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

The best part of this Protaras cruise is the chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon’s clear water, with Cape Greco’s sea caves, Shark Mouth Cave, Lovers Bridge, and possible turtle sightings along the way. The boat also reaches the rocks beneath Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, a striking spot on Cyprus’s eastern edge.

I like the freshly cooked BBQ lunch and the easy mix of sightseeing and swimming. I also like the limited group size of up to 46 people, which gives you more room than a packed excursion boat. You get snorkeling gear, a restroom, WiFi, and one beer or cocktail in the price.

The main consideration is the pickup system. Transfer times can range from 5 to 75 minutes, and you may wait up to 15 minutes if the bus is late. There are also steps onto the boat and down to the washroom, so this is not a step-free outing.

Key details before you book

• Swim in the Blue Lagoon: The clearest water and main swimming stop come early in the cruise.
• Possible turtle sightings: Turtles have been seen during the swimming stops, sometimes close to the boat.
• Fresh BBQ lunch on board: Chicken, chips, pourgouri, pasta, and salad are included, with a vegetarian option available.
• See Cape Greco from the sea: You pass caves linked with pirate smuggling, Shark Mouth Cave, Lovers Bridge, and Konnos Bay.
• A history lesson at sea: The route includes a view toward Famagusta and the border with the occupied zone.
• Age and access rules: The cruise is for ages 16 and up, alcohol is only for those 18 and older, and stairs are required.

Blue Lagoon swimming with Cape Greco views

This cruise works best as a relaxed half-day on the water rather than a fast sightseeing trip. You leave from Protaras Pier at about 10:15 am, then cruise along the coast toward Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece. The water is described as crystal clear, and the boat stops so you can swim and use the supplied snorkeling equipment. You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a dry bag for anything you do not want splashed.

The swimming stop is also where the trip may become more memorable than a simple coastal cruise. Turtles have been seen in the water, and several people specifically singled out swimming near them as the highlight. Wildlife is never guaranteed, so book this for the clear water and coastal setting first, with turtles as a welcome bonus.

You will have access to life jackets as flotation aids. That is useful if you want to stay in the water without constantly swimming, though the provided information does not describe a formal swimming lesson or lifeguard service. Follow the crew’s directions around the boat and water.

Cape Greco’s caves, Shark Mouth Cave, and Lovers Bridge

After or around the swimming portion, the boat takes in the rocky coast of Cape Greco National Forest Park. Seeing the park from the sea gives you a different view than a road trip or walking visit. You can look back at the cliffs, arches, and caves from the water, with the boat able to approach the rocks closely in some areas.

Shark Mouth Cave and Lovers Bridge are named highlights. The route also includes natural caves once used by pirates to smuggle contraband onto Cyprus. The boat does not advertise a land visit to these sites, so expect a viewing cruise rather than a cave walk or shore excursion.

The sea-level perspective matters here. You are not simply stopping at a beach and taking a quick photograph. You can see how the rock formations meet the water, and the captain’s commentary may add context as the boat moves along. One detailed account described the commentary as informative without being constant, which suits a morning built around scenery, conversation, and swimming.

The boat goes right into the rocks beneath Agioi Anargyroi Chapel. The church is a distinct landmark and is described as the most easterly point of Cyprus. A cave below the chapel was the original place of worship, and from the front of the boat you can get close enough to touch the rocks.

That stop has a quiet religious and geographic interest. It is not a long guided visit, since admission is free and the experience is viewed from the boat. Still, the chapel and cave give the coastal scenery a sense of place beyond sun and sea.

Famagusta and the occupied-zone viewpoint

The cruise also turns toward a viewing point at the border of the occupied zone. From the water, you can see Famagusta in the distance and hear about the resort’s seizure by Turkish forces in 1974.

This part of the trip adds important modern history to a route that could otherwise be only a swim and lunch cruise. The subject is serious, and the exact amount of commentary may depend on the crew and conditions, but it gives you a chance to understand why the eastern Cyprus coast has political as well as holiday significance.

Do not expect a land crossing or a visit inside Famagusta’s restricted area. This is a view from the boat, with commentary. If you want a detailed history tour, this cruise is not a replacement for a dedicated Famagusta excursion. If you appreciate a short historical explanation alongside coastal sightseeing, it is a worthwhile part of the route.

Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay from the water

The boat passes Fig Tree Bay, one of Protaras’s best-known beaches, allowing you to see the curve of the coast from offshore. The stop is for viewing, not for getting off and spending time on the sand.

That distinction matters when planning your day. If you want a beach afternoon, you will need to return later or choose a separate beach visit. From the boat, though, you get a broad view of the beach and coastline without having to find a place on shore.

Konnos Bay appears as another coastal viewpoint. It marks the beginning of the national park area and is known for its sandy beach and clear water. Again, the cruise presents the bay from the sea rather than offering a scheduled shore stop.

I like this format because it keeps the cruise moving while still giving you several recognizable parts of the Protaras coast. The trade-off is simple: you see more places, but you do not spend long at each one.

A freshly prepared BBQ lunch on the boat

Lunch is included and prepared on board. The menu includes BBQ chicken, fried potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad. Pourgouri is a Cypriot bulgur-style dish often served as a simple, filling side, and it gives the meal a local touch beyond standard boat-trip food.

A vegetarian option is available within the menu. If you have a more specific dietary need, the supplied details do not explain how much advance notice is required, so it is sensible to ask when booking.

The meal is one of the stronger value points. You are not paying separately for a sit-down lunch after returning to shore, and the food is served during the cruise, when you can continue to enjoy the sea views. The menu is casual rather than gourmet, but it suits a three-hour morning on the water.

One alcoholic drink is included. You can choose a cocktail or beer, but alcohol is only available to people aged 18 and over. Additional sweet and savory snacks can be bought on board, while outside drinks are not permitted.

The single included drink is a modest benefit, not the reason to book. It is better viewed as a pleasant extra alongside the lunch, snorkeling, and boat ride. If you want several drinks, budget for purchases on board and bring a payment method accepted by the operator.

What the St Georgios Presidential is like

The boat carries a maximum of 46 people. That is not a private charter, but it is a manageable number for a popular coastal cruise. The boat’s design includes shaded areas and room to move around, which is important during a sunny morning.

You can choose between sitting in the shade and finding a more open position for views. The best place will change as the boat turns, so having space to move is more useful than claiming one seat and staying there.

There is a restroom on board, reached by steps. WiFi is also provided, though the main attraction is the coast rather than staying online. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel unless you prefer familiar gear.

The boat has steps from the pier, and the washroom also requires steps. Most people can participate, but this is worth considering if you have limited mobility, balance concerns, or difficulty using stairs. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Pickup, timing, and the real value of $48.27

The listed price is $48.27 per person. For roughly three hours, that includes the cruise, lunch, snorkeling equipment, life jackets as flotation aids, restroom access, WiFi, and one beer or cocktail for those aged 18 and over.

That is a fair package if you want a simple morning with several ingredients already arranged. A comparable self-planned day would still involve getting to the coast, choosing a boat, paying for food, and arranging water equipment. The value is strongest for you if you are staying outside central Protaras and want pickup included.

Pickup uses centralized points rather than direct collection from every hotel. Your ticket gives the exact pickup time, and you should arrive five minutes early. The bus may be up to 15 minutes late, and transfer time can range from 5 to 75 minutes depending on where you are staying.

That long transfer range is the biggest practical weakness. A three-hour cruise can become a much longer morning once hotel transfers are added. Check the ticket carefully, especially if you have another booking later in the day.

The cruise ends back at the same meeting point. Tips are not included, so plan to leave gratuities if the crew provides good service.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want a low-effort coastal morning with swimming, lunch, and scenic stops in one booking. It suits couples, families with older children, and friends who prefer a relaxed boat outing to a full-day land tour.

The age rule is important. The experience is for ages 16 and up, and if someone appears under 16, photo identification may be requested. Acceptable ID includes a passport, driving licence, or country ID card.

It is also a good fit if swimming with turtles appeals to you. The crew cannot promise wildlife, but the possibility is real enough to add excitement to the Blue Lagoon stop. Bring snorkeling gear only if you want your own equipment, since basic equipment is supplied.

I would think twice if you need a completely accessible boat, dislike group outings, or want a long stop on a beach. You will view Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay from the water, not relax on their sand. I would also avoid booking it too close to another fixed appointment because pickup times and weather can affect the day.

Booking, weather, and cancellation tips

Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.

The cruise requires suitable weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of bookings is not reached, the operator offers another experience or a full refund.

The cruise is offered in English. The supplied information does not name individual guides, so you should expect English commentary from the crew rather than a named private guide.

Should you book the St Georgios Presidential cruise?

Book it if you want to combine Cape Greco scenery, a Blue Lagoon swim, possible turtle sightings, a fresh BBQ lunch, and a drink without organizing each piece yourself. The limited capacity, shaded areas, and two swimming stops described in the experience make it more comfortable than a bare-bones boat transfer.

The strongest reason to book is the balance. You get clear water and natural formations, but also the Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, the Famagusta viewpoint, and a little context about the divided island. The best practical tip is to check your pickup time carefully and leave room in your schedule for the transfer.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a land visit to Famagusta, or long beach time. For a relaxed Protaras morning at $48.27, with lunch and equipment included, I think it offers solid value, provided the age, stair, pickup, and group-size details suit you.

FAQ

How long does the Protaras cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours. Some schedules may run closer to three and a half hours, so allow extra time if you have another appointment afterward.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts at Protaras Pier, located at 23C2+JJX, Paraliakos pedestrian walkway, Protaras to Pernera, Cyprus. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered from centralized pickup points. You should arrive five minutes before the scheduled pickup time and be prepared to wait up to 15 minutes if the bus is delayed. Transfer times range from 5 to 75 minutes depending on your location.

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included?

One cocktail or beer is included. Alcohol is available only to people aged 18 and over. Additional sweet and savory snacks can be purchased on board, and outside drinks are not permitted.

Is the cruise suitable for children and people with limited mobility?

The experience is for ages 16 and up. The boat has steps from the pier, and steps lead down to the washroom. Most people can participate, but the cruise is not described as step-free.