From Protaras: Turtle Cove & Blue Lagoon Cruise

The best part of this Protaras boat cruise is the chance to see a wide sweep of Cyprus’s east coast in one outing, then swim in two very different settings. Konnos Bay is the turtle stop, while the Blue Lagoon gives you a clear-water swim with the option to jump from the upper or lower deck.

I like the clean, spacious boat and the practical touches: toilets, Wi-Fi, shade, life jackets, and drinks and snacks for sale. I also like the crew’s care around turtles. At Konnos Bay, jumping from the boat and chasing or touching turtles are not allowed.

The main drawback is the short length of the trip. With about 30 minutes at each swimming stop, you get a taste of the coast rather than a full day on the water. The boat can also feel hot while everyone is boarding, and this trip is not a good choice if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Two 30-minute swimming stops: Swim at Konnos Bay and the Blue Lagoon, with a life jacket available if you need one.
• Turtles are possible, not promised: Konnos Bay is a regular turtle area, but wildlife follows its own schedule.
• Jump from the upper deck at the Blue Lagoon: The second stop allows jumping from both the lower and upper decks.
• A bigger boat with useful facilities: You get toilets, Wi-Fi, shade, seating, and space for up to 100 people.
• Coastal sights come with commentary: The route passes Fig Tree Bay, Cape Greco, sea caves, the chapel of Agioi Anargyroi, and the natural bridge.
• Good value at $36.30: The price includes the cruise, swimming stops, taxes, safety equipment, and onboard facilities, but not snorkeling gear, food, or drinks.

Leaving Protaras Pier for the east coast

The cruise begins at Protaras Pier, the main launch point for boat trips along this part of Cyprus. The pier is close to the center of Protaras, so it is easy to reach if you are staying in the resort town. Pernera is offered as a second pickup point, beside the small chapel of Agios Nikolaos and the local fishing shelter.

If you board at Pernera, you get a quick look at a more traditional side of the coast. The fishing shelter is home to about 80 small fishing boats, and the nearby chapel honors Agios Nikolaos, the patron saint of sailors. The setting gives the trip a pleasant local touch before you reach the busy resort beaches.

Allow a little patience during boarding. The boat can become hot while people are waiting to get on, especially in the afternoon. Once underway, you can choose between sun and shade, and the larger boat gives most people a reasonable view of the coast.

The capacity is listed at up to 100 people. That is not an intimate sailing trip, but it is useful if you prefer a stable boat with toilets, a snack counter, and room to move around. Several families and mixed-age groups can fit comfortably without the cramped feeling of a small speedboat.

Passing Pernera, Protaras, and Fig Tree Bay

The first part of the cruise follows the resort coast. Pernera developed as a holiday area after the Pernera Beach Hotel opened following the 1974 Turkish Invasion. Today, it combines hotels and beaches with a few reminders of its fishing past.

Protaras is best known for its sandy coves, especially Fig Tree Bay. The beach takes its name from the fig trees that once filled the area. A single well-known fig tree remains as a landmark and shade spot, making it an easy point to recognize from the water.

From the boat, you get a different view of the resort than you would from the promenade. You can see how the beaches fit into the coastline, and the water usually provides the main visual reward. The guide gives short commentary about points of interest, including local history and the natural features along the route.

The boat passes Green Bay, a sheltered spot known for clear water, snorkeling, and underwater sculptures. This is also an area where sea turtles are often seen. You do not get a separate swimming stop here, but the passing view helps explain why this stretch of coast is popular with people who want to see marine life.

Konnos Bay and the first turtle stop

Konnos Bay is the first major stop and one of the finest-looking beaches near Protaras. Its golden sand curves around a small bay, with calm, clear water and wooded slopes above. The boat remains offshore, and you get about 30 minutes to swim.

This stop is designed for a relaxed swim rather than a high-energy jump. Because turtles use the area, jumping from the boat is not allowed here. The crew also asks you not to chase, touch, or crowd any turtles. That rule may disappoint anyone hoping for an exciting leap, but it is exactly the right approach to wildlife.

Turtle sightings are possible, and some trips see several. They are never guaranteed, though, and the time of year and sea conditions can affect your chances. You should treat a turtle as a lucky extra, not as the main reason to book.

Bring your own snorkel and mask if you want to watch beneath the surface. Snorkeling equipment is not included, although it can be purchased onboard. Life jackets are provided, and one non-swimmer described being able to enjoy the sea with a life jacket, so you do not need to be a confident swimmer to take part.

The stop is short but well judged for a trip of this length. You have enough time for a swim and perhaps a few minutes of looking for turtles, but not enough time for a long snorkel session or a leisurely beach visit. Since you do not go ashore, anyone wanting to sit on Konnos Bay’s sand should plan a separate visit.

Cape Greco’s cliffs, chapel, and sea caves

After Konnos Bay, the boat continues around Cape Greco National Forest Park. The cape lies between Protaras and Ayia Napa and marks the easternmost point of the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union.

The coast here changes from resort beaches to pale rock, cliffs, caves, and open sea. The boat gets close to some of the sea caves, giving you good chances for photographs. One especially useful touch is that the captain turns the boat around at the caves so people on different sides can see them.

The chapel of Agioi Anargyroi is one of the most memorable sights on this section. Painted blue and white, it sits at the edge of a cliff above the water and is dedicated to Saints Kosmas and Damianos. A cave below contains holy water, and the chapel is also used for weddings and baptisms.

The sea below the chapel is popular with divers, with an entry depth of about nine meters and underwater rocks, plants, and fish. You will not make a separate stop there on this trip, but the view from the boat shows why the area attracts people who enjoy the sea below as well as above it.

The route also passes a natural rock bridge, shaped by erosion over thousands of years. It has been slowly wearing away, so this is a good place to take photographs rather than assume the formation will look the same forever. Local folklore adds another layer to the scenery: Cape Greco is linked with stories of the Ayia Napa sea monster.

The Blue Lagoon and the second swim

The Blue Lagoon is the cruise’s second swimming stop and the place for a more playful finish. The water is clear enough to see down toward the seabed, and the sheltered setting makes it inviting for a swim or snorkel.

Here, you can jump from either the lower or upper deck. That makes the Blue Lagoon different from Konnos Bay, where wildlife protection means no jumping. If you are not interested in jumping, you can use the ladder and swim at your own pace.

You get about 30 minutes in the lagoon. This is enough for a proper swim, especially if you get into the water promptly. It is not enough for a long exploration of the whole cove, so keep an eye on the time and return to the boat when asked.

The water and fish make this a useful place for snorkeling, but equipment is not included. Bring your own gear if you have it. Otherwise, you can buy snorkeling equipment on the boat, along with drinks and snacks.

The Blue Lagoon is a popular stop, so do not expect complete solitude. The larger boat and the number of boats visiting the area can make it feel busy. Still, the clear water and the chance to jump from the top deck give this part of the cruise a cheerful, family-friendly feel.

Comfort, commentary, and the onboard setup

Aphrodite I Cruises uses a larger boat rather than a small open craft. That choice matters in Cyprus, where a few hours in strong sun can become tiring. You get indoor or shaded space, outdoor seating, toilets, and room to spread out.

The boat has Wi-Fi, which is handy if you want to send photos while you are still at sea. It is a minor feature, but it suits this sort of outing. You can take pictures of the cliffs and coves, then share them before the day is over.

A bar or galley serves drinks and snacks, and prices are described as reasonable. Food choices appear limited, so bring something extra if you need a substantial meal. The tour information specifically lists drinks and snacks as additional purchases, along with snorkeling equipment.

The crew provides life jackets and multilingual brochures. Commentary is given as the boat passes points of interest, with information about Cyprus and the coast. The quality of the commentary is one of the stronger parts of the trip, especially if you want more than a silent ride between swimming spots.

The boat is kept very clean, and the crew is friendly and helpful. Staff have also assisted less able passengers, but the available information does not promise a fully accessible vessel. If mobility is important to you, ask the operator before booking.

Is $36.30 good value?

At $36.30 per person, this is a fair price for a 2-hour-45-minute coastal cruise with two swimming stops. The cost includes taxes, the boat ride, life jackets, Wi-Fi, and use of the onboard restroom. You are paying for both the scenery and the convenience of reaching several coves in one trip.

The value is strongest if you want a simple half-day activity. You do not need to arrange a boat yourself, and you get the coast, Cape Greco, two swims, and a chance to see turtles in one package. The price also compares well with a longer outing if your schedule is tight.

It is less compelling if your main aim is snorkeling for hours or spending a full day at sea. The two swim stops are only 30 minutes each, and the most scenic beaches are viewed from the boat rather than visited on foot.

The trip is offered in English, with multilingual brochures available. The boat can carry up to 100 people, so you should choose it for comfort and range rather than privacy. Morning departures may feel less crowded, though the exact number of people can change from one sailing to another.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip for families, couples, mixed-age groups, and anyone staying in Protaras or Pernera who wants a straightforward introduction to the coast. Non-swimmers can use a life jacket, and the boat offers shade and toilets, which make the outing easier for older relatives and younger children.

It also suits people who want turtle sightings without treating wildlife like an attraction to be handled. The crew’s restrictions at Konnos Bay are important, and you should be happy to follow them.

Strong swimmers and keen snorkelers may find the 30-minute stops too brief. People prone to seasickness should think twice, since the operator specifically warns against this. Good weather is required, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

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

Should you book the Turtle Cove and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want good coastal coverage in under three hours, with two swims, useful onboard facilities, and a real chance of seeing turtles. The clean boat, friendly crew, commentary, and careful treatment of wildlife give it more substance than a simple ride to a swim spot.

Skip it if you want a quiet private boat, a long snorkeling session, or guaranteed turtle encounters. For most people staying in Protaras, though, the $36.30 price is a sensible way to see Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The main departure point is Protaras Pier. Pernera Fishing Shelter, beside the Agios Nikolaos chapel, is also used as a second pickup point.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

How long are the swimming stops?

You get about 30 minutes at Konnos Bay and about 30 minutes at the Blue Lagoon.

Can I see turtles on this cruise?

Turtles are often seen around Konnos Bay and Green Bay, but sightings are not guaranteed. You must not chase, touch, or crowd them.

Can I jump from the boat?

Jumping is not allowed at Konnos Bay because turtles use the area. At the Blue Lagoon, jumping is allowed from both the upper and lower decks.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available to purchase onboard. You can also bring your own equipment.

Are drinks and food included?

No. Drinks and snacks are available to purchase onboard.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes. The boat has an onboard restroom, Wi-Fi, life jackets, and multilingual brochures.