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

Varosha is the unusual heart of this boat trip. From the sea, you’ll look toward the abandoned resort area of Famagusta while the guide explains how the events of 1974 divided Cyprus. Then the mood shifts from history to holiday: a huge inflatable slide, bright water, music, and a generous Cypriot lunch.

I especially like the mix of coastal scenery and swimming time. You are not stuck on a boat for five hours simply admiring the shore. There are stops at the Blue Lagoon and Green Bay, with noodles and life jackets available, plus the chance to spot turtles. The crew also gets high marks for being warm, funny, and helpful. Panayiotis, the owner, is often involved in welcoming people aboard, and Ahman is praised for the food.

The main consideration is space. This is a popular family cruise, not a private yacht charter, so seating can become awkward if people spread bags around. The swimming stops may also feel short, and turtles are never guaranteed. If you have mobility problems, note that boarding requires about 15 steps and the toilets are reached by stairs.

Key points at a glance

• Varosha from the water: Hear a clear introduction to the divided history of Cyprus while looking toward the ghost town.
• Two proper swim stops: The Blue Lagoon and Green Bay offer time for swimming, snorkeling, and the inflatable slide.
• Turtle spotting at Green Bay: You may see turtles in their natural setting, but sightings depend on luck and sea conditions.
• A filling Cypriot lunch: Expect baked chicken, homemade chips, couscous, salad, bread, and tzatziki, with vegetarian and children’s options on request.
• A boat built for families: The St Georgios II has a relax deck, air-conditioned lounge, free WiFi, life jackets, pool noodles, and a large slide.
• Strong value at $47: A cruise, guide, lunch, one drink, and optional transfers are included, though extra drinks and snorkel equipment cost more.

The St Georgios II gives you more than a short boat ride

At $47 per person, this is priced as an accessible half-day outing rather than a luxury charter. The word luxury in the title refers mainly to the clean, attractive St Georgios II and its useful facilities. You still share the boat with a sizeable group, and seating is not reserved.

That is not necessarily a bad thing. The atmosphere is lively and social, with music, a bar, children using the slide, and a crew that takes an active role in keeping the mood light. Several people have found the food, service, and drinks prices better than expected at this price point.

The cruise can last about 210 minutes or up to five hours, depending on the selected departure and schedule. The supplied timing also shows a 3.5-hour version, so check the exact duration before paying. Sea conditions can change the route or timing, sometimes without much advance notice.

Starting at Protaras Pier

The boat is at the end of Protaras Pier. If you walk toward the Evelena Hotel, you should be able to see the boats from that area. The meeting point is simple once you are on the seafront, but one person reported some confusion about the departure location, so allow time to find the pier.

You can also choose pickup from selected resorts in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis. Transfers use central pickup points, which may be a two to seven minute walk from your hotel. Pickup is usually 20 to 60 minutes before departure, and the exact place is confirmed after booking.

The bus is intended to keep the morning moving. Be at the stated pickup point five minutes early and allow another 15 minutes in case the vehicle is late. Drivers wait no more than five minutes after the pickup time, so this is one part of the day where nearly on time is not good enough.

Varosha adds real context before the swimming begins

The first sightseeing section heads toward Famagusta and Varosha. From the boat, you get a coastal view and a short guided explanation of the events of 1974 and the political division of Cyprus.

This is not a long history lecture. The viewing stop is brief, with roughly five minutes listed for Varosha and another five minutes around the Famagusta area. Still, it gives the day some substance. You are not only passing pretty beaches and rock formations. You are also seeing a place tied to one of the island’s most painful modern stories.

Expect a view from the water rather than access to the abandoned district. The boat passes by and pauses for photographs. If Varosha is your main reason for booking, keep expectations in check. The value here is the guide’s explanation and the unusual sea perspective, not an extended historical tour.

Fig Tree Bay and Cape Greco make the best photo section

After leaving the Famagusta area, the boat follows the coast past Fig Tree Bay and toward Cape Greco National Park. This is where you’ll want your camera ready.

The route includes Agioi Anargyri Church, Lovers Bridge, and the Sancta Maria Shrine. The boat brings you close to caves and rock formations, according to the route description, and the guide points out the main sights as you pass. These stops are short, so your best photos may come while the boat is moving.

I like this part because the views keep changing. You see beaches, low cliffs, sea caves, shrines, and the open water around Cape Greco without having to organize several separate visits. On the other hand, the cruise is not designed for long walks ashore. You see these places from the deck and waterline, then continue.

The upper deck is the place for broad views and sun. The indoor lounge gives you air conditioning when the heat becomes too much. The front captain’s table is described as a popular spot, but it may not remain free for long on a busy sailing.

Blue Lagoon is the main swim and lunch stop

The boat moors at the Blue Lagoon for a break of about 45 minutes. This is the first major chance to get into the turquoise water, use the slide, and try snorkeling.

The inflatable slide is a major part of the appeal, especially for children and teenagers. It is large enough to feel like an event rather than a small pool toy. Some people found the landing a little less gentle than expected, so hold your body carefully and follow the crew’s instructions. Life jackets and pool noodles are available at no extra charge, which helps less confident swimmers join in.

Snorkel sets are available for a refundable cash deposit of €20. You get the deposit back when the equipment is returned safely. Bring cash for this, even if you plan to pay for other things by card.

Lunch is served on board during this stop. The standard plate includes baked chicken, homemade chips, Cyprus couscous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. It is generous, and you may be able to return for more. Vegetarian patties are available, while chicken nuggets can be prepared for children, but you need to request these when you arrive.

The food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this boat over a cheaper sightseeing cruise. It is simple food, not fine dining, but it is hot, filling, and suited to a day in the sun. One free drink is included, with beer, wine, soda, or juice among the choices.

The bar remains open for extra drinks and snacks. Prices have been described as reasonable, though do not assume bottled water is free. One report specifically noted a small bottle of room-temperature water costing €2. Bring a reusable bottle if you have one, but remember that outside drinks are not allowed on board.

Green Bay is your best chance for turtles

The second swimming stop is at Green Bay, also called Turtle Bay in the activity description. The boat allows about 45 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing.

This is the spot where you may see turtles in their natural surroundings. Several people have been lucky enough to see one or two, sometimes quite close, while others saw a turtle only from a distance. The crew cannot promise a sighting, and you should not treat it as the main guarantee of the trip.

The responsible approach is important. Do not touch marine life, and do not chase turtles for a photograph. If you see one, give it room and enjoy the moment. The water stop is worthwhile even without a turtle because you get time to swim in a scenic part of the Protaras coast.

Some people feel the first swim stop passes quickly, while the second feels more relaxed. That balance can change with sea conditions and the day’s schedule. If swimming is your priority, go into the water promptly rather than spending the whole stop taking photos from the deck.

Food, crew, and onboard atmosphere

The crew is one of the clearest strengths of this experience. You can expect English, Greek, and Arabic to be spoken on board. Written information in other languages is available through the cruise app, where you select the language on screen.

The staff’s style is friendly and playful, but they also handle the practical side of the trip. Life jackets are available, the bar is supervised, and the crew helps keep the swim stops moving. Families have found the tone welcoming, and children may get small moments of attention, such as being invited to help steer under supervision.

The boat has free WiFi, which is useful for sharing photographs before you return to shore. It can also help if you need to contact someone during the day, though the best reason to stay connected is probably sending a quick turtle photo to friends at home.

Music plays during the sailing sections. This adds holiday energy, but it may not suit anyone looking for a silent, private cruise. The St Georgios II is better for people who enjoy a sociable boat day with commentary, food, and activities.

How to get the best seat and avoid small annoyances

Board early if you are traveling as a group. Seating is one of the few repeated practical complaints, and the problem is often bags taking up more room than necessary rather than a total lack of seats. If you want to eat together, arrive with enough time to settle in.

Pack a towel, sunscreen, cash, and a card. You will need cash for the €20 snorkel deposit, and you may want money for drinks. Wear something that can get wet, and keep your phone secure around the slide and swimming platforms.

The boat is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You need to manage approximately 15 steps to board, and the toilets are also reached by stairs. Smoking is not allowed indoors, and drones are prohibited.

The route may change when the sea is rough or conditions are unsuitable. That could affect the order of the stops, the length of a swim, or the exact sights you see. The operator may not always be able to give advance warning, so book this as a flexible coastal outing rather than a tightly fixed sightseeing program.

Is this cruise good value at $47?

For $47, the package is hard to criticize if you want several kinds of activity in one day. You get the boat trip, guide, lunch, WiFi, and one drink. The optional hotel transfer adds convenience, though it also adds pickup time and is only available while bus capacity remains.

The strongest value comes from the combination. A short boat ride with one drink might feel ordinary. Add the Varosha explanation, Cape Greco sights, two swimming stops, the slide, a full lunch, and a possible turtle sighting, and the price becomes much more attractive.

There are extra costs to remember. Drinks beyond the included one are sold at the bar, and the snorkel deposit is €20 in cash, though refunded when the equipment is returned. A cheaper cruise may also be quieter or less crowded, but it is unlikely to offer this many included elements at the same price.

Who should book the St Georgios II cruise?

I would choose this for families, couples who want a relaxed day on the water, and anyone staying in Protaras or Ayia Napa who wants to see several coastal sights without arranging transport between them. Children from about six upward appear to have plenty to do, while teenagers get the slide, swimming, snorkeling, music, and turtle search.

It also works well for visitors who want a taste of Cyprus beyond the beach. The Varosha explanation and Cape Greco landmarks give the outing more meaning than a simple swim boat.

I would look elsewhere if you want a private sailing, a quiet luxury atmosphere, long uninterrupted snorkeling, or guaranteed turtles. People with limited mobility should also avoid it because of the stairs. For everyone else, arrive early, pack light, request special lunch options on boarding, and treat the turtle sighting as a bonus rather than a promise.

FAQ

Where does the St Georgios II cruise leave from?

The boat is at the end of Protaras Pier. If you head toward the Evelena Hotel, you should see the boats from that area.

Can I book hotel pickup?

Yes. Pickup is available from selected central locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis. The exact pickup point may be a two to seven minute walk from your hotel, and confirmation is sent after booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes baked chicken, homemade chips, Cyprus couscous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. A vegetarian patty and chicken nuggets for children can be prepared if requested when you arrive at the boat.

Are drinks included?

One drink is included, with options such as beer, wine, soda, or juice. Additional drinks and snacks can be purchased at the bar.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkel equipment is available for a €20 cash deposit. The deposit is refunded when you return the set safely. Life jackets and pool noodles are available free of charge.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. The cruise visits Green Bay, where you may see turtles, but sightings depend on conditions and luck. You must not touch marine life.