Protaras: Luxury Yacht Cruise with slide, BBQ Lunch & Drink

The best part of this Protaras cruise is the mix of coastal sightseeing and proper swim time. You sail toward divided Cyprus and the abandoned Varosha district, pass Cape Greco’s striking sea caves and shrines, then spend time in clear water at the Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay. The huge slide gives the trip a playful edge, especially for families.

I like the generous Cypriot lunch and the crew’s friendly, funny approach. You get roast chicken, homemade chips, cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki, plus one beer, wine, soft drink, or juice. The main consideration is space: on a busy sailing, seating can feel tight, and the two swim stops may seem short if you want a long, quiet swim.

Key points to know before booking

• Varosha gives the cruise historical weight: You hear about the events of 1974 and see the fenced-off ghost town from the water.
• The St Georgios II has a huge inflatable slide: Life jackets and pool noodles are available, while snorkel equipment requires a refundable cash deposit.
• Two water stops are included: The Blue Lagoon offers turquoise water and lunch, while Turtle Bay is your best chance to spot turtles.
• Food is a major strength: The included meal is plentiful, freshly served, and more substantial than the usual boat-trip snack.
• Transfers cover selected resorts: Pickup is available in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis, or you can walk to the boat at the end of Protaras Pier.
• The cruise suits active families best: Boarding involves about 15 steps, and the toilets are reached by stairs.

A yacht day that mixes Cyprus history with sea fun

The St Georgios II is not a tiny sailing boat or a quiet private charter. It is a roomy excursion yacht designed for a sociable half-day on the coast. You can sit outside on the relax deck, use the air-conditioned lounge, or head toward the front captains table for the best sense of the route.

The advertised duration ranges from 210 minutes to five hours, depending on the sailing and schedule. That is enough time for sightseeing, lunch, two swim stops, and the return along the Protaras coast without turning the day into a full, exhausting expedition.

I like the balance here. You are not simply ferried to a swimming cove and sent home. The route begins with the story of Varosha, continues through Cape Greco’s distinctive coastal sights, and then gives you the water time that most people came for.

The tone is family-friendly rather than formal. Music plays during the cruise, the crew keeps the mood light, and children may enjoy the slide more than the sightseeing. Adults can settle on deck with a drink and watch the coast pass by.

Boarding at Protaras Pier

The meeting point is at the end of Protaras Pier, near the Evelena Hotel. The boat can be seen from that area, but one booking has been affected by confusion over the exact departure point, so I would allow a few extra minutes to find the pier and boat.

You can select a transfer from one of the central pickup locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, or Kapparis. The pickup point may be a two to seven-minute walk from your accommodation, and the bus may arrive 20 to 60 minutes before departure, depending on where you are staying.

Transfers are useful if you do not have a car or are staying outside central Protaras. They are not always necessary if you are already close to the seafront. Check the confirmed pickup message carefully, arrive five minutes early, and allow for a possible 15-minute wait if the bus is delayed. Drivers wait no more than five minutes after the stated pickup time.

Once onboard, do not expect every seat to remain empty for your bags. On busy departures, groups have found that luggage spread across benches can make seating harder. I would arrive early if you want to sit together, especially with children.

Sailing toward Famagusta and Varosha

The first stretch heads away from Protaras toward the Famagusta area. This is not just a photo cruise. The guide explains how the events of 1974 divided Cyprus and led to Varosha being left abandoned and closed off.

From the sea, Varosha is an unusual sight. You see a once-famous resort district that has remained largely untouched and inaccessible for decades. The boat does not take you into the ghost town, but the view makes the political division of Cyprus easier to understand than a passing reference in a guidebook.

The stop is short, listed at around five minutes for sightseeing and photos, following roughly 20 minutes of cruising. Do not expect a long historical talk or a walking tour. This is a brief introduction from the water, but it adds meaning to the route and gives you a different way to think about the island.

The quality of the commentary depends partly on the guide working that sailing. Spoken languages onboard are English, Greek, and Arabic. Written information in other languages is available through the cruise app, which you access on the boat.

Cape Greco’s sea caves and coastal landmarks

After Varosha, the yacht follows the coastline past Fig Tree Bay and toward Cape Greco National Park. The views become more scenic, with low cliffs, rocky shelves, clear water, and distinctive coastal formations.

The route includes views of the Agioi Anargyri Church, Lovers Bridge, and the Sancta Maria Shrine. These are quick sightseeing moments rather than long shore visits, so keep your camera ready. The front of the boat offers a good viewing position, while the upper deck gives you broader views of the coastline.

Lovers Bridge is one of the more memorable formations, and the small church and shrine add a human touch to the otherwise rocky shore. The boat brings you close enough for photographs, though sea conditions and the captain’s judgment can affect how near you get.

I would not book this cruise solely for detailed Cape Greco exploration. You will not walk the trails or spend hours at each landmark. Instead, you get a pleasant coastal survey, with the advantage of seeing several sites in one outing and without arranging separate transport.

The Blue Lagoon: lunch, swimming, and the big slide

The yacht then heads to the Blue Lagoon, where it moors for a longer break of about 45 minutes. This is the heart of the cruise. The water is clear and turquoise, and you can swim, use a life jacket, borrow a pool noodle, snorkel, or take the inflatable slide into the sea.

The slide is large enough to be more than a token feature. Children and adults can use it, though the landing can be lively rather than gentle. One person described it as not entirely painless, which is a useful warning for anyone expecting a soft waterslide finish. Hold on, follow the crew’s instructions, and use the water carefully.

Life jackets are available at no extra charge, which helps less confident swimmers take part. Snorkel sets require a 20 euro cash deposit, refunded when the equipment is returned safely. Bring cash if you want to use them.

Lunch is served onboard at this stop. The standard plate includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. Vegetarian guests can request a vegetarian patty, while chicken nuggets can be prepared for children. Ask for these options when you board rather than waiting until the meal is being served.

The portions are generous, and you can reportedly go back for more if food remains. I like this setup because it saves you from buying lunch separately and gives you a proper local-style meal instead of a wrapped sandwich. The food is not a fine-dining event, but it is hearty, familiar, and well suited to a day in the sun.

One free drink is included: beer, wine, soda, or juice. The bar stays open for additional drinks and snacks. Prices for drinks have been described as reasonable, though bring a card or cash so you are not caught short. Do not bring your own drinks onboard.

Turtle Bay and the second swim stop

On the return route, the yacht pauses at Turtle Bay, also called Green Bay in the schedule. This stop lasts around 45 minutes and is your best chance to see marine life in its natural setting.

Turtles are not guaranteed. That point matters. You may see one close by, one at a distance, or none at all. The crew cannot control where the animals appear, and you must not touch marine life. If you do spot a turtle, give it space and follow the crew’s instructions.

The second swim stop often feels more relaxed because you have already figured out the boat, the equipment, and the water entry. Some passengers have found the first stop a little rushed but felt the Turtle Bay stop offered better time in the sea. Others simply wish both stops lasted longer, so if swimming is your main aim, keep your expectations realistic.

This is also where the cruise can become crowded around the water entry and slide. Life jackets and noodles help, but the boat is sharing one swimming area with the rest of the group. Go early in the stop if you want a calmer swim, or wait until the initial rush eases.

What the yacht is like onboard

The St Georgios II is modern, clean, and presented as a luxury yacht, though you should interpret luxury here as a comfortable excursion boat rather than a private charter. It has an outdoor relax deck, an air-conditioned lounge, a bar, WiFi, toilets, and the slide.

The front captains table is a popular place because it gives you a clear view ahead. It is also likely to fill quickly, so do not assume it will remain available throughout the cruise.

Free WiFi is included, which is handy for sending photos while you are still at sea. The boat also offers music, and the crew’s humor is part of the experience. The atmosphere is social and upbeat, not silent or exclusive.

There are practical limits. Boarding requires about 15 steps, and the toilets can only be reached by stairs. The cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The itinerary can change because of sea conditions, sometimes without advance notice, so treat the listed route as a plan rather than a promise.

Is the $47 price good value?

At about $47 per person, the package includes the yacht cruise, guide, lunch, WiFi, and one drink. If you choose the transfer option, hotel pickup and return are also included. That is a strong package for a half-day outing, particularly when the meal is substantial and the boat provides free-use flotation equipment.

The value is strongest for families and couples who would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, and access to swimming spots. You also get the Varosha commentary and Cape Greco sightseeing, which adds more than a simple swim transfer.

Extra costs are limited but worth planning for. Drinks beyond the first are purchased at the bar, and snorkel equipment requires a refundable 20 euro cash deposit. The included drink is not a free bottle of water, so carry funds for water if needed. One booking noted that a small bottle of room-temperature water cost 2 euros.

The main tradeoff is capacity. This is a popular boat, not a private experience. Seating, the slide, and the swim points can feel busy at peak times. If you value personal space above all else, a smaller private charter may suit you better, but it will not match this price.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to families with children, couples wanting an easy day on the water, and anyone who wants several Cyprus highlights without arranging separate transport. The combination of swimming, food, a slide, and coastal views keeps different age groups occupied.

It is also a good fit if you want a little history with your sea day. Varosha gives the route a serious edge, while Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon provide the photogenic scenery.

You may want another option if you dislike group excursions, need step-free access, or want long, uninterrupted time in the water. The cruise is friendly and relaxed, but it is still a scheduled boat trip with other people onboard.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, and a credit card. Wear something easy to move in for boarding, and keep your camera ready during the Cape Greco section because the boat does not stop for long at every viewpoint.

If you want to snorkel, bring 20 euros in cash for the refundable deposit. If you prefer a life jacket or pool noodle, collect one early. Families should also request vegetarian patties or chicken nuggets as soon as they board.

Choose the transfer option only if you need it. If you are staying near the Protaras seafront, walking to the pier may be simpler. Confirm the exact meeting point and pickup time after booking, as transfer locations are centralized and can be a short walk from your hotel.

The boat may alter its route because of sea conditions. That is normal for a coastal cruise, and it is one more reason to judge the day by the overall experience rather than expecting every minute to follow the printed schedule.

Should you book the St Georgios II cruise?

Yes, if you want strong value, friendly service, two chances to swim, a filling lunch, and a boat with enough family entertainment to keep children happy. The crew receives especially high praise for being warm, funny, and helpful, while the food is the feature that most clearly separates this trip from a basic sightseeing cruise.

Book with realistic expectations about crowds, stairs, and turtles. You may see turtles, but you may not. You will get a busy, sociable boat day rather than a private escape. For $47, though, the mix of Varosha, Cape Greco, Blue Lagoon swimming, a large slide, lunch, and a free drink makes this one of the better-value organized cruises from Protaras.

FAQ

Where does the St Georgios II cruise leave from?

The boat is at the end of Protaras Pier. If you head toward the Evelena Hotel, you should be able to see the boats from that area.

Are hotel transfers included?

Transfers are included only when you select the pickup option. Pickup is available from selected locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis. The exact pickup point may be a two to seven-minute walk from your accommodation.

What food is served on the boat?

Lunch includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. A vegetarian patty is available on request, and chicken nuggets can be prepared for children if requested onboard.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. The cruise stops at Turtle Bay in the hope of seeing turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed. You must not touch marine life.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkel equipment is available with a 20 euro cash deposit. The deposit is refunded when the set is returned safely. Life jackets and pool noodles are available for free.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. Boarding involves about 15 steps, and the toilets are accessible only by stairs. The cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.