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

The best part of this Protaras cruise is the mix of Cyprus history, coastal scenery, and water fun in one half-day outing. You look toward the abandoned Varosha district, pass Cape Greco’s rocky coves, swim in the Blue Lagoon, and return along the coast in search of turtles.

I like the generous lunch and the crew’s easygoing humor. The St Georgios II also gives you more than a standard sightseeing boat: there is a large inflatable slide, a comfortable lounge with air conditioning, a relax deck, and a chance for children to sit at the captain’s table. The main drawback is that seating can feel tight, and the swim stops may seem short if you want a long, quiet session in the water.

Key points

• Varosha from the sea: Learn how the 1974 division of Cyprus left this once-popular district abandoned.
• Two proper swim stops: Swim at the Blue Lagoon and Green Bay, with turtle sightings possible at the second stop.
• A serious waterslide: The inflatable slide is the star attraction for children and playful adults.
• A filling Cypriot lunch: Expect roast chicken, homemade chips, couscous, salad, bread, and tzatziki.
• Friendly onboard service: Panayiotis, the owner, is known for welcoming passengers, while Ahman prepares the food.
• Good value at $47: Lunch, one drink, WiFi, the cruise, and optional hotel transfers are included.

Why This Cruise Works So Well

A boat trip from Protaras can be little more than a slow ride past the coast. This one gives the journey some shape. You begin with the difficult modern history of Cyprus, move into the dramatic Cape Greco area, stop for lunch and swimming, then finish with a chance to spot turtles.

That variety matters. You are not spending five hours doing only one thing, and you do not need to arrange separate transport, a beach stop, and a meal. At $47 per person, the package is especially strong for families and couples who want a relaxed day at sea without paying for a private yacht.

The St Georgios II is presented as a luxury yacht, but it is best understood as a comfortable family excursion boat rather than an intimate private charter. It has open-air seating, a shaded relax deck, an air-conditioned lounge, toilets, a bar, WiFi, and enough room for different kinds of passengers to settle in. You can sit back with a drink, listen to music, watch the coast, or join the children at the slide.

The atmosphere is friendly rather than formal. The crew use humor, offer help in the water, and keep the trip moving. Panayiotis, the owner, is personally involved, and Ahman is responsible for the much-praised food. That human touch is a large part of the appeal.

Boarding at Protaras Pier

The meeting point is at the end of Protaras Pier. If you walk toward the Evelena Hotel, you should be able to see the boats from there. The alternative is an optional transfer from selected pickup points in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis.

The transfer system uses central pickup locations, so you may need to walk two to seven minutes from your hotel. Pickup can be 20 to 60 minutes before departure, and you are asked to arrive five minutes early and allow another 15 minutes in case the bus is delayed. Drivers wait no more than five minutes after the stated pickup time, so this is not the moment to finish breakfast slowly.

If you are staying near Protaras Pier, walking may be easier. One passenger staying close to Sunrise Beach Hotel found the transfer unnecessary because the pier was within walking distance. Check your confirmed pickup details carefully, since the transfer option can disappear when the bus is full.

Boarding requires about 15 steps. The toilets are also reached by stairs, so this cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, and a payment card. You cannot bring drinks onboard, and indoor smoking is not allowed.

Sailing Toward Varosha and Famagusta

The boat first heads away from Protaras toward the Famagusta area. From the water, you get a view of Varosha, the former resort district that has remained largely abandoned since the events of 1974 divided Cyprus.

This is a short stop, but it gives the cruise more weight than a simple day beside the sea. The guide explains the basic story as you look toward the fenced-off area and empty buildings. You should not expect a long historical tour or an opportunity to enter Varosha. This is a sea view and a short explanation, not a land visit.

That is still valuable. The coastline can look sunny and carefree, but the view toward Varosha reminds you that Cyprus is a divided island with a living political problem. The guide speaks English, Greek, and Arabic. Other languages are available in written form through the cruise app, so you can read information on your phone by pressing the relevant language option.

The sightseeing cruise toward Famagusta lasts about 20 minutes, followed by short photo and explanation stops around Famagusta District and Varosha. If you enjoy history, listen closely during this section. If you are mainly here for swimming, it is a calm way to start the day before the more active parts begin.

Fig Tree Bay and the Cape Greco Coast

After the Varosha section, the St Georgios II follows the coastline past Fig Tree Bay and into the Cape Greco National Park area. The boat passes several of the coast’s most photographed sights, including Agioi Anargyri Church, Lovers Bridge, and the Sancta Maria Shrine.

The views are the real reason to keep your camera ready. From the deck, you see pale rock, sea caves, clear water, and small coastal landmarks that are difficult to appreciate from the road. The boat also brings you close enough to the formations for photographs, though the exact route can change with sea conditions.

This is a good time to claim a comfortable position. The forward captain’s table is a popular spot, and the open deck gives you the widest views. Seating can become a minor issue, especially for larger groups. Some passengers spread bags across seats, so arrive early if you want to sit together for the full cruise.

There is also an air-conditioned lounge if the sun becomes too strong. The cruise works best when you treat the boat as a place to move around. Sit outside for the views, cool off indoors, then return to the deck as the coastline changes.

The Blue Lagoon, Lunch, and the Big Slide

The boat then moors in the Blue Lagoon area for the main break. The stop lasts about 45 minutes and combines swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and the boat’s large inflatable slide.

The water is the main attraction. It is clear, turquoise, and inviting, with enough time for a proper swim rather than only a quick dip. Free life jackets and pool noodles are available, which helps less confident swimmers take part. Snorkeling equipment can be borrowed for a refundable cash deposit of €20, returned when you bring the set back safely.

The slide is not a small children’s accessory. It is large, fast, and designed to send you straight into the sea. Several passengers found it one of the funniest parts of the trip, though one person noted that the landing was not entirely painless. Hold on properly, follow the crew’s instructions, and remember that the slide is best for people comfortable entering the water.

Lunch is served onboard and is one of the strongest reasons to choose this particular cruise. The standard meal includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cypriot couscous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. Portions are generous, and you can ask for more if food remains.

Vegetarian passengers can request a vegetarian patty, while children can request chicken nuggets. These alternatives need to be requested when you board, not assumed automatically. A complimentary drink is included, with a choice of beer, wine, soda, or juice.

The bar remains open through the cruise for extra drinks and snacks. Prices are described as reasonable, but water is not necessarily free. One passenger paid €2 for a small bottle of room-temperature water, so bring cash and do not rely on finding complimentary bottled water onboard.

Green Bay and the Turtle Search

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat returns along the coast and stops at Green Bay, also described as Turtle Bay. This is the second main water stop and lasts about 45 minutes.

You can swim, snorkel, and watch the water for marine life. Turtles are not guaranteed, and the crew cannot control where they appear. That is important: book this as a coastal cruise with a possible turtle sighting, not as a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

When turtles do appear, the moment can be memorable. Some people see one or two from a distance, while others are fortunate enough to spot one closer to the boat. Keep your expectations sensible and follow the rule against touching marine life. Do not chase the animals or crowd them.

The second stop is often the longer-feeling and more rewarding swim of the day. Still, some passengers wanted more time in the water overall, while others felt the stops were sufficient. If swimming is your top priority, the advertised 210-minute to five-hour duration may feel busy once cruising, sightseeing, lunch, and boarding are included.

The crew provides life jackets for free. Snorkel equipment is available with the €20 cash deposit, and you should return it before leaving the stop. A towel, sunscreen, and secure footwear for moving around the boat are practical choices.

The Food, Bar, and Onboard Comfort

Food quality is a major strength here. The meal is not a token sandwich or a small buffet plate. It is a hot, filling Cypriot-style lunch with chicken, chips, couscous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. The generous portions suit a day that includes swimming and time in the sun.

The food also gives you a taste of familiar local flavors without asking you to commit to a long restaurant meal. Vegetarian and child-friendly options make the cruise easier for families, but remember to request them early.

The bar offers drinks and snacks throughout the trip. One drink is included in the booking, and extra purchases are available onboard. You may hear music during the sailing, and the tone is relaxed and social rather than quiet or formal.

The boat is clean and modern, according to the details available for this experience. It has a lounge with air conditioning, an outdoor relax deck, free WiFi, and a captain’s table at the front. WiFi is useful for sharing photographs during the return journey, although you may prefer to put your phone away during the swim stops.

If you have a birthday or special occasion, mention it to the crew. The team has been known to join in with birthday celebrations, which fits the warm, personal style of the boat.

How Much Time Do You Really Get?

The advertised duration ranges from 210 minutes to five hours, depending on the departure and schedule. The published route includes roughly 20 minutes of sightseeing cruise, short Varosha and Famagusta stops, 45 minutes along the coast, 45 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, another 20 minutes of cruising, 45 minutes at Green Bay, and a final 45-minute return cruise.

That sounds generous, but the day moves quickly. You need time for boarding, lunch, changing, collecting snorkel gear, returning equipment, and moving safely around the boat. If you want a slow swim and a long lunch, the schedule may feel full.

On the other hand, the pace protects you from a dull stretch of open water. The cruise keeps changing from history to scenery, from lunch to swimming, and from the slide to turtle watching. It is a good fit if you enjoy variety more than lingering in one place.

Sea conditions can force changes to the route, and the crew may not be able to give advance notice. That is normal for a boat outing, but it means you should treat the listed route as a plan rather than a promise.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

Families are the clearest match. Children from around six through teenagers have plenty to do, including the slide, swimming, music, and the chance to sit near the captain. Parents get a meal, organized transport if selected, and a crew that helps with life jackets and the practical details.

Couples and groups of friends will also enjoy it if they want a lively day on the water rather than a private, silent cruise. The boat gives you room to relax, but it is not a secluded yacht charter. Seating may be limited at busy times, and the atmosphere is shared.

The trip suits first-time visitors who want an efficient introduction to the Protaras and Cape Greco coast. You see major viewpoints, hear a useful explanation of Varosha, swim in clear water, and eat lunch without changing vehicles.

It is less suitable if you have mobility limits, dislike stairs, need guaranteed turtle sightings, or want a very quiet boat with lots of personal space. People focused only on snorkeling may prefer a smaller specialist outing with more water time.

Is the $47 Price Worth It?

Yes, for most people. The cost includes the boat cruise, guide, lunch, one drink, WiFi, and hotel pickup and drop-off if you select that option. You also get two swim stops and the slide, which would normally require separate planning on a beach day.

The strongest value is the combination. A simple coastal cruise might offer scenery but no substantial meal. A family beach day might offer swimming but no Varosha explanation, Cape Greco viewpoints, or organized transport. Here, you get a full half-day package for less than many premium excursions.

Budget for extra drinks and the €20 snorkel deposit. The deposit is refunded when the equipment is returned, but you need cash available. Also allow for the possibility of a crowded boat and changed timing if the sea is rough.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make booking less risky. Still, your most important decision is choosing the right expectation: this is a well-organized shared cruise, not a private luxury sailing trip.

Should You Book the St Georgios II?

Book it if you want a good-value family day with swimming, a hearty lunch, scenic stops, and a crew that keeps the mood light. The slide, two water breaks, and possible turtle sighting give the day plenty of energy, while Varosha and Cape Greco add something to think about.

I would choose it over a basic sightseeing boat if food and water time matter to you. I would skip it only if you need guaranteed wildlife, more personal space, longer snorkeling sessions, or step-free access. For $47, the mix of history, scenery, food, and fun is hard to beat along the Protaras coast.

FAQ

Where does the St Georgios II cruise depart from?

The boat is at the end of Protaras Pier. If you head toward the Evelena Hotel, you should see the boats from that area.

Are hotel transfers included?

Transfers are included only when you choose the transfer option during booking. Pickup is available from selected locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis.

How long does the cruise last?

The stated duration ranges from 210 minutes to five hours. Check the available departure time because the exact schedule can vary.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cypriot couscous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. A vegetarian patty and chicken nuggets for children can be requested onboard.

Is a drink included?

Yes. You receive one complimentary beer, wine, soda, or juice. Additional drinks and snacks can be purchased at the bar.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. The cruise stops at Green Bay, also called Turtle Bay, where you may see turtles in their natural environment, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Can I use the waterslide?

Yes, the boat has a large inflatable slide. You should follow the crew’s instructions and be comfortable entering the sea. Free life jackets and pool noodles are also available.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. Boarding requires about 15 steps, and the boat toilets are accessible only by stairs.