Protaras: St Georgios Presidential Cruise BBQ & 1 drink. 16+

The best part of this Protaras cruise is the chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon’s clear water, with turtles sometimes appearing near the boat. The route also brings you close to Cape Greco’s sea caves, Lovers Bridge, and the rocks beneath Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, so the three hours feel like more than a simple boat ride.

I like the freshly cooked BBQ lunch and the open, relaxed feel of the boat. I also like that snorkeling gear, a restroom, WiFi, hotel-area pickup, and one beer or cocktail are included in the price. The main consideration is that the boat can carry up to 46 people, and pickup times may vary widely depending on your location.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon swim: Stop for a refreshing swim and use the supplied snorkeling equipment in clear water.
• Turtle sightings: Turtles have been seen during the swimming stops, though wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Cape Greco by boat: View sea caves, Shark Mouth cave, Lovers Bridge, Konnos Bay, and the national park coastline without a long walk.
• Fresh BBQ lunch: Chicken, fried potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad are prepared on board, with a vegetarian option available.
• Included comforts: You get a restroom, WiFi, flotation-aid life jackets, and one cocktail or beer for those aged 18 and over.
• Adult-oriented timing: The experience is for people aged 16 and over, with photo ID requested if age is unclear.

Why the Blue Lagoon stop makes this cruise worthwhile

This is not mainly a sightseeing cruise where you remain seated and watch the coast pass by. The important moment is the swim stop in the Blue Lagoon, where the boat pauses so you can get into the water, use the snorkeling gear, and cool off.

The water is described as crystal clear, and turtles have been spotted close to the boat. That makes the stop special, but you should keep expectations sensible. Turtles are wild animals, so no one can promise you will see one. Still, the clear water and chance to snorkel give the stop real value even if the turtles stay out of sight.

You should bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a hat. The tour provides life jackets as flotation aids, but these are not a substitute for being comfortable in the sea. There are steps from the pier onto the boat and more steps down to the restroom, so you should take that into account if stairs are difficult for you.

The timing also works well for a holiday morning. The scheduled start is 10:15 a.m., and the full outing takes about three hours. One account of the cruise described returning shortly before 2 p.m., so you should still have much of the afternoon free for the beach or a late lunch.

Cape Greco’s caves, arches, and smuggling routes

The boat heads along the Cape Greco area, part of Cyprus’s national forest park. From the water, you see natural caves and rock formations that once offered cover for pirates smuggling goods onto the island.

The boat route includes Shark Mouth cave and Lovers Bridge. Seeing these formations from sea level gives you a different view than you get from a road or cliffside lookout. The boat can move right into the rocks beneath Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, close enough for you to touch the rock from the front of the boat.

That chapel is one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks. It is also described as the most easterly point of Cyprus, with a cave beneath it that served as the original place of worship. You do not need to pay an admission fee because the stop is viewed from the boat.

This part of the route is best for people who enjoy natural features more than formal sightseeing. There are no museum interiors or long guided walks. Instead, you get short views, coastal commentary when needed, and time to take photographs from the deck.

Seeing the occupied-zone border from the sea

The cruise also sails to a viewing point near the border of the occupied zone. From the water, this gives you a broad view toward the Famagusta area, including the story of the resort’s storming by Turkish forces in 1974.

The historical element is brief rather than a full history lesson. The captain’s commentary can help put the view into context, but the main focus remains the sea, coastline, and swimming stops. If you want a detailed political history of Cyprus, you should plan a separate visit or tour.

This is still a useful feature because it adds a sense of place to what could otherwise be only a pleasant morning on the water. You are not simply passing beaches. You are also seeing a divided part of Cyprus from a coastal viewpoint.

Passing Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay

Fig Tree Bay is one of the most attractive beaches along the Protaras coast, and the boat passes it for a clear view of the beach and shoreline. You do not stop here, so do not book this cruise expecting beach time at Fig Tree Bay.

The view is valuable because you see the coast from the water, where the shape of the bay and the surrounding cliffs become easier to appreciate. It also lets you compare the developed resort shoreline with the rougher rock formations around Cape Greco.

Konnos Bay marks the start of the national park area and is known for its sandy beach and clear water. Again, the stop is for viewing from the sea rather than going ashore. That keeps the cruise moving and allows the itinerary to include several sections of coast within about three hours.

For me, these passing views work best as part of the larger route. If you want a full day at one beach, choose a beach outing instead. If you want to see several coves without arranging separate transport, the boat does that efficiently.

A freshly prepared BBQ lunch on board

Lunch is one of the strongest practical features of this cruise. Food is prepared on board and includes BBQ chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad. Pourgouri is a Cypriot grain dish similar in use to couscous, giving the meal a local touch beyond standard fries and grilled meat.

A vegetarian option is available, but you should make your needs clear when booking or before the meal is served. The information provided does not list every ingredient or describe options for specific allergies, so people with dietary restrictions should contact the operator in advance.

Eating on the boat changes the pace of the outing. You can swim, dry off, and then sit down to a proper meal without returning to shore. The meal is not a luxury restaurant experience, but it is more substantial than a snack and helps make the $48.27 price easier to justify.

There are also sweet and savory snacks for purchase. These cost extra, and you are asked not to bring your own drinks on board. One free cocktail or beer is included for passengers aged 18 and over. If you are 16 or 17, you can take the cruise, but you cannot receive the alcoholic drink.

What the boat setup means for your morning

The boat has a restroom, WiFi, and shaded areas, according to the supplied details and firsthand trip descriptions. Those features matter on a three-hour cruise, especially when you are traveling with children aged 16 or older, older family members, or anyone who prefers not to be at sea without basic facilities.

The maximum group size is 46 people. That is not a private charter, but it is also not an enormous ferry. The available space allows you to move around, find shade, and choose between watching the coast and sitting during lunch.

There are steps to board from the pier, plus steps down to the washroom. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the boat is not step-free. You should also expect normal movement from the sea, even though the route is designed as a relaxed coastal trip.

Music is part of the atmosphere, and the crew may add commentary during the route. This is a good match if you like a social boat outing with some background music. It may be less suitable if you want silent sailing or a small private boat with personal attention throughout.

Pickup, meeting point, and timing

The cruise begins and ends at Protaras Pier, listed at 23C2+JJX on the Protaras to Pernera coastal walkway. Pickup is available from centralized meeting points, but the exact pickup time depends on where you are staying.

Transfer times can range from 5 to 75 minutes. You should check the time printed on your ticket rather than relying only on the advertised 10:15 a.m. start. The operator asks you to arrive five minutes early and be prepared to wait up to 15 minutes if the bus is delayed.

That range is the main logistical drawback. Someone staying close to the pier may have a quick transfer, while someone farther away could spend a meaningful part of the morning on the bus. If you prefer complete control over your schedule, meeting directly at the pier may be simpler if that option works for you.

Bring your mobile ticket and keep the operator’s WhatsApp number, +357 97724697, available if you have a transfer concern. The ticket is mobile, and confirmation is provided at booking.

Is $48.27 a fair price?

At $48.27 per person, this cruise offers solid value if you make use of the included features. You receive about three hours on the water, a freshly prepared lunch, snorkeling equipment, a swim stop, one drink for adults, hotel-area pickup, and views of several of the Protaras and Cape Greco highlights.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a short sightseeing sail and do not plan to swim or eat on board. You would still get the coastal views, but the meal and water stop are what make the package feel worthwhile.

The maximum of 46 people also helps keep the experience from feeling like a packed transfer boat. It is not private, and the atmosphere includes music and other passengers, but there should be room to move around. For a half-day holiday activity, the combination of scenery, lunch, and swimming is a sensible use of the morning.

Tips are not included. Snacks are also extra, while one beer or cocktail is included only for people aged 18 and over.

Who should book the St Georgios cruise?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple way to combine Cape Greco scenery, a sea swim, lunch, and a little Cyprus history. It suits couples, groups of friends, and families with older teenagers who are happy with a social boat setting.

It is especially useful if you do not have a car or do not want to arrange separate trips to Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Bay, the caves, and the Blue Lagoon. The boat links these sights in one outing and brings you back to the same pier.

You may want another option if you dislike boats, need step-free access, want a private experience, or prefer a detailed history tour. You should also think twice if your holiday plans depend on a precise return time, since pickup can vary and weather may affect departures.

The cruise requires good weather and a minimum number of people. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted.

Final decision: a relaxed Protaras morning with real value

I would book this trip if my goal were a pleasant morning rather than a high-adrenaline excursion. The Blue Lagoon swim, possible turtle sightings, close views of the caves, and freshly cooked lunch give it more substance than a basic harbor cruise.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the water stop, the food, and the number of coastal sights covered in a short time. The main compromises are the group setting, the stairs, variable pickup times, and the fact that turtles and good weather cannot be guaranteed.

If you are staying in Protaras and want a low-effort way to get out on the water, this is a well-priced choice. Check your pickup time carefully, bring swim gear and sun protection, and keep the afternoon open in case the morning runs a little long.

FAQ

How long does the Protaras cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the boat depart?

It departs from Protaras Pier on the Protaras to Pernera coastal walkway, at the listed location 23C2+JJX.

Does the cruise return to the same place?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The stated start time is 10:15 a.m. If you use pickup, check your ticket carefully because the pickup time may be different.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from centralized pickup points. Transfer times can range from 5 to 75 minutes depending on your location.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad. A vegetarian option is available.

Is a drink included?

One cocktail or beer is included. Alcoholic drinks are available only to people aged 18 and over.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The boat stops in the Blue Lagoon for a swim, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. Turtles have been seen during the swimming stops, but the tour information does not guarantee wildlife sightings.

Is the cruise suitable for people under 16?

No. The experience is for people aged 16 and over. If someone appears to be under 16, photo identification may be requested.