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

Blue water, wild coast, and lunch afloat. This Protaras cruise packs a lot into about three hours, from the Blue Lagoon and Cape Greco sea caves to Konnos Bay, Fig Tree Bay, and the distant occupied zone near Famagusta. I especially like the chance to swim in clear water and the freshly prepared BBQ lunch, both included in the price.

The boat carries no more than 46 people, so you get room to move instead of being packed shoulder to shoulder. The crew adds music and useful commentary, and several guests have seen turtles during the swimming stops. The main consideration is the schedule: hotel transfers can take anywhere from 5 to 75 minutes, and the swim stops depend on good weather.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: Bring swimwear and use the provided snorkeling gear while the boat pauses in clear water.
• Fresh BBQ lunch onboard: Expect BBQ chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, salad, and a vegetarian choice.
• Turtle sightings are possible: Turtles have been seen close to the boat during swimming stops, though wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Cape Greco by sea: You will see Shark Mouth cave, Lovers Bridge, pirate caves, Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, and Konnos Bay from the water.
• Small-to-medium boat capacity: A maximum of 46 people helps keep the cruise comfortable, with shaded areas and space to move around.
• Adults and older teens: The activity is marked 16+, while alcohol is available only to people aged 18 and over.

Setting Out From Protaras Pier

The cruise begins at Protaras Pier, along the coastal promenade between Protaras and Pernera. The listed start time is 10:15 am, though one sailing reached the water around 10:30 and returned shortly before 2 pm. Allow roughly three hours on the boat, with a little flexibility for loading, swimming, and sea conditions.

If you use the pickup service, check your ticket carefully for the exact collection time. The company uses central pickup points rather than promising a direct hotel collection, and transfer times vary widely by location. You are asked to arrive five minutes early and be ready to wait up to 15 minutes if the bus is late. A WhatsApp contact is provided for transfer concerns.

That advice matters. A short ride from central Protaras may be easy, while a pickup farther away can take much longer. I would keep your morning free rather than scheduling another activity immediately after the cruise.

There are steps from the pier onto the boat, plus steps down to the restroom. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed, but this is not a step-free outing. The boat has WiFi, toilets, life jackets used as flotation aids, and snorkeling equipment.

The Distant View Toward Famagusta

One early part of the route takes you toward the viewing point near the border of the occupied zone. From the coast, you can see Famagusta in the distance and hear an explanation of the events surrounding the area in 1974, when the resort was taken by Turkish forces.

This is a short sightseeing section rather than a land visit. You will not tour Famagusta or cross a border, but the view gives the cruise a little more context than a simple pleasure trip. The captain’s commentary is used when useful, so you can listen without having a constant stream of information over the music and sea breeze.

This stop may appeal most if you want a sense of Cyprus beyond beaches. If your only goal is swimming, it is also the part you may find less exciting. The boat soon turns back toward the natural attractions and swimming water.

Swimming in the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the main reason to bring a swimsuit. The boat stops for a refreshing swim in clear water, and snorkeling equipment is included. You can use the gear to look below the surface, though the company does not promise a particular marine life encounter.

Turtles have been seen during the swimming stops, sometimes close to the boat. That has been a highlight for several people, but it is important to treat it as good fortune rather than part of the guaranteed program. Sea conditions, wildlife movement, and the number of boats in the area can all affect what you see.

I like that this is more than a quick photo pause. The boat gives you time to get into the water, cool off, and enjoy the setting instead of simply sailing past it. Life jackets are available as flotation aids, which helps if you are not a confident swimmer.

The practical tip is simple: pack a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and a dry bag if you have one. You cannot bring your own drinks onboard, so do not expect to carry a bottle or can from your hotel onto the boat. Snacks are available for purchase, but lunch and one alcoholic drink are included.

Agioi Anargyroi Chapel and the Rocky Shore

The boat then reaches Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, a small church perched above the sea at what is described as the easternmost point of Cyprus. The chapel is an easy-to-recognize coastal landmark, but the more unusual detail is below it: a cave served as the original place of worship.

The boat moves right into the rocks, close enough for you to touch them from the front of the boat. This gives you a better view than sailing past the chapel from far offshore. It also shows why the coastline is best seen from the water, where the cave openings and rock walls become part of the visit.

There is no admission charge, and you do not leave the boat for this stop. The appeal is visual and atmospheric rather than a formal church tour. Keep your camera ready, but also watch your footing if you move around while the boat is near the rocks.

Cape Greco’s Caves and Pirate Stories

Cape Greco National Forest Park is viewed from the water. The coast here is known for natural caves, including Shark Mouth cave, and the route also includes Lovers Bridge. The caves were once used by pirates to bring contraband onto Cyprus, adding an entertaining bit of old coastal lore to the scenery.

You will not walk into the caves or explore the park on foot. That is both a limit and a benefit. The boat lets you see cliff faces, openings, and formations that are difficult to appreciate from inland roads, while you avoid a long hot walk during the middle of the day.

The exact view can vary with the boat’s position and the sea. If you want a detailed geology lesson or a land-based hike, this cruise will not replace a visit to Cape Greco National Forest Park. If you want the coast without committing a full day to walking, it is a good trade.

The crew’s commentary is helpful here. You get names for the formations and a little context, rather than a series of anonymous rocks sliding past the rail.

Fig Tree Bay From the Water

Fig Tree Bay appears as a scenic coastal pass rather than a swimming stop. From the boat, you see the beach and the curve of the shoreline from a perspective you cannot get while sitting on the sand.

This is a good moment to take photos because the boat provides distance and a wider view. It also gives you a chance to compare the busy beach setting with the quieter open water. Since admission is free and there is no landing, you simply remain onboard while the cruise continues.

I would not book the cruise solely for Fig Tree Bay. The beach is one piece of a larger route, and the stop works best as part of the changing sequence of coves, cliffs, and open sea.

Konnos Bay and the Second Swim

Konnos Bay marks the start of the national park area and is known for its sandy beach and clear water. The boat views the bay from offshore, then the route includes another swimming opportunity.

This second stop may be the best chance for a relaxed swim, especially if you prefer a quieter moment after the sightseeing portion. Turtles have been spotted near the boat here, and one account described swimming close to them during the stop. Again, you should enjoy the possibility without expecting a guaranteed wildlife show.

The two-stop rhythm works well. You get one swim earlier in the cruise, then have time to dry off, see the coast, and swim again before lunch or the return trip. It prevents the outing from becoming either a nonstop sightseeing ride or a simple floating swim break.

BBQ Lunch With a View

Lunch is cooked fresh onboard and served in BBQ style. The menu includes chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad. Pourgouri is a Cypriot cracked-wheat dish often used in place of rice or couscous, so this meal gives you a small taste of local food without becoming formal dining.

A vegetarian option is available within the menu. If you have an allergy or a strict dietary need, the supplied information does not give specific details, so ask the operator before departure rather than relying on assumptions.

The food receives particularly warm praise, with comments about good quality and generous selection. That matters because a meal included in a boat trip can often feel like an afterthought. Here, the cooking is part of the appeal and saves you from buying lunch after returning to shore.

One cocktail or beer is included for adults aged 18 and over. The activity itself is marked 16+, and photo identification may be requested if someone appears under 16. The details can sound slightly confusing, so the practical rule is this: 16 and 17 year olds may join if accepted under the age policy, but alcoholic drinks are only served to people aged 18 or older.

Additional sweet and savory snacks can be bought onboard. Tips are not included, so carry a little extra if you want to thank the crew.

Music, Space, and the Boat Atmosphere

This is not a silent sightseeing vessel. Music forms part of the mood, and the crew is described as friendly, helpful, and funny. Commentary is added when needed, especially around the coastal sights and the distant view toward Famagusta.

The group limit of 46 is useful. You should still expect other people onboard, but the boat is not designed to squeeze in an unlimited crowd. Shaded areas and room to move around make a difference during a sunny morning, especially when some people are swimming and others want to stay dry.

I would choose a seat with a clear view early, then move around during the route. The best position changes constantly: the offshore view of Fig Tree Bay, the rocks around Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, and the cave entrances each look better from a different angle.

The atmosphere sounds social but not rowdy. Great music and drinks are part of the appeal, yet the trip also works for people who simply want a calm few hours at sea. If you want a private charter or a quiet boat with no shared group, choose something else.

Is $48.27 Good Value?

At $48.27 per person, this is strong value if you plan to use the main inclusions. You receive the boat ride, two swimming opportunities, snorkeling equipment, a freshly prepared lunch, one cocktail or beer for adults, commentary, and a return to the original pier. Pickup is also available from central points.

The food alone is useful value because you do not need to arrange lunch separately. Add the chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon, see Cape Greco’s caves from the sea, and possibly encounter turtles, and the price compares well with a standard coastal cruise that offers only scenery.

The value is lower if you do not swim, do not drink, and care little about the coastal sights. You are paying for the whole package, not just transportation from Protaras to a beach. Also remember that snacks, tips, and possibly transport time are separate considerations.

I would call it a good choice for a half-day holiday activity, particularly if you want one booking to cover food, scenery, swimming, and basic equipment.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older teenagers, and anyone staying in Protaras who wants a simple sea day without arranging several separate activities. It suits people who like a blend of sightseeing and swimming, rather than a full history tour or a serious snorkeling expedition.

It is also useful for mixed groups. One person can swim, another can listen to the commentary, and someone else can stay in the shade with a drink and watch the coast. The onboard restroom and included lunch make the three-hour schedule easier for a broad range of participants.

You should think twice if you dislike steps, need fully step-free access, or want a private and quiet setting. The cruise also requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, so check the local cutoff before making plans.

My Verdict: Book It for the Water and the Lunch

I would book the St Georgios Presidential Cruise if I wanted an easy morning from Protaras with real time in the sea. The strongest reasons are the Blue Lagoon swim, possible turtle sightings, and fresh BBQ lunch, supported by a scenic route through Cape Greco.

The cruise is not a private escape, a walking tour of the national park, or a guaranteed wildlife trip. It is a shared boat outing with music, commentary, food, and two chances to swim. For $48.27, that combination makes good sense for most visitors who want to see the coast without spending an entire day at sea.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Protaras Pier, located along the Protaras to Pernera coastal promenade in Cyprus.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 10:15 am. If you use pickup, check your ticket for the exact collection time.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours. Timing can vary with the route, swimming stops, and sea conditions.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered from centralized pickup points. Transfer times vary from 5 to 75 minutes depending on your location, and you should be ready to wait up to 15 minutes if the bus is delayed.

What food is included?

Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad. A vegetarian choice is available within the menu.

Is a drink included?

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

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. The boat stops for swimming in the Blue Lagoon and includes snorkeling equipment. Life jackets are available as flotation aids.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.