San Antonio Premier Morning Adults Only Cruise from Protaras

Clear water, open bar, no rush. The San Antonio morning cruise from Protaras gives you five easy hours along Cyprus’s east coast, with swim stops, lunch, fruit, cocktails, and commentary about the sea and shoreline. I like the generous food and drink service, and I like the friendly crew, who keep the trip relaxed without making it feel stiff. The main drawback is the long ladder back onto the boat after swimming, and the vessel may keep its engine running rather than sailing under canvas.

I also like the adults-only setting, which suits couples and anyone seeking a calmer morning at sea. The route takes in Green Bay, Konnos Bay, Cape Greco, and the Blue Lagoon, though sea and weather conditions can change the order or route.

Key points to know before booking

• Three reported swim stops: The morning includes time for clear-water swimming, with lunch served during the outing.
• Food and drinks are part of the price: You receive a buffet lunch, fresh seasonal fruit, dessert, unlimited drinks, cocktails, and a welcome glass of champagne.
• A relaxed adults-only boat trip: The maximum group size is 49 passengers, though some sailings may feel much quieter.
• Cape Greco coastline views: The cruise passes Green Bay, Konnos Bay, Cape Greco, and the Blue Lagoon.
• A long swimming ladder: The boat sits high above the water, so getting back aboard takes care and may be awkward for some swimmers.
• Pickup is limited: Meeting points may be assigned within walking distance, but private villas and other private accommodations do not receive pickup.

A five-hour morning on Cyprus’s east coast

This is a half-day cruise designed for easy enjoyment rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. You meet at East Coast Cruises, listed at 2329+2C2, Famagusta, Cyprus, with departure at 9:00 am. Pickup details are sent by email no later than one day before departure.

That pickup arrangement matters. You may not be collected directly from your hotel, and a nearby walking meeting point may be assigned instead. If you are staying in a private villa, you need to make your own way to the meeting point because villa pickup is not available.

The boat returns to the same meeting point after roughly five hours. That makes the cruise simple to fit into a Protaras holiday. You still have much of the afternoon free for the beach, a late lunch, or a slower wander around town.

The adults-only format is useful if you want a quieter tone on board. It does not promise silence, of course, especially with up to 49 people, but it removes the family-oriented feel of many daytime boat trips. A past sailing had only 15 passengers, leaving plenty of space, though passenger numbers can vary.

Green Bay and the first swim

Green Bay is the named stop on the route and sits along the Protaras coastline. Its clear water makes it a natural place for the first swim, and the boat gives you a different view of the coast than you get from shore.

You can expect a swim stop rather than a long beach visit. The point is to jump or climb into the sea, enjoy the water, and return to the boat. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sun protection. The sun is a serious factor on a morning cruise, especially when much of your time is spent on an open deck.

The main practical issue is the boat’s height. One passenger specifically found the ladder long when climbing back out of the water. If you are not confident with ladders, have limited mobility, or find climbing difficult after swimming, this deserves real thought before booking.

The clear water is a major part of the appeal, but swimming conditions can change. The crew may adjust the route or stops for safety and comfort if the sea is rough or the weather turns poor.

Konnos Bay and the Cape Greco coast

The cruise continues toward Konnos Bay and Cape Greco, two of the most attractive sections of Cyprus’s southeastern coast. From the upper deck, you can enjoy wide views over the water and the rocky shoreline.

The route works best when you give yourself time to look around rather than treating the boat as only a transport link between swimming spots. Live commentary adds useful context about the local marine life and environment. Announcements about the sights are made over the loudspeaker, so you can listen while sitting on deck or eating lunch.

The upper seating area offers the broadest views, based on the sailing experience described by one passenger. It is a good place to settle if you want photographs of the coast and open sea. WiFi is available on board, which lets you upload holiday photos during the trip, although you may prefer to put the phone away during the swim stops.

Cape Greco also gives the cruise its scenic value. You are not simply looking at a generic stretch of sea. The route links several named coastal points, and the changing views help break up the five-hour trip.

The Blue Lagoon swim stop

The Blue Lagoon near Cape Greco is the route’s natural centerpiece. The name suggests the color and clarity of the water, but the appeal here is practical as well as scenic: you get time to swim in a sheltered coastal setting before returning to the boat for food and drinks.

The exact number and timing of swim stops can change with conditions. The official details promise swim stops, while a previous sailing included three. You should treat three as a useful indication, not a guaranteed timetable.

Swimming is not compulsory. You can stay on deck, watch the coast, take photos, or enjoy a drink while others enter the water. This flexibility helps make the trip suitable for mixed groups, especially when one person wants to swim and another would rather remain dry.

The boat’s ladder is worth remembering here too. Take your time when climbing back aboard, and keep your towel ready once you reach the deck. The trip is meant to be relaxed, so there is no prize for making the fastest ascent.

Lunch, fruit, dessert, and an open bar

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The fare includes a buffet lunch, fresh seasonal fruit, dessert, and unlimited drinks from the open bar. A welcome glass of champagne and brandy sour service are also included.

The lunch is not just a small snack between stops. One sailing included a plentiful spread with a variety of choices, and the food received especially warm praise. You can try a little of everything rather than committing to one dish, which suits a day when swimming and sun can quickly build an appetite.

Drinks include beer and cocktails, with the crew mixing drinks to order. The open bar is a real part of the value here, not a token inclusion limited to one welcome drink. Still, you should pace yourself carefully. Alcohol, bright sun, swimming, and a moving boat can be an unhelpful combination.

Fresh fruit and dessert round out the meal. Snacks are also provided, useful if you want something between lunch and the next swim stop. The food service helps the cruise feel like a full outing rather than a short boat ride with extras added on.

Crew service and commentary on board

The crew is central to the experience. The captain and crew are described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, with service that keeps drinks topped up and passengers comfortable.

Jodie is named as a host who welcomed people aboard, served cocktails, and gave information about the area. Crew members Mustafa and Wahid are also praised for friendly service and for helping with the meal. Those details suggest a warm, hands-on style rather than a purely automated excursion.

Commentary covers local sights, marine life, and the environment. It comes through the loudspeaker, so the quality of your experience may depend partly on where you sit and how busy the deck is. The commentary is a useful addition because it gives meaning to the coastline instead of leaving you to guess which bay or headland you are passing.

The crew also appears willing to help swimmers and answer questions. That is particularly useful when boarding after a swim, although the ladder remains a physical challenge for some people.

Boat comfort, views, and the sailing style

The San Antonio II is a schooner-style boat, but you should not book this expecting a pure sailing experience. One passenger hoped to see the boat sail under canvas and found that the engine stayed on throughout the trip.

That is an important distinction. The boat may look traditional, but the cruise is primarily a powered coastal outing. You get steady movement, predictable timing, and access to several swim areas, but not necessarily the quiet of a wind-powered sail.

The boat sits high above the water, which creates good views from the upper deck. It also explains the long ladder at the swim stops. If you prefer watching the sea from above, the height is an advantage. If you want easy water access, it may be less appealing than a low, open boat.

One useful point comes from a passenger prone to severe motion sickness, who found the ride calm and smooth. That is encouraging, but it is not a guarantee. Sea conditions vary, and the operator reserves the right to alter the route when needed.

Is $78.27 good value?

At $78.27 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water. It can still be good value if you plan to use the included food, drinks, and swim stops.

The price covers about five hours, lunch, snacks, fruit, dessert, unlimited drinks, champagne, brandy sour service, commentary, WiFi, and the coastal route. If you would otherwise pay separately for a meal, several drinks, and a boat trip, the package becomes easier to justify.

The value is strongest for people who want a complete morning with little extra planning. You do not need to arrange lunch afterward, find a separate swimming beach, or pay for each drink on board.

It is weaker if you do not drink alcohol, prefer a short sightseeing cruise, or want a true sailing trip. In that case, some of the package price goes toward benefits you may not use.

Booking about 36 days ahead is the average pattern, so popular dates may fill well before your holiday. Confirmation is provided at booking, but the operator requires a minimum number of passengers. If that number is not reached, you will be offered another option or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, adult friends, and solo visitors who want a social but easy-going day at sea. It also suits people who value included meals and drinks, since those extras form a large part of the price.

You will probably enjoy it if you want:

• Clear-water swim stops without changing beaches
• Coastal views around Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon
• A buffet lunch rather than a packed meal
• Cocktails, beer, and soft drinks included
• Friendly service and simple commentary
• A five-hour activity that ends back where it began

Think twice if you want a quiet sailing boat, dislike ladders, or prefer to control your own schedule. The route can change with sea conditions, and the boat may keep its engine running rather than relying on its sails.

Bring sun protection, swimwear, and a beach towel. Keep your phone protected near the water, even with WiFi available. If swimming is your main reason for booking, ask yourself how comfortable you are climbing a long ladder from the sea.

Booking, cancellation, and weather notes

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The cruise depends on suitable weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The route may also be adjusted during the trip to protect comfort and safety.

The maximum capacity is 49 passengers, and most people can participate. The adults-only format is clear, but the provided information does not give a specific minimum age.

Should you book the San Antonio morning cruise?

Book it if you want a well-fed, drink-in-hand morning with several chances to swim along Cyprus’s east coast. The best features are the friendly crew, plentiful lunch, open bar, and views around Konnos Bay, Cape Greco, and the Blue Lagoon.

Skip it if your idea of a perfect boat trip means sailing silently under canvas or stepping straight from a low deck into the water. For most people who want an easy half-day outing with the main costs covered, $78.27 is a reasonable price, especially when you make full use of the lunch and bar.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at East Coast Cruises, listed at 2329+2C2, Famagusta, Cyprus.

What time does the cruise depart?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 am.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

Does the cruise return to the starting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup details are sent by email no later than one day before the excursion. Walking-distance meeting points may be assigned, but pickup is not available from private accommodations, including holiday villas.

What food and drinks are included?

The price includes a buffet lunch, snacks, fresh seasonal fruit, dessert, unlimited drinks from an open bar, a welcome glass of champagne, and brandy sour service.

Are there swimming stops?

Yes. Swimming stops are included, and a previous sailing had three stops. The exact route and stops may change because of sea or environmental conditions.

What happens if the cruise is canceled?

If poor weather or insufficient passenger numbers causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.