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

The best part of this Protaras cruise is the mix of sightseeing and simple sea-day fun. You pass the ghost town of Varosha, see Cape Greco’s coastal landmarks, eat a generous Cypriot lunch, and finish with swimming, snorkeling, and a huge inflatable slide into the sea.

I like the friendly crew and the amount included for $47. The boat has a relaxing upper deck, an air-conditioned lounge, free WiFi, life jackets, and two proper swimming stops. The main thing to consider is that turtles are never guaranteed, and the boat can feel busy at peak times, so arrive early if you want to sit with your group.

Key points to know before booking

• Varosha gives the cruise historical weight: You see the fenced-off ghost town from the water and hear how the events of 1974 divided Cyprus.
• The St Georgios II is built for families: It has an air-conditioned lounge, open decks, a front captain’s table, and a large inflatable slide.
• Lunch is a real part of the value: Expect baked chicken, homemade chips, Cypriot cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki, with vegetarian and children’s options available by request.
• Two swimming stops break up the sailing: The Blue Lagoon offers turquoise water and the longer Turtle Bay stop gives you the best chance of seeing marine life.
• Transfers cover Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis: You can also meet the boat at the end of Protaras Pier.
• Bring cash for the snorkel deposit: Equipment requires a €20 cash deposit, returned when you bring the set back.

A yacht cruise that mixes Cyprus history with sea-day fun

This is not a quiet luxury yacht charter. It is a lively, family-friendly boat trip with music, swimming, food, commentary, and plenty of people sharing the same deck. That is part of its appeal. You get a polished boat and a full half-day program without paying private-charter prices.

The St Georgios II has several places to spend the trip. The upper deck is best for sun and broad coastal views. The lounge gives you air conditioning when the heat becomes too much. At the front, the captain’s table is a popular spot for watching the boat cut through the water, although seating there is limited.

The crew gets much of the credit for the relaxed mood. They speak English, Greek, and Arabic, and the guide mixes information with humor rather than giving you a dry lecture. Panayiotis, the owner, is involved with the boat, and Ahman is associated with the onboard cooking. Other languages are available in written form through the cruise app.

At around $47 per person, the price is strong. You are not just paying for transport on the water. The fare includes the cruise, guide, lunch, one beer, wine, soft drink, or juice, WiFi, and hotel transport if you choose the transfer option. Extra drinks cost more, but the bar is open during the trip and drink prices are reported as reasonable.

Leaving Protaras for the Famagusta coast

You board at the end of Protaras Pier, near the Evelena Hotel. If you are staying close to the waterfront, walking may be easier than taking a bus. The exact meeting point matters, since one person arrived with some confusion about the departure location.

If you select transfers, pickup is offered from central points in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis. Your pickup point may be a two to seven minute walk from your accommodation. Pickup can take place 20 to 60 minutes before departure, and the bus may arrive up to 15 minutes late, so do not plan a tight connection afterward.

The boat first heads toward Famagusta. This early part is mainly about getting settled, taking photographs, and listening to the guide. You pass the coast of Protaras and head toward the view across to Varosha.

Seeing Varosha from the water

Varosha is the most thought-provoking stop on the route. Once a major resort area, it has remained largely abandoned and restricted since the conflict that divided Cyprus in 1974. From the boat, you see the ghost town from offshore while the guide explains the basic history and the continuing division of the island.

You do not go ashore, and this is a short viewing and photo stop rather than a full historical visit. Still, it adds something important to the cruise. Without it, the trip would be mainly a scenic boat ride with lunch and swimming. With it, you get a glimpse of a real political and human story that still shapes Cyprus.

Keep your expectations practical. You are seeing Varosha from a distance, not exploring empty hotels or walking through the former resort. The value is in the context provided by the guide and in seeing the coastline for yourself.

Fig Tree Bay and the Cape Greco coastline

After the Varosha section, the boat turns back along the coast and passes Fig Tree Bay. The views change from the broad Famagusta area to the brighter, more familiar holiday coast around Protaras.

The route then reaches the Cape Greco National Park area. From the sea, you can see the Agioi Anargyri Church, Lovers Bridge, and the Sancta Maria Shrine. These are quick scenic points rather than long land visits, so have your phone or camera ready before the boat reaches them.

Lovers Bridge is especially photogenic, with rock formations and clear water below. The small church and shrine give the coast a little more character than a standard beach cruise. The guide helps identify what you are seeing, which is useful when several rocky coves and formations begin to look alike.

The boat generally takes you close enough for good views, though the exact route can change with sea conditions. The crew cannot promise every angle on every departure, and the itinerary may be adjusted without advance notice if the water is rough.

The Blue Lagoon lunch and swimming stop

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon, where the boat moors for swimming and lunch. The water is the star here: clear, bright, and well suited to a quick swim or snorkel from the boat.

You get about 45 minutes for the stop, combining food, swimming, snorkeling, and time on board. That means you will want to decide what matters most. If you spend too long eating, your swim will be shorter. If you want the slide, a swim, and photographs, have your towel and sunscreen ready before the boat stops.

Lunch is more generous than the price might suggest. The standard meal includes:

• Baked chicken
• Homemade chipped potatoes
• Cypriot cous cous
• Salad
• Bread
• Tzatziki

Vegetarians can request a vegetarian patty, and chicken nuggets can be prepared for children. Ask when you board rather than waiting until the meal is served.

The food is served onboard and portions are generous. Some people go back for more, so you should not need to pack a full meal for the cruise. The included drink is separate from the bar, and you can choose beer, wine, soda, or juice.

There is one small practical issue at lunch. Seating can become awkward if people spread bags across benches, especially when the boat is full. If you are traveling with several people, arrive early and claim a sensible place together. You may also prefer to eat first, then use the remaining time for the water.

The slide, snorkels, and time in the sea

The inflatable slide is the boat’s big bit of fun. It is large enough to feel exciting for older children and adults, not just small kids. You slide from the boat into the sea, so you should be comfortable with a splash and a fast entry into the water.

Life jackets and pool noodles are available free of charge. That helps less confident swimmers enjoy the stop, but you still need to manage the boat’s ladder and the movement of the water. The slide is not a gentle pool slide, and one person found the landing a little uncomfortable. Hold your position carefully and follow the crew’s instructions.

Snorkel sets are available for a €20 cash deposit. You get the deposit back when you return the equipment safely. Bring cash for this, even if you plan to pay for other items by card.

The water stops are the heart of the day, but timing can feel short if you want to do everything. Some departures give a relaxed amount of time, while others may feel brisk, particularly at the first stop. The second stop is usually the better opportunity for a longer swim and marine-life watching.

Turtle Bay and the return along Protaras

On the way back, the boat stops at Turtle Bay, also referred to as Green Bay in the route description. This is the second swimming and snorkeling stop, with about 45 minutes set aside for water time and wildlife viewing.

You might see turtles here, but nobody can promise it. They are wild animals, not part of a scheduled performance, and sightings can range from a distant glimpse to several turtles near the boat. The right approach is to treat turtles as a bonus rather than the main reason to book.

Do not touch marine life. If you do see a turtle, give it room and follow the crew’s guidance. A snorkel set can help you spot movement below the surface, but you may still see more from the boat or while floating quietly than by chasing after an animal.

After Turtle Bay, you cruise back past the Protaras coastline. This is a good time to dry off, look through your photographs, and use the free WiFi to share them. Music and the bar keep the return trip social, while the upper deck gives you one last broad view of the coast.

Food, drinks, WiFi, and the onboard setup

The food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this particular cruise over a cheaper sightseeing boat. You receive a hot, filling meal rather than a basic snack box. The chicken, chips, salad, and tzatziki suit a mixed family group, and the vegetarian and children’s choices make advance requests worthwhile.

The bar stays open throughout the trip. You can buy extra drinks and snacks, but bring your own water bottle only if the operator allows it, since outside drinks are not permitted onboard. One important point is that water is not necessarily free. A small bottle has been sold for €2, so budget for drinks beyond your included choice.

The free WiFi is a useful extra, especially during the slow return along the coast. It will not replace the reason you came, but it lets you send photos without waiting until you reach shore.

The boat is clean and modern, with indoor and outdoor areas. The toilets are onboard, but access requires stairs. Boarding also involves about 15 steps, so this trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Timing, transfers, and what to bring

The advertised duration ranges from about 210 minutes to five hours. The shorter timing reflects a 3.5-hour style cruise, while the full experience can take longer depending on the departure, transfers, sea conditions, and time spent on the route.

If you choose a hotel transfer, the bus returns you to the selected central drop-off point after the cruise. Pickup and drop-off cover many hotels and public points in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis. Exact pickup details are confirmed after booking, so check your message rather than assuming the bus will stop directly outside your hotel.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash
• Credit card
• Swimwear
• A phone or camera

Do not bring a drone. Smoking is not allowed indoors, and outside drinks are not permitted on the boat.

The cruise can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility. Those terms are useful if your plans depend on weather or a changing holiday schedule.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this for families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants several Cyprus highlights in one outing. Children can use the slide, teenagers get swimming and snorkeling, and adults have the history, scenery, food, and shaded indoor space.

It is also a good choice if you want value rather than a private or silent yacht experience. You get plenty for the price, but you share the boat with other people and may need to be proactive about finding seats.

You should think twice if you dislike group activities, need step-free access, or want a long, unhurried swim at one location. The day includes a lot: Varosha, Cape Greco, several coastal sights, lunch, two swim stops, and the return cruise. That variety is its strength, but it means no single stop feels like a private beach visit.

Should you book the St Georgios II cruise?

Book it if you want a full-value half-day on the water with food, history, scenery, and active swimming time included. The crew’s humor and helpful attitude add warmth, while the boat gives you enough room to escape the sun when needed.

The best booking choice is the one that fits your priorities. Select transfers if you are staying inland or outside easy walking distance of Protaras Pier. Meet the boat yourself if you are near the waterfront and want to avoid an early pickup. Ask for the vegetarian or children’s meal when you arrive, and get to the boat early if your group wants seats together.

I would not book this solely for turtle watching, since sightings are not guaranteed. I would book it for the complete package: Varosha from the sea, Cape Greco views, a filling Cypriot lunch, two chances to swim, and a slide that keeps the trip from feeling like a slow sightseeing circuit.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The St Georgios II is located at the end of Protaras Pier. If you head toward the Evelena Hotel, you can see the boats from there.

Are hotel transfers included?

Transfers are included only if you select the transfer option. Pickup locations cover Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis, usually from centralized points that may be a short walk from your accommodation.

How long does the cruise last?

The published duration ranges from 210 minutes to five hours. The exact length depends on the selected departure and operating conditions.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cypriot cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. A vegetarian patty and chicken nuggets for children are available if requested when you arrive at the boat.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. The cruise visits Turtle Bay, where you may see turtles in their natural environment, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkel sets are available with a €20 cash deposit. The deposit is refunded when you return the equipment safely.

Is the boat suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. Boarding requires about 15 steps, and the toilets are also reached by stairs.