From Protaras: Cruise to Blue Lagoon, Turtle Cove & Sea Cave

The best part of this three-hour cruise is the chance to combine Cyprus’s famous coast with real time in the water. You’ll pass Cape Greco’s sea caves, Lover’s Bridge, Fig Tree Bay and Pirate Caves, then stop for swims in the Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove. If luck is on your side, a sea turtle may appear beside the boat.

I like the 23-porthole underwater deck, which gives children and non-swimmers a way to watch fish without getting wet. I also like the cheerful crew, especially guide Brian, whose fish-feeding show and light humor add energy without taking over the trip. The main consideration is that turtles and dolphins are wild animals, not part of a guaranteed performance, and the lower viewing deck can get crowded.

Key points before you book

• Two swim stops: Expect time in clear water at the Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove, with ladders, life jackets, jumping points and slides.
• A true family boat: Adults get a large slide, children have their own smaller slide, and the underwater deck works well for younger children who stay out of the sea.
• Cape Greco scenery: The route includes sea caves, rock formations, Lover’s Bridge, Konnos Bay and Fig Tree Bay.
• Turtles are possible, not promised: You may see and swim near turtles, but sightings depend on nature and conditions. Dolphins are even less certain.
• Useful onboard comforts: There is air conditioning, a toilet, free Wi-Fi and a bar selling drinks, snacks and ice cream.
• Simple meeting point: You make your own way to Protaras Pier and arrive at least 10 minutes before departure.

Leaving Protaras Pier for Cape Greco

The cruise begins at Protaras Pier. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to arrange your own way to the pier and show your booking before boarding. Arrive at least 10 minutes early, especially if you want a good place on the upper deck or near the underwater viewing area.

The boat is the Dolphin Submarine, a large glass-bottom boat designed for sightseeing and swimming rather than a quiet sailing trip. It has an air-conditioned lower deck with 23 portholes, giving you a view into the water as the boat moves along the coast. This is especially useful for families: a child can watch fish below while an adult stays nearby in the shade.

The main language is English, and the crew provides a guided tour as the boat travels. The tone is informal and sociable. You should expect commentary, music and a lively atmosphere, not a silent nature cruise.

The boat has a bar selling chilled drinks, snacks and ice cream. Food and drinks are not included in the $35 price, but having refreshments onboard means you do not need to bring a full picnic. Bring water anyway, since three hours in the Cypriot sun can pass quickly once swimming begins.

Seeing Famagusta from the water

Early in the route, the boat offers a viewpoint toward Famagusta’s ghost town. The guide explains the background of the abandoned area as you look across the coast. It is a brief historical part of the cruise, but it gives the day more substance than a simple ride from one swimming spot to another.

You will not be touring Famagusta itself. This is a view from the sea, so keep your expectations in line with the format. The value is in seeing the coastline from a different angle while receiving a short explanation of what you are looking at.

After this, the boat continues toward Cape Greco National Park. The shoreline becomes more dramatic, with pale rock, small inlets, arches and sea caves shaped by the water. The guide points out the major sites as you pass, including Pirate Caves and Lover’s Bridge.

Cape Greco’s caves, arches and Lover’s Bridge

Cape Greco is the visual heart of the cruise. From the boat, you can see rock formations that are difficult to appreciate from land, including caves cut into the cliffs and low arches along the shore.

Lover’s Bridge is one of the memorable landmarks. It is a natural rock bridge extending over the sea, and the boat gives you a useful viewpoint from below. You can take photographs from the open deck, though glare and movement make a phone case or waterproof pouch sensible.

The route also includes views of Konnos Bay and Fig Tree Bay on the way back. These names are familiar from Cyprus beach guides, but seeing them from the water changes the scale. You get a broad view of the coves, the color of the sea and the shape of the shore without spending the day moving between beaches by road.

The cruise does not stop at every landmark. This is a sightseeing route with swimming built in, so the scenery passes at a steady pace. If you want long walks, detailed archaeology or time ashore, choose a land-based Cape Greco outing instead.

Swimming at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon stop is made for getting into the water. The sea is described as clear and calm, and the boat provides several ways to enter: steps, ladders, life jackets, a jumping point and water slides.

The large adult slide is one of the trip’s main attractions. Children have a smaller slide, so the setup works for mixed-age families. You can also simply use the steps if you prefer a gentle entry. The swim stop is not only for confident swimmers, since life jackets are available.

Bring your own towel and swimwear. Snorkel gear is not included, so pack your own equipment if you want to look below the surface. The water is the main event here, but the boat remains close enough for you to return easily for shade, a drink or a rest.

The swimming time has a playful feel rather than a formal lesson. Staff are present, and safety is treated as a priority, but you are responsible for judging your own comfort in the water. Parents should keep a close eye on children around the slides, ladders and jumping areas.

Turtle Cove and the chance to see wild animals

Turtle Cove is the stop that can turn a pleasant boat trip into a special one. Sea turtles are regularly associated with this part of the coast, and the boat gives you a chance to see them from the deck or while swimming.

Still, the wording matters: turtles are not guaranteed. Some outings produce several sightings, while others produce one small turtle or none at all. Dolphins are possible too, but they are even less predictable. Book this trip because you want a good coastal cruise with swimming, then treat wildlife sightings as a bonus.

If you do see a turtle, follow the crew’s instructions and do not touch or chase it. The best experience is watching it move through its own habitat without crowding it. The crew has called attention to turtles spotted near the boat, which helps everyone get a look while keeping the encounter respectful.

The second swim stop adds value because you have another chance to enter the water, use the slides or snorkel with your own equipment. If you prefer to stay dry, the underwater deck gives you another option.

The underwater deck and family appeal

The air-conditioned underwater deck is one of the boat’s most useful features. Through the 23 portholes, you may see fish and other sea life while remaining indoors. It gives non-swimmers something worthwhile to do and offers a break from the heat.

This area can become crowded, particularly when many people want to watch a turtle or gather around the windows. One visitor specifically found the lower deck too crowded to see much. If underwater viewing matters to you, go down early or return at a quieter moment rather than waiting until everyone spots wildlife.

Families get the widest range of choices here. Younger children can watch from below, older children can use the small slide, and adults can swim or jump from the upper deck. The crew also interacts with children and helps nervous swimmers get started with a life jacket.

The boat has a toilet and free Wi-Fi. Those are small details, but they matter on a three-hour outing, especially with children. The boat is also regularly tidied during the trip, which helps keep wet floors, wrappers and snack areas under control.

The diving show, music and return trip

At some point, the crew puts on a diving show in the water. Brian has also fed fish during the presentation, giving children a clear reason to watch the sea rather than simply wait for the next swim stop.

The show is entertainment, not a technical demonstration. Its value comes from adding a shared moment to the cruise and breaking up the sightseeing and swimming. The guide’s humor is part of the atmosphere, and the crew tends to keep the mood friendly and active.

The return journey includes music and a more festive atmosphere. Several families appreciated the chance to dance and enjoy the last part of the ride, while others may prefer a calmer boat. If you want a peaceful sunset-style cruise, this is probably not the right format. If you like music after a swim, the energy is a welcome finish.

The boat returns to Protaras Pier after about three hours. The listed duration is important: this is long enough for several sights and swim stops, but short enough to fit into a morning or afternoon without taking over your whole day.

Is $35 good value?

At $35 per person, the price is fair for a three-hour boat outing that includes guided coastal sightseeing, two swimming areas, access to adult and children’s slides, the underwater deck, Wi-Fi and a toilet.

You still pay for drinks, snacks and ice cream onboard, and snorkel equipment is not included. Those extras can raise the total, particularly for a family. Bring your own snorkel and some water if you want to keep costs down.

The value improves if you plan to use the boat fully. Swim at both stops, try the slide, watch the underwater deck and listen to the commentary. If you only want a short scenic ride and do not plan to swim, a cheaper sightseeing option might suit you better.

The high rating of 4.6 from 1,195 reviews reflects a consistent mix of clean facilities, friendly staff, family entertainment and clear water. The strongest praise centers on the crew and the chance to see turtles. The main weak points are the crowded lower deck and the simple fact that nature cannot follow a schedule.

Who should book this Protaras cruise?

I would choose this for families with children who want more than a passive boat ride. The slides, fish-viewing deck, music and crew interaction give children several ways to stay interested. It also works well for couples or friends who want an easy half-day on the water without arranging separate beach stops.

It suits you if you want:

• A quick introduction to Cape Greco from the sea
• Two chances to swim in clear water
• A family-friendly boat with slides
• A chance to see turtles without paying for a private wildlife trip
• A mix of scenery, commentary and light entertainment
• An air-conditioned place to escape the sun

I would think twice if you dislike busy boats, organized entertainment or jumping and sliding into the sea. The boat is large and social, not an intimate private charter. Wildlife sightings are also uncertain, so do not book only because you expect dolphins.

Practical tips for a better day

Pack swimwear, a towel and your own snorkeling gear. A waterproof phone pouch is useful for the swim stops, and sun protection is essential on the open deck.

If you want time at the underwater windows, head below before the main crowd gathers. If you are traveling with small children who cannot swim, the underwater deck provides a good alternative, but it can fill up during a wildlife sighting.

Bring a little cash or another accepted payment method for the bar, since food and drinks are extra. The boat sells chilled drinks, snacks and ice cream, including frappes mentioned by families who enjoyed the onboard refreshments.

Arrive at Protaras Pier at least 10 minutes before departure. There is no pickup service, so allow enough time to reach the pier on your own. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want good-value coastal sightseeing with real swim time, especially if you are traveling with children. The clean boat, friendly crew, underwater windows and slides give you plenty to do even if turtles stay out of sight.

Do not treat the wildlife as guaranteed, and do not expect a quiet private cruise. With those limits understood, the $35 price buys a well-rounded three hours around Protaras, Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon, with enough variety to keep most families and casual swimmers happy.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Protaras Pier in Protaras.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at Protaras Pier at least 10 minutes before departure and show your booking before boarding.

How long does the boat trip last?

The stated duration is three hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to Protaras Pier.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide and listed tour language are English.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Drinks, snacks and other refreshments are available to buy from the onboard bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkel gear is not included. You should bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Are turtles and dolphins guaranteed?

No. You may see turtles and dolphins, but sightings of wild animals cannot be guaranteed.

What facilities are included on the boat?

The boat includes an air-conditioned underwater deck with 23 portholes, free Wi-Fi, swim stops, adult and children’s water slides, and toilet facilities.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.