From Protaras: Catamaran Cruise to Blue Lagoon

Clear water, big views, easy fun. This Mediterraneo III catamaran cruise links several of Cyprus’s best coastal sights in four to five hours, from the abandoned resort of Varosha near Famagusta to Cape Greco’s sea caves and Blue Lagoon. You also get swimming stops, a buffet lunch, fresh fruit, dessert, and an open bar.

I especially like the three-stop potential for swimming, since you are not left with one rushed jump into the sea. I also like the value: at $69 per person, hotel transport, food, drinks, and a half-day on a large boat are included. The main consideration is that the boat can feel fairly full, and music may be loud enough to make quiet conversation difficult.

The essential details at a glance

• A four to five hour coastal route: The cruise heads toward Famagusta, then follows the eastern coast toward Fig Tree Bay and Cape Greco.
• Three possible swimming stops: Derynia Bay, the Blue Lagoon area, and another coastal stop may be included, though the program can change with weather and sea conditions.
• Varosha from the water: You see the ghost town of Varosha, the fenced-off former resort area near Famagusta.
• Food and drinks included: Lunch is served buffet-style, with seasonal fruit, dessert, soft drinks, water, beer, and cocktails.
• Useful boat facilities: Freshwater showers, life jackets, floats, and, on some departures, paddle boards and snorkeling equipment are available.
• Pickup from Ayia Napa or Protaras: Collection starts at about 3:00 PM, or 2:00 PM in September and October, with pickup from major hotels or assigned meeting points.

Why this cruise works so well from Protaras

A boat trip is one of the easiest ways to see Cyprus’s eastern coast. Roads can get busy in summer, and some of the most attractive coves around Cape Greco are easier to appreciate from offshore than from a crowded parking area. From the catamaran, you get a moving view of cliffs, beaches, caves, and clear Mediterranean water without having to arrange several separate stops.

The route also gives you more variety than a simple Blue Lagoon outing. You begin by looking toward the Famagusta area and Varosha, then pass well-known Protaras scenery before reaching Cape Greco. The result is part sightseeing trip, part swimming afternoon, and part relaxed meal on the water.

At $69, I see this as a strong package for anyone who would otherwise pay separately for transport, lunch, drinks, and a boat outing. You are not paying only for a short ride to one cove. You are getting a substantial half-day program with several stops.

Boarding Mediterraneo III and finding your place

The boat is a large sailing catamaran called Mediterraneo III. Its size matters. You have more room than you would on a small speedboat, and there are sun loungers at the front for people who board early. The front seats are the coveted spots, so arrive promptly if lying in the sun is your main aim.

The boat has enough open space for sunbathing and viewing the coast, but capacity varies by departure. Some outings feel spacious, while others can be close to full. If you want a quieter place, move around after boarding and look for a section away from the bar and speakers.

The crew handles drinks throughout the trip, and the boat is kept clean. Several details make the outing easier than a basic excursion: freshwater showers help remove salt after swimming, and life jackets and floats are available. Some departures have canoes, paddle boards, goggles, or snorkels to lend, but I would still bring your own mask if underwater viewing matters to you.

Seeing Varosha from the sea

The first major sight is the ghost town of Varosha, viewed from the coast near Famagusta. Once a famous resort district, Varosha has remained largely abandoned and restricted since the division of Cyprus. From the water, you see the coastline and the striking contrast between a once-popular holiday area and its present condition.

This is not a walking visit, and you should not expect to enter the town. The value is in the view and the context. It adds a political and historical layer to what might otherwise be only a swim-and-sun cruise.

Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long formal sightseeing stop. The boat’s focus is the overall coastal route, with more time reserved for swimming and lunch.

Derynia Bay and the first swim

The cruise then heads toward Derynia Bay for a swim. This is where the outing changes from coastal sightseeing to a proper day on the water. The catamaran anchors, and you can use the steps or another easy access point to enter the sea.

The water is the star. It is clear, refreshing, and often calm enough for relaxed swimming. If you are not a confident swimmer, use a life jacket or float and stay close to the boat as instructed.

Bring goggles or a mask if you want to see below the surface. The water may look perfect for snorkeling, but the boat does not promise marine life at every stop. Turtles and dolphins have sometimes been spotted, though neither is guaranteed. Do not expect the crew to feed wildlife, and do not bring bread for that purpose.

A practical warning: safety rules may keep you away from the rocks and caves when other boats are nearby. That can limit your view of fish and turtles, but it is a sensible trade-off in a busy coastal area.

Passing Fig Tree Bay and the Protaras coast

As the catamaran follows the coast, you pass Fig Tree Bay. This is one of the most recognizable beaches around Protaras, known for its bright water and offshore islet. Seeing it from the boat gives you a different angle from the usual beach view.

You will also get broad views of the eastern coastline as the boat moves toward Cape Greco. This part of the route is less about one major stop and more about watching the coast unfold. Sit near the rail if you want photographs, but remember that the sun can be strong even when the breeze feels cool.

The music creates much of the atmosphere. Some people enjoy the lively playlist, while others find the volume too high for easy conversation. If you want a family chat or a peaceful ride, choose a seat farther from the speakers.

Cape Greco sea caves and Blue Lagoon

Cape Greco is the visual high point of the cruise. The national park area is famous for pale cliffs, sea caves, rocky shelves, and unusually clear water. From the catamaran, you can see formations that are difficult to appreciate from land.

The boat passes the famous sea caves before reaching Blue Lagoon. This is a scenic cruise rather than a cave exploration tour, so you remain on the boat. That distinction matters if you are hoping to climb into caves or walk along the rocks.

Blue Lagoon is the classic swimming stop. The water has the bright, transparent look that attracts people to this part of Cyprus, and the catamaran gives you a comfortable platform from which to enjoy it. You can swim, float, or simply sit on deck and watch people enter the water.

Some departures include a third stop, and past outings have offered three or even four opportunities to swim. The exact number depends on weather, sea conditions, and the day’s program. You should think of the swim stops as flexible rather than fixed to the minute.

Lunch, cocktails, and the open bar

Lunch is included and served as a buffet. The usual selection described for the cruise includes salads, bread, chicken, rice, mezze, seasonal fruit, and dessert. It is not a fine-dining experience, but the meal is more substantial than snacks, and portions are plentiful.

Vegetarian diners have found enough choice, and the crew has helped explain suitable dishes for people with dietary needs. If you have a serious allergy or strict dietary requirement, tell the crew before serving begins and ask exactly what is safe.

The open bar is one of the strongest parts of the value. You get water, soft drinks, beer, and cocktails, with a good range of choices. The bar team may also prepare a drink that is not listed, depending on what is available.

This is not a party boat in the sense of nonstop club music and dancing. The tone is generally relaxed, with food, sun, swimming, and drinks carrying the afternoon. The music can still be loud, so the experience sits somewhere between a quiet sailing trip and a lively group excursion.

Pickup, timing, and the return journey

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, or from assigned meeting points. Collection normally begins at 3:00 PM. In September and October, pickup starts at about 2:00 PM.

Pickup is not available from Cavo Maris Hotel or accommodation within walking distance of Green Bay. If you are staying in one of those places, check the assigned meeting point before booking.

Transport has varied. Some pickups use a double-decker or open-topped bus, which can make the transfer part of the fun but may be uncomfortable in intense heat. Air conditioning has not always been reliable, and one return transfer was criticized for poor cleanliness after an alternative transport company was used.

That does not cancel out the value of the cruise, but it is worth knowing. The boat itself receives much stronger praise than every vehicle used to reach it. If you have mobility concerns, tell the operator in advance. A crew member has helped someone with difficulty walking, but that was personal assistance rather than a stated accessibility service.

What to bring for a better afternoon

Pack the basics, but do not leave out the items that make swimming more enjoyable:

• Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Your own mask and snorkel if you care about seeing fish
• A waterproof pouch for valuables
• A light cover-up for the boat ride after swimming

Snorkeling equipment is allowed on board. Some equipment may be available to borrow, but that can vary by departure, so your own mask gives you more certainty.

Bring less rather than more. You will be moving between seating, swimming, lunch, and the bar, and loose belongings can be awkward on a boat.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, solo visitors, and anyone wanting an easy introduction to Cyprus’s eastern coast. It works especially well if you want several activities in one booking and do not want to organize transport or find lunch near the beaches.

Solo visitors should feel comfortable joining. The crew has made an effort to include people traveling alone, and the shared format makes it easy to settle into the day.

This is also a good choice for people who want to swim but do not want the rougher ride of a small speedboat. The catamaran offers a more stable base, sun loungers, showers, and plenty of space to sit down between stops.

I would choose a different experience if your priority is a quiet private sail, serious snorkeling, cave exploration, or a small group. You also may not love it if loud music and a full boat bother you.

Is $69 good value?

For a four to five hour cruise, $69 is fair and often very good value. The package includes transport, an English-speaking host, lunch, an open bar, several coastal sights, and swimming time. Buying those elements separately would usually require more planning and could cost more.

The value is strongest if you will eat lunch on board and make use of the drinks and swimming facilities. If you do not drink alcohol or prefer a quiet boat with little entertainment, part of the package may matter less to you.

The main thing you are buying is convenience. You get collected from near your hotel, shown the coast from the water, fed, and returned afterward. That makes the cruise an efficient use of a Cyprus holiday afternoon.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a social half-day at sea with several swim stops, a good meal, and drinks included. The route gives you more than Blue Lagoon alone, and the combination of Varosha, Fig Tree Bay, Cape Greco, and the sea caves makes the price sensible.

Book it with realistic expectations. The program can change with the weather, wildlife sightings are never promised, and a full boat or loud music may reduce the calm. Arrive early for the best front loungers, bring your own snorkeling mask, and confirm your pickup point if you are near Green Bay.

For most visitors staying in Protaras or Ayia Napa, this is an easy, well-priced way to enjoy the coast without fuss.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about four to five hours.

What price should I expect?

The listed price is $69 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, or from assigned meeting points.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup normally starts at 3:00 PM. In September and October, collection starts at 2:00 PM.

Is pickup available from Cavo Maris Hotel?

No. Pickup is not available from Cavo Maris Hotel or accommodation within walking distance of Green Bay.

What food is included?

Lunch is served as a buffet, with seasonal fresh fruit and dessert. The meal may include salads, bread, chicken, rice, and mezze.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An open bar is included, with water, soft drinks, beer, cocktails, and other available drinks.

How many swimming stops are there?

The cruise includes swimming opportunities, often two or three stops. Some past departures have included three or four stops, but the program may change with weather and sea conditions.

Can I bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own snorkeling equipment on board. Some departures may also have goggles, snorkels, floats, canoes, or paddle boards available.