From Protaras: Catamaran Cruise to Blue Lagoon

The best part of this Protaras catamaran cruise is the mix of coastal sightseeing and proper swim time. You pass the Sea Caves and Blue Lagoon at Cape Greco, look across to the ghost town of Varosha, and stop in clear Mediterranean water rather than spending the whole trip sitting on deck.

I like the open bar and buffet lunch, especially at $69, and I like that the large catamaran gives you room to move around. The crew also provides floats, life jackets, and, on some departures, paddleboards or snorkeling gear. The main thing to consider is that popular summer sailings can feel full, and loud music may make conversation difficult.

Key points to know before you sail

• Varosha and Cape Greco in one route: You see the abandoned resort area of Varosha before following Cyprus’s eastern coast toward the Sea Caves and Blue Lagoon.
• Several chances to swim: The cruise usually includes two or three water stops, with Derynia Bay and Cape Greco among the planned areas.
• Lunch and an open bar are included: Expect a buffet with salads, bread, chicken, rice, mezze, seasonal fruit, dessert, soft drinks, beer, and cocktails.
• The Mediterraneo III is a proper catamaran: It has sunbathing space, seating, fresh-water showers, and easy access to the sea.
• Pickup is included: Collection is available from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, or from an assigned meeting point.
• Bring your own mask: Snorkeling equipment is welcome on board, but it may not always be supplied, so pack your own if underwater viewing matters to you.

What this Protaras catamaran cruise is really like

This is a half-day boat outing rather than a quiet sailing lesson or a small private charter. You board the Mediterraneo III for a 4 to 5 hour trip along Cyprus’s eastern coast, with an English-speaking host and a crew looking after the practical details.

The attraction is variety. You get scenery, a look toward the divided city of Famagusta, several swim stops, food, drinks, music, and a chance to spend a warm afternoon on the water without arranging each part yourself.

The cruise costs $69 per person. That is a fair price if you expect to use the bar, eat lunch, and swim more than once. A simple boat ride might cost less, but this package includes transport, a meal, unlimited drinks, and the use of basic water equipment. You are paying for an easy day out, not just the seat on the boat.

The overall rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 534 bookings, which fits the strongest pattern here: people tend to value the crew, food and drinks, the swim stops, and the amount of space on board. The main cautions are a possible full boat, changing sea conditions, and occasional transport issues.

Pickup from Ayia Napa and Protaras

Hotel pickup is included from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, or from an assigned meeting point. Collection normally starts at 3:00 PM, with a 2:00 PM start in September and October. Check your exact pickup details carefully, since timing and meeting points can vary.

There is one useful exception. Pickup is not available from Cavo Maris Hotel or accommodation within walking distance of Green Bay. If you are staying in that area, you may need to reach the assigned meeting point yourself.

The transfer vehicles can vary. Some departures have used a double-decker or open-top bus, which adds a bit of holiday character and can provide good views on the way to the harbor. On hot days, though, an open vehicle is not ideal. One past return transfer had poor air conditioning, and another replacement coach was in bad condition. These problems do not define the boat trip, but they are worth keeping in mind if you are sensitive to heat or expect polished transport from door to door.

Sailing toward Varosha and Derynia Bay

The first major sight is the coastline toward Famagusta and the ghost town of Varosha. Once a popular resort area, Varosha has been largely abandoned and closed for decades. From the water, you see the line of empty buildings and the unusual contrast between a former holiday district and the active coast around it.

The boat then heads toward Derynia Bay for a swim stop. This is a good early chance to get into the water before the day becomes too warm. You can use the swim ladder or other access points from the catamaran, and life jackets and floats are available.

Do not expect every stop to feel identical. The exact route and anchoring points depend on wind, waves, boat traffic, and local conditions. The crew can change the program when needed, so the listed order should be treated as a plan rather than a promise.

The water is a major reason to book this cruise. It is clear, bright, and inviting, especially in the calm bays along the east coast. You may see fish, and turtles are sometimes spotted, but no wildlife sighting is guaranteed. A few people have also seen dolphins, though this is a lucky extra rather than part of the schedule.

Fig Tree Bay from the water

The route passes Fig Tree Bay, one of the best-known beaches near Protaras. From the catamaran, you get a different view than you would from the sand. The beach, headland, and water line make more sense from offshore, and this section gives you a pleasant change from the open sea.

This is mainly a scenic pass rather than a long beach stop. If your priority is spending several hours on the sand, this cruise is not a replacement for a beach day. You are looking at the coast from the boat, then continuing toward Cape Greco.

That distinction matters. I would choose this trip for the combination of sailing and swimming, not for a slow tour of every beach. The boat gives you access to coves and water stops that would be hard to combine on foot in one afternoon.

Cape Greco, Sea Caves, and the Blue Lagoon

Cape Greco is the scenic high point of the route. The coast becomes more rugged, with rocky edges, sea caves, and clear water in shades that make the Blue Lagoon easy to understand as a name.

The Sea Caves are best appreciated from the water. You can see the openings and rock formations without needing to climb over uneven ground. Safety rules may keep the boat a little farther from the rocks, especially when other boats are nearby, so do not assume you will swim right into every cave.

The Blue Lagoon is a popular anchorage and can be busy in the high season. Its appeal is the water, not a long list of activities. You swim, float, take photos, and enjoy the view from the deck. The boat usually allows enough time for a proper swim, but the length can change with conditions and the needs of the route.

A mask makes this stop better. The water is clear enough for fish and underwater rock formations, and you are welcome to bring snorkeling equipment. Some past departures have had goggles or other equipment available, but that is not something I would rely on. Pack your own mask if you care about seeing below the surface.

Two or three swim stops, with room to relax

The number of swim stops can vary. The planned program includes Derynia Bay and Cape Greco, while some departures have stopped three times and occasionally more. That makes this cruise different from a sightseeing boat that allows only one quick dip.

The catamaran is a useful choice for swimming because you do not need to haul yourself onto a beach. Swim ladders, floats, and life jackets make getting in and out fairly simple. Fresh-water showers are available for rinsing off salt, which is especially welcome if you have long hair or plan to stay on deck afterward.

You can also spend the non-swimming sections on a sun lounger or in a shaded seating area. The front loungers are popular, and arriving early may give you a better chance of finding one. They are the most exposed spots, so carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

The water stops are not designed for serious snorkeling or long-distance swimming. Boat traffic and safety instructions may keep you close to the catamaran. If your main goal is exploring caves or swimming far along the coast, a smaller specialist boat may suit you better.

Lunch, cocktails, and the open bar

The included buffet is more substantial than a few snacks. Expect items such as salads, bread, chicken, rice, mezze, seasonal fruit, and dessert. The exact menu can change, but the meal is intended to cover the middle of the cruise rather than simply fill a gap between drinks.

The food is generally straightforward rather than gourmet. I would describe it as a useful, filling buffet with enough choice for a relaxed afternoon. Vegetarian options are available, and the crew has helped diners identify suitable food for dietary needs. If you have a serious allergy or strict dietary requirement, tell the operator before sailing and confirm the choices on board.

The open bar is one of the strongest parts of the price. You can order water, soft drinks, beer, and cocktails, and the crew may prepare drinks outside the standard selection when possible. Fresh fruit and watermelon have also been served during the trip.

This is not necessarily a party boat. Music creates a holiday mood, but the atmosphere is usually aimed at relaxing, eating, swimming, and sitting in the sun. One practical complaint is volume: on some departures, the music has been loud enough to make conversation hard. If you want a quiet boat ride, bring that expectation down a notch.

The crew and the feel on board

The crew’s friendly service is a major part of the experience. Drinks are served regularly, the boat is kept clean, and staff help with swimming equipment and access to the water. A solo passenger should find it easy to settle in, since the format is social without requiring you to join a group.

The English-speaking host handles the welcome and general information. One past departure included a host named Jodie, who helped make the transfer and boarding process easy, but host assignments can change.

The Mediterraneo III is large enough to offer different ways to spend the afternoon. You can sit near the front, find a spot around the bar, watch the coast, or get ready for the next swim. It is not a tiny sailing boat, so you should not expect a private or silent experience.

Capacity also changes the mood. On a quieter departure, the catamaran can feel spacious and calm. During busy summer dates, there may be less room at the best sunbathing spots. Even then, the boat’s size gives you more options than a small crowded vessel.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The advertised duration is 4 to 5 hours. Departures in the main season generally collect from 3:00 PM, while September and October collections start at 2:00 PM. The later timing can work well if you want a relaxed afternoon, though exact light and sunset conditions depend on the date.

The program may change because of weather and sea conditions. A rough sea can alter the order of stops, shorten a swim, or remove a particular anchorage. That is a normal safety decision, not a fault with the trip.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Your own snorkeling mask if you want to look underwater
• A light layer if you are sensitive to wind after swimming

Pets are not allowed. The boat welcomes personal snorkeling equipment, but do not assume every type of water gear will be available on every departure.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your weather plans are still uncertain.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, solo visitors, and friends who want a simple half-day on the water with the main costs covered. It is especially good for you if swimming matters as much as sightseeing, and if you like having lunch and cocktails included rather than searching for food at the harbor.

It also works well for first-time catamaran passengers. You do not need sailing experience, and the crew handles the practical side. The access to the water is easier than scrambling over rocks, and the fresh-water shower is a small but welcome comfort.

I would think twice if you want a small, silent boat, a private atmosphere, or a serious snorkeling trip. You may find the music too loud, the summer boat too full, or the safety limits around the Sea Caves restrictive. The route can change, and turtles or dolphins are possible but never promised.

Should you book the Mediterraneo III?

Book this cruise if you want good value in a single afternoon: coastal views, Varosha, Cape Greco, several swim stops, lunch, an open bar, and hotel pickup for $69. The crew and the water stops are the clearest strengths.

Choose a different outing if your ideal day means solitude, deep snorkeling, or a guaranteed wildlife sighting. For most visitors staying in Protaras or Ayia Napa, though, this is a well-rounded way to see the eastern coast without juggling transport, food, and boat arrangements yourself.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours. Pickup generally begins at 3:00 PM, or at 2:00 PM in September and October.

Where is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, or from an assigned meeting point. Pickup is not available from Cavo Maris Hotel or accommodation within walking distance of Green Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included, along with seasonal fresh fruit and dessert. The food can include salads, bread, chicken, rice, and mezze.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An open bar is included with water, soft drinks, beer, and cocktails. The available selection can vary during the cruise.

How many times can I swim?

The itinerary includes swim stops at places such as Derynia Bay and the Cape Greco area. Departures may include two or three stops, but the exact number and locations can change with weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring on board?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. You can also bring your own snorkeling equipment. Pets are not allowed.