The inflatable slide is reason enough to go. Add a friendly crew and a real BBQ lunch, and you’ve got a standout Protaras day trip. One downside: boarding and on-board toilets involve stairs, so it’s not a good fit if you have mobility limits.

This cruise mixes big-sight views with proper water time. You’ll head past Famagusta’s Varosha ghost town, then circle back toward Cape Greco for iconic photo spots before your main swim stops at the Blue Lagoon and turtle areas. Turtle sightings are possible, not guaranteed, but the whole day stays fun even if you miss them.

Quick take: why people book this again

• Giant inflatable slide that people talk about for the rest of the trip
• A smooth route with the biggest photo moments around Varosha and Cape Greco
• BBQ-style Cypriot lunch onboard, with vegetarian and kids options if you ask
• Several real swim/snorkel stops, including the Blue Lagoon area and Green Bay
• A bar that stays open, plus a free drink at the start

Protaras to Cape Greco: the yacht experience you’ll feel right away

The St Georgios II isn’t trying to be fancy in a stuffy way. It’s a modern, comfortable luxury yacht that still moves with that holiday pace. The star attraction is the massive inflatable slide. The first time you see it, it really does look oversized. Once people start lining up, the vibe turns into pure playground energy for adults and kids alike.

I also like the layout and the social flow. You can relax on the deck with panoramic coastline views, and if you want shade or airflow, there’s a lounge/indoor comfort space. At the front, there’s a captains table area that becomes a natural gathering spot, with the best sailing views.

The other big plus is how the crew works the day: friendly, organized, and ready to help you make it to each stop on time. People mention humour and a warm welcome, and the overall feel is that they want you to have a great day rather than just survive a schedule.

Where the boat is and how pickup works without stress

Your starting point is at the end of Protaras Pier. If you’re standing near Evelena Hotel, you should be able to see the boats from that area. If you chose transfers, you’ll get picked up from central locations across Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis, with the pickup point sometimes a short walk away.

Plan for timing. Pickup can be 20 to 60 minutes before departure depending on where you’re coming from. You should be at the pickup point about 5 minutes early, and buses won’t wait more than 5 minutes after the pickup time. If the driver is late, you may wait up to 15 minutes.

One more practical note: boarding is a short stair challenge. Expect around 15 steps to get on board, and the toilets are also only reached by stairs. If that’s an issue for you, this is one clear reason to rethink the cruise.

Varosha’s ghost town stop: why this part matters

One of the most powerful parts of the day is the drive and stops around the Famagusta District. You’ll have a guided/photo moment connected to Varosha, including what happened back in 1974 that still divides Cyprus today.

This isn’t a long, textbook-style history lecture. It’s short stops with guidance and viewpoints that help you understand the stakes of the region. The effect is real: you see a place shaped by conflict, then you move back toward the coastline life of Cyprus.

The value here is context. Protaras is bright and vacation-forward, but Cyprus’ story includes borders and broken histories. This stop gives you a deeper reason to remember the trip, not just photos of blue water.

A possible consideration: the time for photos and sightseeing around Varosha is brief. If you love slow wandering, treat this as a “get your bearings fast” stop. You’re there to understand what you’re seeing, not to explore for hours.

Fig Tree Bay to Cape Greco: famous viewpoints, fast and photogenic

After leaving Protaras behind, the cruise hugs the coastline and passes Fig Tree Bay. Then you head toward the Cape Greco National Park area for some of the most Instagram-friendly landmarks in the region.

You’ll spot and have time for viewpoints linked to:

• Agioi Anargyri Church
• Lovers Bridge
• Sancta Maria Shrine

These stops work because they’re quick enough that you still have energy for the water time later. They also make the cruise feel like more than just transportation between swim spots. Even from the boat, you’ll get that “southern Cyprus coastline from the sea” perspective.

If you’re the type who hates racing around on tours, don’t worry: this is still a cruise. The boat stays the base, and you get viewpoint moments without the stress of constant shore transfers.

Blue Lagoon and Ayia Napa: lunch, snorkeling time, and the main swim mood

This is the day’s big water chapter. The yacht heads in the direction of the Blue Lagoon area near Ayia Napa, then moors so you can swim and snorkel. In practical terms, this is where the cruise turns into a beach day without the beach crowds.

You’ll get a proper break that includes:

• Swimming and snorkeling time
• On-board BBQ-style Cypriot lunch
• Marine life viewing (not a guaranteed wildlife show, but you might get lucky)

And yes, the slide is here in full force. People talk about it because it changes the whole feel of the stop. Instead of just easing into the water, you’re doing something memorable, right when the sea looks its best.

Lunch onboard: what you actually get

Lunch is part of the value, not an afterthought. You’ll be served traditional Cypriot-style food including:

• Baked chicken
• Homemade chipped potatoes
• Cyprus cous cous
• Salad, bread, and tzatziki

Vegetarian options are available too: a vegetarian patty. For families, you can request chicken nuggets for kids (ask ahead when you get on board).

Practical tip: seating can get tight when the boat is busy, so try to get your timing right for lunch. Bring a towel and plan to eat quickly, then move back out to the water.

Turtle Bay: the moment you hope for, and why it’s still worth it

After you start heading back toward Protaras, the cruise makes a stop at Turtle Bay. The goal is marine life viewing, with turtles being the headline.

Here’s the honest part: turtles are not guaranteed. That said, the stop is designed for viewing in their natural environment, and many people love it even when the sightings are brief.

If you care most about turtles, don’t treat this as optional. It’s one of the reasons this cruise gets booked repeatedly, and it adds emotional payoff to the day. If you’re more casual about wildlife, Turtle Bay still gives you another scenic water stop with a relaxed pace.

Green Bay snorkeling: a second chance to get your water time right

Then comes Green Bay, another swim and snorkeling stop. This is a good pattern: one big “main swim” moment at the Blue Lagoon area, and then a second water stop so you don’t end up spending the whole day wishing you’d snorkeled more.

Green Bay is worth your attention because it gives you time to do a slower water session. You’ll be out there long enough to find your rhythm, float, and try snorkeling equipment if you want it.

One note that matters: touching marine life is not allowed, so watch with your eyes, not your hands.

Drinks, WiFi, and the small costs that can surprise you

The bar stays open during the cruise, so you can buy drinks and snacks. You also get one complimentary drink of your choice, such as beer, wine, soda, or juice.

Extra costs to plan for:

• Snorkeling gear may require a 20 EUR cash deposit, refunded when you return the set safely.
• Additional drinks and snacks are available to purchase.
• Bring cash for deposits and extras since the deposit is specified as cash.

What I like is that people report drinks are reasonably priced for a boat setting. Still, I recommend you set a daily budget in your head. Boats can tempt you to forget what a normal bar costs.

WiFi is also available, which is handy. You’ll take plenty of pictures at the viewpoint stops and then can share them right away instead of waiting until you’re home.

Price and value: why around $47 feels fair for this length

At about $47 per person for roughly 5 hours, this cruise stacks up well because you’re not just buying scenery. You’re getting:

• A guided trip with sightseeing points (including Varosha context)
• A true cruise experience on a luxury yacht
• Multiple swim/snorkel opportunities
• A big lunch onboard (not a small snack)
• A free drink plus a bar option
• WiFi

In other words, you’re paying for time on the water plus guided structure. Even if you’re mostly there for swimming, the slide and lunch turn this into a “one ticket, done” day.

The main value trade-off is that you’re on a boat, not on a private charter. If you want lots of empty space and total control of your schedule, you may not love how group-friendly the day gets. But if you want a smooth, social day with real water time, the price makes sense.

Who should book this cruise (and who should skip it)

This is a great choice for:

• Families who want one outing that includes swimming, food, and an activity like the slide
• Couples who want a mix of history context and coastline views
• Groups of friends who like a crew that keeps things fun without being chaotic

You should probably skip or rethink if:

• You have mobility impairments due to stairs for boarding and toilets
• You’re uncomfortable around a busy, shared boat environment where seating can be limited when crowded
• You’re expecting turtle sightings as guaranteed. This is a hope-and-watch situation, not a guaranteed encounter.

Tips to make your day smoother on the water

A few small moves will make this cruise feel effortless:

• Bring a towel and sunscreen. You’ll be out in strong sun for stretches.
• Use the provided life jackets and float aids if you need them. Life jackets and pool noodles are provided for free.
• Get to the boat early if you can. Seating can get competitive during lunch and peak swim times.
• Pack cash for snorkeling deposits and any extra drinks/snacks.
• Don’t plan on bringing your own drinks onboard. The bar is the system.

And for the slide: treat it like a thrill ride, not a gentle dip. People say it’s not the most painless experience, which is exactly why it’s fun. If you go in, go in with a smile and a sense of humour.

Should you book: my honest call

I’d book this if you want one high-value day in Protaras that blends coastline beauty with a meaningful stop at Varosha and then delivers the part you came for: hours in the water plus the huge slide and a solid onboard lunch.

I wouldn’t book it if stairs and mobility access are a problem for you, or if you’re hoping for guaranteed turtle viewing. If those are your dealbreakers, look for a different kind of tour.

If your goal is a fun, guided, swim-heavy day with great value at around $47, this cruise fits the bill.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The boat is located at the end of Protaras Pier. If you go toward Evelena Hotel, you should be able to see the boats from there.

How long is the cruise?

It runs about 210 minutes, which is roughly 5 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard and includes baked chicken, home-made chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. A vegetarian option is available, and chicken nuggets can be prepared if requested.

Are drinks included?

You get one complimentary drink of your choice (beer, wine, soda, or juice). Additional drinks and snacks are available to purchase at the bar.

Do I need cash for snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment may require a 20 EUR cash deposit, refunded when the set is returned safely.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. Turtle sightings are hoped for, not guaranteed.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear or towels?

You should bring a towel. Snorkeling gear is available with a deposit, but towels are not listed as provided.

Can I bring drinks on board?

No. You’re asked not to bring drinks on board the boat.

Is pickup from my hotel available?

Pickup is optional if you choose the transfer option. Pickup uses centralised locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis, and the pickup point may be a short walk away.

Is this cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable due to the stairs needed to board and access the toilets.

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