Protaras: Luxury Yacht Cruise with slide, BBQ Lunch & Drink

The giant inflatable slide is the star here, but the best part may be the mix of Cyprus history, coastal views, and swim stops packed into one affordable boat trip. You cruise past Varosha, see Cape Greco’s sea caves and landmarks, eat a generous Cypriot lunch, then jump into clear water from the St Georgios II.

I like the friendly, funny crew and the amount included for $47: lunch, a free drink, WiFi, and plenty of time in the sea. I also like that this is more than a party boat, with a short explanation of the events that divided Cyprus in 1974. The main drawback is space. The boat can feel busy, and seating around lunch may be awkward if people arrive late or spread out their bags.

Key points to know before you book

• Varosha gives the cruise real historical weight: You pass the fenced-off ghost town and hear how the 1974 division of Cyprus shaped the island.
• The St Georgios II has a huge inflatable slide: It is a proper feature, not a small toy, and it adds plenty of fun for children and adults.
• Two main swimming stops are included: The Blue Lagoon and Green Bay area offer time for swimming, snorkeling, floating, and turtle spotting.
• Lunch is unusually generous for the price: Expect baked chicken, homemade chips, Cypriot cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki.
• Turtles are possible but never promised: Several cruises see them, but they remain wild animals and may stay out of sight.
• Transfers are optional and limited: You can meet the boat at Protaras Pier or request pickup from selected resorts in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis.

Why this Protaras cruise offers good value

At $47 per person, this is priced more like a standard sightseeing boat trip than a full half-day outing with food and activities. You get the cruise, a guide, lunch, WiFi, and one beer, wine, soda, or juice. That makes the value easy to see, especially for families who would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, a meal, and water activities.

The bar remains open during the trip, but extra drinks cost more. Bring cash or a card for the bar, and do not bring your own drinks aboard. One practical wrinkle is that water is not necessarily free. A small bottle has been sold for €2, so bring that cost into your planning.

The boat is the St Georgios II, described as a clean, modern yacht with an air-conditioned lounge, an open relax deck, and a forward captains table. You will need to climb about 15 steps to board, and the toilets are also reached by stairs. This is not a good choice if you have a mobility impairment.

Leaving Protaras for Varosha

The cruise starts at the end of Protaras Pier, near the Evelena Hotel. If you choose transport, the operator uses central pickup points rather than every hotel entrance. Your exact meeting place may be a two to seven minute walk away, and pickup can take place 20 to 60 minutes before departure.

Once clear of Protaras, the boat heads toward Famagusta and Varosha. The scenery is attractive, but this section is also the most important for understanding modern Cyprus. Varosha was once a major resort area. After the conflict and division of the island in 1974, it was left fenced off and largely abandoned.

You cannot treat this as an ordinary photo stop. The view is a reminder that Cyprus is still politically divided. The guide explains the basic story while you look toward the restricted area, giving the cruise more substance than a simple run along the coast.

The history talk is fairly short, so do not expect a full political tour. Still, it is useful context, particularly if you know little about Cyprus before arriving. Spoken commentary is in English, Greek, and Arabic. Other languages are available through the cruise app in written form.

Fig Tree Bay and the Cape Greco coast

The return route hugs the coast and passes Fig Tree Bay before reaching the Cape Greco National Park area. From the water, this section is all about limestone formations, bright sea, small coves, and clean views back toward the shore.

The boat passes Agioi Anargyri Church, Lovers Bridge, and the Sancta Maria Shrine. These are quick scenic points rather than long visits on land, so keep your phone ready. The boat gets close enough for photographs, but the exact route can change with sea conditions.

Cape Greco is one of the reasons this cruise works well for people who want a broad taste of the coast without hiring a car or booking several separate outings. You see famous points from the water, then spend time swimming instead of sitting on the boat for the whole trip.

The downside is that this is a shared cruise, not a private yacht charter. Seating is not always easy at busy times, especially around lunch. If your group wants to sit together, arrive early and keep bags compact.

Swimming at the Blue Lagoon

The boat moors at the Blue Lagoon for a swim and lunch stop. The water is the main attraction here: clear, bright, and suited to floating, swimming, and snorkeling.

You can use free life jackets and pool noodles, which helps children and weaker swimmers enjoy the stop. Snorkel equipment is available for a €20 cash deposit, returned when the set comes back safely. Bring your own mask if you already have one, but you do not need to buy equipment in advance.

The published timing gives this stop about 45 minutes, including swimming and the meal. That is enough for a useful swim, though you should not expect a slow, private beach day. Some people find the first water stop passes quickly, particularly if they want time for the slide, snorkeling, and lunch.

The slide is attached to the yacht and is large enough to make it a main event. It sends you directly into the sea, so follow the crew’s instructions and check the landing area before going. Children will need supervision, and anyone with back or neck concerns should think twice before using it.

A Cypriot lunch that fills you up

Lunch is served aboard the boat and includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. The portions are generous, and you can return for more if food remains.

This is simple, hearty food rather than fine dining, which is exactly right for a swim cruise. The chicken and chips give you something substantial after time in the water, while the salad, bread, and tzatziki make the meal feel more like a local spread than a basic packed lunch.

Vegetarians can request a vegetarian patty. Chicken nuggets can also be prepared for children, but you need to ask the crew when you arrive. Do not wait until lunch service if you need one of these alternatives.

The bar serves additional drinks and snacks at what several outings have found to be reasonable prices. Music plays during the sailing sections, and the WiFi lets you share photos before returning to Protaras. The atmosphere is lively, though not ideal if you want a silent or secluded cruise.

Turtle Bay and Green Bay

On the return journey, the boat stops near Green Bay, also described as Turtle Bay. This is the second major swimming stop and usually receives more time than the first, with about 45 minutes allocated for swimming, snorkeling, and looking for marine life.

This is where the turtle possibility comes in. You may see one or more turtles from the boat or while swimming, but nobody can guarantee it. The animals are wild, so do not touch marine life, chase it, or expect a close encounter.

Several outings have been lucky enough to see turtles, sometimes more than one. Other people see a turtle only from a distance, or not at all. The right attitude is to treat turtles as a bonus and enjoy the clear water even if they do not appear.

The second stop works well for families because you can choose your own pace. Use a life jacket, float on a noodle, swim near the boat, or try snorkeling. You do not need to enter the water at all if you prefer to stay on deck.

The crew and the feel on board

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this particular boat. Service is informal, warm, and often funny, with staff helping people into the water, explaining the sights, serving lunch, and keeping the day moving.

The team also adds small personal touches. Birthday celebrations have included the whole boat singing, and children may be invited to visit the captains table or briefly steer under supervision. These moments are not guaranteed, but they help explain why the cruise feels family-oriented rather than purely commercial.

The boat has several areas to spread out. The open deck gives you the best views and sun, while the lounge offers air conditioning when the heat becomes too much. The front captains table is a popular spot, so do not assume it will be available unless you arrive early.

The main comfort issue is crowding. The boat is attractive and well kept, but a full departure can make seating feel tight. Keep your belongings under control, and avoid reserving large areas with towels or bags.

Transport, timing, and what to pack

You can meet the boat directly at Protaras Pier, at the end near the Evelena Hotel. The alternative is a transfer from selected resorts in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, or Kapparis. Once the transfer bus fills, only the no-transfer option may remain available.

Pickup times are confirmed after booking. Be at the stated point five minutes early, then allow up to 15 minutes for a late bus. Drivers wait no longer than five minutes after the pickup time, so do not cut it close.

The cruise itself is listed at 210 minutes to five hours. The shorter duration appears in some outings, while transfer time can make the full day longer. Check the departure details carefully, especially if you have an evening reservation or airport plans.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash and a credit card
• Swimwear
• A compact bag that will not take up seating

Drones are not allowed, smoking indoors is prohibited, and outside drinks should stay ashore. The route can change because of sea conditions, sometimes without much advance warning.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this for families, couples, and groups who want several Cyprus highlights in one outing. It works particularly well if you want swimming, food, sightseeing, and a bit of history without spending a full day arranging separate activities.

Children from about school age upward should enjoy the slide, life jackets, noodles, and chance to swim. Teenagers also have enough to do, especially if they like jumping, snorkeling, music, and taking photos from the front deck.

You may prefer a smaller private boat if your priority is peace, personal space, or a quiet swim in an empty cove. This is a social cruise with a full schedule, a bar, music, and a family crowd.

I would also skip it if stairs are difficult for you. Boarding and toilet access both involve steps, and the boat is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Should you book the St Georgios II?

Yes, if you want strong value and a lively half-day on the water. The combination of Varosha, Cape Greco, two swimming stops, lunch, a free drink, and the huge slide gives you more variety than the price suggests.

Book it knowing that turtles are not guaranteed, the route may change, and the boat can feel busy. Arrive early for better seating, request vegetarian or children’s food when you board, and bring cash for drinks and the snorkel deposit.

For most families and casual visitors staying around Protaras or Ayia Napa, this is an easy choice. You get a good look at the coast, a useful introduction to Cyprus’s divided past, and plenty of time in the sea without paying luxury-charter prices.

FAQ

Where does the boat leave from?

The St Georgios II leaves from the end of Protaras Pier, near the Evelena Hotel.

Are hotel transfers included?

Transfers are included only if you select the transfer option. Pickup is available from selected central locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity is listed as lasting from 210 minutes to five hours. Check the available departure details when booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki.

Are vegetarian and children’s meals available?

A vegetarian patty and chicken nuggets can be prepared. Request these from the crew when you arrive at the boat.

Are drinks included?

One beer, wine, soda, or juice is included. Other drinks and snacks are available to purchase from the bar.

Can I use snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkel sets are available with a €20 cash deposit, which is refunded when you return the equipment safely.

Will I definitely see turtles?

No. Turtle sightings are possible at Green Bay or Turtle Bay, but they are not guaranteed.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. Boarding requires about 15 steps, and the toilets are also accessible only by stairs.