Protaras: Famagusta, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove Boat Trip

The main draw here is simple: two swim stops in clear Cape Greco water, with a fair chance of seeing turtles near the boat. You cruise from Protaras toward Famagusta, pass sea caves and well-known beaches, and return on a large 32-meter boat rather than a cramped little launch.

I like the space on board, including shaded deck areas, an air-conditioned cabin, toilets, and a bar selling drinks and snacks. I also like the price-to-time ratio: at the stated $29 per person, you get a coastal cruise, sightseeing, underwater viewing, and swimming in about three hours.

The main caution is that the schedule and route can vary. Some departures have lasted closer to two and a half hours, and Famagusta may be seen only from a distance. The underwater animal tanks also raise an ethical concern for some people, so you should know what to expect before booking.

Key points to know before you go

• Two swimming stops: One stop is in the Blue Lagoon, with another in the turtle area near Konnos Beach.
• Turtles are possible, not guaranteed: You may see them from the boat or while snorkeling, but wildlife does not follow a timetable.
• Large, comfortable boat: The 32-meter vessel has a sun deck, shaded areas, air conditioning, toilets, and a bar.
• Famagusta is a sea view: This is a coastal sightseeing stop, not a visit ashore in Famagusta.
• Bring your own mask and snorkel: You will see much more beneath the surface with your own equipment.
• Check the advertised duration: The trip is sold as three hours, but some departures have run for about two hours and 20 minutes to two and a half hours.

Setting off from Protaras Pier

You meet the boat on the large pier beside the Evalena Hotel in Protaras. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the pier and allow enough time to find the correct boat.

The departure times are 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The morning sailing gives you a useful start to the day, while the afternoon trip works well if you want a relaxed morning at the beach. At either time, arrive ready for sun, wind, and wet steps.

The boat is big enough to spread people out. You can claim a place on the upper deck, find shade, or retreat indoors to the air-conditioned seating area. This matters on a hot Cyprus afternoon. A smaller boat may feel more intimate, but this vessel gives families and mixed-age groups room to move around.

The deck can become slippery after the swim stops. Wear shoes with a secure sole and use the handrails on the stairs. You can go barefoot, but wet steps deserve your attention, especially with children.

From Protaras and Paralimni Marina toward Famagusta

The first part of the cruise gives you a long coastal view rather than a single major attraction. You pass the Protaras shoreline, then travel by Paralimni Marina and the coast toward Famagusta.

The guide speaks English and provides commentary as the boat moves. The captain and crew have been praised for a friendly, helpful manner, with names such as George, Antonakis Gregoriou, Kypros, and Captain Antonakis appearing in feedback from different departures. The exact crew can vary, but the personal touch is part of the appeal.

The commentary can be difficult to hear from every part of the boat. I would sit closer to the speaker or guide if the history and geography matter to you. If you mainly want sunshine, sea views, and swimming, the announcements are less important.

Famagusta is seen from the water. You do not go ashore, and the boat may not travel as close to the city as you expect from the title. The best way to think of this section is as a sea-level viewpoint of the coast, useful for photographs but not a proper Famagusta visit.

That distinction matters. If you want to explore Famagusta’s streets, monuments, or divided-city history, book a land excursion separately. If you simply want to see the city from the coast, this cruise gives you that at a much lower price than a full-day tour.

Passing Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Beach, and Cape Greco

On the return route and along the Cape Greco coast, the boat passes several of the area’s most recognizable spots. Fig Tree Bay is known for its clear water and busy beach setting, while Konnos Beach sits in a more sheltered coastal inlet.

You will not get a long stop at each place. These are sightseeing passes and photo opportunities, not beach visits. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect to step ashore or spend an hour at every bay.

Cape Greco is the scenic heart of the trip. From the sea, you see pale cliffs, rocky shelves, sea caves, and the Kamara tou Koraka rock formation. The angle from the boat is useful because you see the coast without hiking under the midday sun.

Some departures have not gone close to every sea cave or rock feature advertised in the route. Boat traffic, sea conditions, and the captain’s chosen course can affect the exact view. I would treat the coastline as a broad scenic cruise, not a precise checklist of landmarks.

The Blue Lagoon swim stop

The Blue Lagoon is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to recreation. The boat anchors or pauses in clear water, and you can swim or snorkel from the vessel.

This is the part most people will remember. The water is usually described as exceptionally clear, and the contrast between the boat, pale seabed, and blue-green sea makes the stop photogenic even if you stay on deck.

You should bring your own mask and snorkel. The boat allows you to use personal snorkeling gear, and a mask lets you see fish and underwater rock formations more clearly than you can from the surface. There is no need to own expensive equipment, but a well-fitting mask will make the stop much more enjoyable.

The swim is optional. You can remain on deck, use the shaded areas, or watch through the underwater viewing windows. This makes the trip workable for families with different comfort levels, including people who want the scenery but do not want to enter open water.

Swimming conditions can change. The sea may look calm from the deck but still feel deep once you enter. Follow the crew’s instructions, use the available access points carefully, and keep in mind that wet ladders and decks can be slick.

Turtle Cove and the chance to swim with turtles

The second water stop is the main reason many people book this cruise. The turtle area near Konnos Beach and Cape Greco is known for sightings of sea turtles, and you may see them around the boat or while snorkeling.

Several people have had close encounters with turtles, including sightings of an adult with a smaller turtle. Others have enjoyed the swim but seen no turtles at all. That is the honest bargain with wildlife: this is a good place to look, not a guaranteed animal encounter.

You should not expect a private turtle swim. Other boats may be nearby, and people gather around the same clear-water area. Still, the large boat gives you room to wait, take photographs, or enter the water in stages instead of everyone crowding one small platform.

There is an important animal-welfare issue to consider. The boat has eight aquariums containing freshwater fish, and some feedback has raised concern about turtles being kept in small tanks with limited room. You can see turtles in their natural sea environment during the swim, so the tanks may feel unnecessary or uncomfortable to some people.

If that bothers you, spend your time on the open deck or snorkeling rather than focusing on the viewing area. I would also avoid touching, chasing, or feeding turtles yourself. The goal should be to watch them calmly and let them move freely.

What the glass-bottom boat adds

The underwater viewing area allows you to see beneath the boat without getting wet. It can be handy for children, non-swimmers, and anyone who wants a quick look at fish before deciding to enter the water.

The boat also carries eight aquariums with freshwater fish. That is an unusual feature for a coastal cruise, but it is not the same as seeing the local marine life in the sea. The natural viewing experience is stronger at the swim stops, especially if you bring a mask.

The glass panels may not always be perfectly clear. Some departures have found the glass less useful than the open view from the upper deck. I would treat it as an extra feature, not the central reason to book.

Food, drinks, shade, and comfort

Food is not included, but you can buy cocktails, beer, soft drinks, snacks, and ice cream at the onboard bar. Prices have generally been described as reasonable, and the crew has sometimes served complimentary fruit, including watermelon, toward the end of the trip.

You are not allowed to bring drinks on board. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited, as are weapons, sharp objects, fishing equipment, and fireworks. Plan to buy refreshments from the boat or go without.

Shade is available, which is a major advantage in Cyprus. The sun deck gives you the best open views, while the shaded areas help if the heat becomes too much. The air-conditioned interior is useful for cooling down between stops, and the onboard toilets add comfort for families and older passengers.

Music is often played during the cruise. It has been described as relaxed and enjoyable, though your experience will depend on the crew and the group on your departure. The boat is suited to a casual day out, not a quiet nature expedition.

Is $29 good value for three hours?

At $29 per person, I consider this good value if you want several experiences in one short outing. You get a boat ride, coastal sightseeing, two swim stops, use of the boat’s facilities, and a chance to see turtles without paying for a full-day excursion.

The value is even better for people who plan to spend most of the time swimming. A simple beach day may cost less, but it will not take you past Famagusta, Cape Greco, Konnos Beach, and the sea caves in one outing.

Check the live price carefully before booking. Some past bookings were made at around €20 or £16, while the current stated price here is $29. Promotional prices can change, and the currency shown may differ from the amount you expect.

The timing is the other value question. The advertised duration is three hours, but some trips have lasted about two hours and 20 minutes or two and a half hours. That is still enough for a worthwhile cruise, but you should not build a tight connection or later booking around the full three-hour figure.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less risky. The boat is wheelchair accessible, though the swimming stops and wet stairs may not suit every passenger with limited mobility.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and anyone staying in Protaras who wants a short sea outing without committing to a full day. It also suits mixed groups because swimmers, sunbathers, photographers, and children can all find something to do.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want to swim in clear water without arranging your own boat.
• You are hoping to see turtles near Cape Greco.
• You prefer a large, stable boat with toilets and indoor air conditioning.
• You want Famagusta views but do not need to go ashore.
• You are looking for an affordable half-day activity.

I would hesitate if you need a guaranteed turtle sighting, a close visit to Famagusta, or a long stop at the sea caves. I would also think twice if animal displays are a serious concern for you because of the reported turtle-tank issue.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if your priority is value, swimming, and a relaxed look at the Protaras and Cape Greco coast. The two swim stops are the strongest part, and the large boat, shade, air conditioning, toilets, and reasonably priced drinks make the outing easy for families.

Bring a mask and snorkel, use sunscreen, keep a towel and dry clothes handy, and sit where you can hear the guide. Go in expecting a sea view of Famagusta rather than a city visit, and regard turtles as a welcome possibility rather than a promise.

For $29, it is a sensible choice for a short coastal excursion. Just keep the flexible timing and the aquarium concern in mind before you pay.

FAQ

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from the large Protaras Pier next to the Evalena Hotel.

What time does the boat depart?

The boat departs twice daily, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

How long does the trip last?

It is advertised as three hours. Some departures have lasted closer to two and a half hours, including one reported duration of about two hours and 20 minutes.

Does the cruise visit Famagusta?

The boat travels toward Famagusta and provides views of the city from the sea. You do not go ashore, and the boat may remain some distance from the city.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. Swimming stops are included, including time at the Cape Greco Blue Lagoon and the turtle area near Konnos Beach.

Can I snorkel during the trip?

Yes. You can bring your own snorkeling gear and use it during the swimming stops.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. The Cape Greco waters are known for turtle sightings, but turtles are wild animals and may not appear during every departure.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Cocktails, beer, soft drinks, snacks, and ice cream are available to purchase on board. Complimentary fruit may also be served.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is described as wheelchair accessible. The swimming stops involve wet decks and access to the water, so check whether those parts suit your needs.