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

Key Points

• Luxury yacht with a fabulous crew offers family-friendly fun and scenic sights in Cyprus.
• Stops at Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay include swimming, snorkeling, and the chance to see turtles (not guaranteed).
• Includes a delicious BBQ lunch with regional dishes, vegetarian options, and kids’ favorites.
• Huge inflatable slide adds an adrenaline rush to the sea swim experience.
• Flexible options with or without transfers from local resorts, making planning easier.
• Guides explain key sights like Varosha, Lovers Bridge, and the Agioi Anargyri Church.

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Protaras Yacht Cruise: Departure and Duration

The Protaras: Luxury Yacht Cruise with slide, BBQ lunch & drink departs from Cape Greco, Cyprus, located at the end of Protaras Pier. The tour lasts between 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on sea conditions and the flow of the day. You can choose to book with or without transfers from nearby resorts like Ayia Napa, Pernera, and Kapparis, with pickup times typically 20 to 60 minutes before departure.

The boat itself is a beautiful luxury yacht called the St Georgios, known for its friendly atmosphere and modern design. The cruise offers plenty of space to relax on the panoramic deck or enjoy the comfort of the air-conditioned lounge. The captain’s table at the front is a popular spot for taking in the views and chatting with the crew.

Exploring Cape Greco and the Local Sights

The cruise begins with a scenic sail from Protaras, hugging the coastline as the guide shares insights about Famagusta and Varosha, the ghost town that was evacuated after 1974. This is a compelling stop to learn about Cyprus’s history in a very accessible way.

Next, the boat passes Fig Tree Bay, a well-known stretch of golden sand, before entering the Cape Greco National Park area. Here, you’ll see notable sights like Lovers Bridge, Agioi Anargyri Church, and the Sancta Maria Shrine—perfect for photos and Instagram moments. This part of the cruise offers sweeping scenic views of the rugged coastline.

Blue Lagoon: Swimming, Snorkeling, and Marine Life

The Blue Lagoon is the highlight for many, with its turquoise waters and calm environment. The boat moors here, giving you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the marine surroundings. Snorkeling gear is available with a deposit, and life jackets are provided for all swimmers.

Adding an element of excitement, the huge inflatable slide lets you race down into the water, making the experience lively for families and thrill-seekers alike. The water temperature is warm, making the swimming stops comfortable and fun. Though turtles are not guaranteed to be seen, many trips report glimpses of these gentle creatures near Turtle Bay or during the stops.

Family-Friendly Lunch on Board

One of the most praised aspects of this cruise is the BBQ lunch, which features baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cyprus couscous, salad, bread, and Tzatziki. Vegetarian options include a vegetarian patty, and children can enjoy chicken nuggets if requested. The food is generous and well-loved, with many reviews highlighting its tastiness and quality.

The bar remains open throughout the cruise, where you can purchase drinks and snacks. As a complimentary gesture, a drink of your choice—beer, wine, soda, or juice—is included with your ticket, adding to the relaxed vibe.

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Turtle Bay and Wildlife Encounters

Returning from the Blue Lagoon, the boat heads to Turtle Bay, where many cruises aim to spot turtles in their natural environment. While turtle sightings are not guaranteed, many passengers have the luck to see these creatures during their swim at Turtle Bay or other stops. The marine life viewing opportunities create a memorable experience, especially for families and nature lovers.

Scenic Sailing and Relaxation Spots

The sailing along the Protaras coastline offers stunning panoramic views of the rocky cliffs, caves, and beaches. Guests often take photos from the relax deck, capturing the scenic beauty of the area. If air conditioning is preferred, the indoor lounge provides a cool, comfortable space to unwind between swimming stops.

The guides are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable manner, explaining the different sights in English, Greek, or Arabic, with additional written information available via the cruise app. The music onboard enhances the atmosphere, making for a lively but relaxed environment.

Pacing of the Itinerary and Stops

The cruise features a well-paced itinerary with several stops: about 20 minutes sightseeing, a 5-minute photo stop at Famagusta, 45-minute swims at Blue Lagoon and Green Bay, and around 45 minutes at Turtle Bay. In total, the stops allow plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, photo taking, and relaxing in the sun.

The sea conditions can influence the schedule, and the itinerary may change slightly for safety and comfort reasons. The first swim stop may feel a little rushed to some, but the second stop at Turtle Bay tends to be longer, allowing more time with the marine life.

The Crew and Guide Experience

The crew on the St Georgios are described as helpful, friendly, and professional. Many reviews mention the crew’s humor and warmth, which create a welcoming environment. The guides are particularly noted for explaining the sights clearly and engagingly, with some speaking multiple languages, including English, Greek, and Arabic.

The owner, Panayiotis, is known for his hospitable approach, ensuring guests feel comfortable and well cared for throughout the trip. The staff’s approachability and knowledge contribute significantly to the trip’s high ratings.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Guests should bring essentials like a towel, sunscreen, cash, and a credit card for drinks and souvenirs. The boarding involves about 15 steps, and toilets are accessed via stairs. There is no alcohol allowed onboard, but drinks can be purchased at the bar.

For those with mobility issues, this tour may not be suitable, as access involves stairs. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure seats, especially if traveling with a group or with bags, as seating can be limited during busy times.

Value and Overall Experience

The value for money is highly praised, especially considering the delicious food, scenic stops, and inclusion of a complimentary drink. The clean, modern yacht, combined with the friendly crew and stunning sights, makes this cruise a favorite among many visitors.

While turtle sightings are not guaranteed, many experience the thrill of seeing these animals. The water slide adds an extra layer of fun, making this a lively, family-friendly outing that balances sightseeing, active swimming, and relaxing moments.

Final Thoughts on the Protaras Yacht Experience

This luxury yacht cruise from Protaras offers a well-rounded experience suitable for families, couples, and groups seeking a scenic day on the water. The combination of scenic sights, swimming stops, delicious regional food, and friendly service creates a memorable outing.

The flexible booking options and organized itinerary make planning straightforward, whether you prefer to be picked up or make your way to the boat. The moderate duration ensures you enjoy a full day without feeling rushed, and the many positive reviews testify to its popularity.

This cruise is a great way to explore Cyprus’s coastlines and marine life, with the added fun of a water slide and a hearty BBQ lunch. It stands out for its friendly atmosphere, scenic stops, and excellent value, making it ideal for anyone wanting a lively, scenic day at sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts between 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on sea conditions and the flow of the day.

What is included in the lunch?
The onboard BBQ lunch features baked chicken, home-made chipped potatoes, Cyprus couscous, salad, bread, and Tzatziki. Vegetarian and kids’ options are available upon request.

Are turtle sightings guaranteed?
No, turtle sightings are not guaranteed, but many trips report seeing turtles near Turtle Bay or during swim stops.

Can I book with or without transfers?
Yes, there are options for booking with transfers from local resorts or without transfers, allowing flexibility in planning.

Is the cruise suitable for those with mobility challenges?
This tour may not be suitable for guests with mobility impairments due to stairs involved in boarding and toilet access.

What languages are spoken on board?
The spoken languages onboard are English, Greek, and Arabic. Additional written information is available via the cruise app.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, and a credit card for drinks and souvenirs.

Are drinks included?
A complimentary drink (beer, wine, soda, or juice) is included, but additional drinks can be purchased from the bar.

How many stops are there during the cruise?
The itinerary includes several stops: Famagusta for sightseeing, Blue Lagoon for swimming, Turtle Bay for wildlife viewing, and Green Bay for more swimming.

Is the water slide safe?
Yes, the inflatable slide is a fun, supervised feature meant for safe use by all ages.

Can I expect a lively atmosphere?
Absolutely, the crew’s humor, onboard music, and water activities create a relaxed yet lively environment suitable for families and groups.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby