottom Line: A fantastic all-in-one experience with great food, music, and a good chance to snorkel in calm waters, perfect for those who value comfort and fun.
2. Paphos: Turtle-Watching Snorkeling Sea Scooter Trip
Ranked second, this Turtle-Watching Snorkeling Sea Scooter Trip is a must for wildlife lovers. Over 235 reviews rate it 4.7/5, emphasizing the opportunity to see sea turtles in their natural habitat. The tour lasts 4 hours and takes you to a pristine snorkeling spot where you’ll learn to use a sea scooter — a fun way to cover more water effortlessly.
What sets this experience apart is the chance to get close to sea turtles, a highlight that many reviewers call unforgettable. Guides are knowledgeable and respectful of the marine environment, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly encounter. The underwater scenery includes schools of fish and vibrant marine life, making it ideal for those wanting an educational yet relaxed adventure. The guides also teach basic snorkeling skills, making it accessible for beginners. Reviewers praise the friendly guides and the respectful attitude towards wildlife.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers and those eager to see turtles, this trip combines active snorkeling with the chance for a truly memorable animal encounter.
3. Paphos: Glass Bottom Boat Trip with Swimming or Snorkeling
Coming in at third, this Glass Bottom Boat Trip offers a peek into underwater life without getting wet. With about 279 reviews and a 4.3/5 rating, it is popular for its easy access to marine scenery, including a shipwreck from the 1950s visible through a giant glass-bottom deck. The trip lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, making it a quick but rewarding outing.
The boat features a super jumbo slide and jumping platform, adding a thrill to the experience. During the cruise, you’ll visit reefs and have the chance to snorkel in calm waters, with snacks included for longer trips. Many reviewers mention the detailed views of fish and shipwrecks, with one noting that “swimming in the open sea was an amazing experience.” The boat is easy to find at Paphos Harbour and suitable for families wanting a relaxed, scenic adventure without requiring prior experience.
Bottom Line: An accessible, family-friendly way to enjoy underwater sights from a stable platform, ideal for those who want a quick snapshot of marine life.
4. Paphos: Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour with Guide
Number 4 is the Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour. This 4-hour guided experience is perfect for those wanting a personal, intimate encounter with turtles. The tour takes place at the Edro III Shipwreck area, with a focus on observing these majestic creatures in their natural environment.
The highlight is swimming alongside turtles, with the guide providing insight into their behavior and conservation. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for families or couples. The waters are crystal-clear, and the experience is both educational and awe-inspiring. It’s notable that the tour is highly rated at 4.9/5, with reviews emphasizing the professionalism and helpfulness of guides. Many reviewers describe the experience as “amazing” and “a highlight of their trip.”
Bottom Line: Best suited for wildlife enthusiasts and those wanting a relaxed, guided encounter with turtles in beautiful surroundings.
5. Snorkeling, Turtle Watching in Cyprus
This tour offers a more casual, shared adventure, rated 4.5/5 with 75 reviews. It combines snorkeling and turtle watching, emphasizing the natural beauty of the marine environment. The use of diving scooters makes it easier to see turtles and fish, while the friendly guides share their knowledge. It’s especially favored from May to November, when turtle activity peaks.
Reviewers mention the helpful staff and the joy of swimming with these gentle animals. The experience is well-suited for families and travelers who want a straightforward, enjoyable snorkeling day. The emphasis on respectful interaction with wildlife and the personal stories shared by guides make this a memorable outing.
Bottom Line: Great for anyone seeking a relaxed, family-friendly trip focused on marine life, especially turtle spotting.
6. 2.5 hour Glass Bottom Boat Trip, Snorkeling, Sliding and Fun
Ranked sixth, this 2.5-hour Glass Bottom Boat Trip offers a fun-packed afternoon. Over 59 reviews rate it 4.5/5, with highlights including snorkeling, swimming, and a jumbo slide. The boat departs from Paphos Harbour to see the sunken Vera K. shipwreck and explore reefs that may host turtles during breeding season.
This tour emphasizes flexibility, with opportunities to relax on the sundeck, enjoy sandwiches and fruit, or snorkel in calm waters. The glass-bottom feature allows viewers to see marine life without getting wet, making it perfect for less confident swimmers or kids. The stops are well-paced, and the crew is praised for their helpfulness and friendliness. Reviewers love that it is “great family fun” with a balance of sightseeing and active water play.
Bottom Line: A lively, family-friendly choice combining scenic views, snorkeling, and fun activities in a comfortable setting.
7. Paphos: Turtle Watching Cruise, Snorkelling Adventure & Sunset
This exclusive, full-day cruise is rated 5/5 by two reviewers. It’s the only option offering sunset views and a semi-submarine experience that guarantees turtle sightings with a 99% success rate. Starting from Apostolou Pavlou Ave, the cruise includes snorkeling, sailing, and stops at shipwrecks, all with the chance to see turtles in the wild.
What makes this tour stand out is the relaxed, romantic atmosphere of watching the sunset on the water, combined with the ability to snorkel and observe turtles at close range. The crew’s passion for wildlife adds a personal touch, making it an ideal choice for couples or anyone seeking a memorable, scenic day. The reviews highlight the professional and passionate skipper and the excellent wildlife sightings.
Bottom Line: A perfect all-around experience for wildlife lovers and romantics, offering both daytime exploration and sunset serenity.
8. Paphos: Half Day BBQ Cruise with Open Bar & Snorkelling
Ranked eighth, this is the more budget-friendly version of the earlier cruise. With a 3.9/5 rating from 10 reviews, it offers a 4-hour trip with scenic views, swimming, and BBQ lunch. The cruise visits Coral Bay, Sea Caves, and scenic spots along the coast, with time for snorkeling and relaxing.
The emphasis here is on the scenic coastline and enjoying a laid-back day, with a focus on socializing and good food. While reviews mention friendly crew and tasty BBQ, some note it’s less luxurious than the top-rated cruise. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, social experience without the extras of a more premium tour.
Bottom Line: A cost-effective option for enjoying Paphos’s coastline with some snorkeling and good food, ideal for casual groups.
9. FROM PAPHOS: Snorkeling at Moulia Rocks (boat)
At position nine, this 2.5-hour boat snorkeling trip is a straightforward adventure. The guide takes you to Moulia Rocks, where you can see colorful fish and, seasonally, turtles. The emphasis here is on learning basic snorkeling skills and enjoying the marine environment. The trip is perfect for families or beginners looking to get their fins wet in calm waters.
Reviewers note the professionalism of guides and the fun of exploring the reef. It’s an affordable, efficient way to see marine life in a controlled, friendly setting. If you want a simple, reliable snorkeling experience with educational value, this tour fits well.
Bottom Line: Great for beginners and families wanting a short, friendly snorkeling outing that shows off marine life around Paphos.
10. FROM PAPHOS: Snorkeling at the Marine Park (shore)
Finally, the Marine Park Shore Snorkeling offers an easy, 2-hour exploration of underwater Roman remains and colorful fish. Highly rated at 5/5, it’s a favorite for families and first-timers. The tour begins at Cydive and includes a guided tour of the marine park, with opportunities to see amphoras, shells, and turtles in season.
Reviewers highlight the helpfulness of the guides and the affordability of the experience. It’s an excellent introduction to underwater archaeology and marine life, especially for those new to snorkeling or with young children.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, educational snorkel trip perfect for families wanting an easy, shallow-water exploration.
How to Choose the Right Snorkeling Experience in Paphos
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. For a full day of fun with excellent amenities, the Half-Day BBQ Cruise offers great value. If wildlife viewing is your top priority, the Turtle-Watching Sea Scooter Trip is unbeatable. For those who want an easy, scenic introduction, the Glass Bottom Boat or the Marine Park Shore are ideal.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season (May to November), when turtle sightings and marine life are at their best. Think about whether you prefer a guided, educational experience or a social, relaxed day on the water — the variety here ensures you’ll find a perfect fit.
Final Thoughts
From lively boat cruises with BBQs to gentle snorkeling with turtles, Paphos offers a wide range of snorkeling experiences suited to different interests and ages. If you’re after a social day with excellent amenities, the Half-Day BBQ Cruise is a top pick. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Sea Scooter Turtle Tour delivers an unforgettable animal encounter. Families and beginners will appreciate the easy access and educational focus of the Marine Park Shore.
Whatever your style, early booking and choosing a tour aligned with your interests will ensure a memorable underwater adventure in Paphos.