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

The best part of this cruise is the mix of Cyprus history and sea time. You sail toward Famagusta to view Varosha, the abandoned resort district frozen by the events of 1974, then turn south along the coast toward Cape Greco, where the water turns bright blue and the swimming stops take over. Add a huge inflatable slide, a generous lunch, and a crew that knows how to keep children and adults entertained.

I like the excellent value at $47 and the simple, cheerful rhythm of the day: scenery, swimming, food, music, and more swimming. I also like that the boat gives you choices, from the sunny upper deck to an air-conditioned lounge. The main drawback is space. On a busy sailing, seating around lunch can feel tight, and the swimming stops may seem short if you want a long, quiet swim.

Five things to know before you sail

• Varosha gives the cruise real context: You see the ghost town from the water and hear how the 1974 conflict divided Cyprus.
• The St Georgios II has a huge inflatable slide: It is a major draw for children, teenagers, and playful adults.
• Lunch is a proper Cypriot meal: Expect baked chicken, homemade chips, Cypriot couscous, salad, bread, and tzatziki, with vegetarian and children’s options available on request.
• Turtles are possible, not promised: The second swim stop at Green Bay, also called Turtle Bay, is your best chance to spot them in the wild.
• Transfers cover resort areas: Pickup is available in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis, or you can walk to the boat at the end of Protaras Pier.

Why this Protaras cruise is better than a simple boat ride

A standard sightseeing cruise can leave you with a few coastal photographs and not much else. This one works because it gives the day several different moods. You begin with history, move into coastal sightseeing, stop for a full meal, and then spend serious time in the water.

The St Georgios II is presented as a luxury yacht, but the atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal. You can sit on the open deck for wide views, use the indoor lounge if you want air conditioning, or make your way to the front captain’s table for a more exciting view of the route. The boat is described as clean and modern, though the most popular areas can fill quickly.

The crew is a big part of the experience. Panayiotis, the owner, is closely involved in welcoming people aboard, and Ahman is praised for the food. The staff mix safety instructions with jokes, music, and plenty of encouragement to use the slide. That matters on a family cruise. You are not left wondering what happens next.

The atmosphere is social. This is not a silent yacht charter for two people. Music plays, the bar stays open, and families tend to gather around the swimming areas. If you want a calm private cruise, this is not the right format. If you want an easy day where you can meet other people and keep the children busy, it fits well.

Setting out from Protaras Pier

The boat leaves from the end of Protaras Pier, near the Evelena Hotel. If you are staying close to central Protaras, you may find it easier to walk than to arrange a transfer. The meeting point can be confusing at first, so allow extra time and look for the boats at the end of the pier rather than waiting near a hotel entrance.

Optional transfers run from selected resorts in Protaras, Pernera, Kapparis, and Ayia Napa. Pickup locations are centralised, and your exact meeting point may be a short walk from your hotel. The bus can arrive 20 to 60 minutes before departure, depending on your resort, and you are asked to be ready five minutes before the stated time.

Transfer places can sell out. If that happens, you will need to make your own way to the pier. Drivers wait no longer than five minutes, so do not treat the pickup time as approximate. A little planning here saves a rushed start.

Boarding involves about 15 steps, and the toilets are also reached by stairs. This cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Bring sunscreen, a towel, cash, and a card for bar purchases. Leave drones at home, and do not bring your own drinks aboard.

Varosha and the divided story of Cyprus

The first major part of the route heads toward Famagusta to view Varosha. From the boat, you see the abandoned resort area along the shoreline. The buildings and empty beachfront are a stark contrast to the busy holiday coast around Protaras.

The guide explains what happened in 1974 and why Cyprus remains divided. This is brief rather than a full history lesson, but it gives the view meaning. You are not simply looking at old buildings. You are seeing a place shaped by conflict, displacement, and a political division that still affects the island.

The stop is mainly a scenic and photo opportunity. The boat does not take you into Varosha, so keep your expectations realistic. You will see the district from offshore and hear the basic story while the vessel passes by. For many people, that short explanation adds welcome depth to an otherwise lighthearted beach day.

After Varosha, the cruise follows the coastline. Fig Tree Bay comes into view, giving you a chance to compare one of Protaras’s most famous beaches with the quieter coves and rock formations farther along the coast.

Cape Greco’s caves, bridges, and coastal views

The route continues into the Cape Greco National Park area. From the water, you pass the Agioi Anargyri Church, Lovers Bridge, and the Sancta Maria Shrine. These are among the prettiest photo stops of the day, especially when seen from the boat with the rocky coast behind them.

The cruise gets close to caves and other coastal formations, but the exact route can change with sea conditions. That is worth remembering if you have your heart set on one particular photograph. The crew cannot always provide advance notice when the sea requires a change.

The open deck is the best place for panoramic views, but it also means full exposure to the sun. The air-conditioned lounge gives you a break when the heat becomes tiring. I would move between the two rather than staying outside for the whole trip. You get the photographs without turning the day into a test of endurance.

Blue Lagoon lunch and the giant slide

At the Blue Lagoon, the boat moors for a longer stop of about 45 minutes. This is when the cruise shifts from sightseeing to holiday fun. You can swim, snorkel, use the slide, or stay on deck and watch the action.

The inflatable slide is genuinely large and drops straight into the sea. It is not just a small children’s feature. Teenagers and adults use it too, though the landing can be a little less gentle than expected. Follow the crew’s instructions and use the available life jackets if you are not a strong swimmer.

Pool noodles and life jackets are available without charge. Snorkel equipment requires a €20 cash deposit, refunded when the set is returned safely. The water is the star here, but remember that the boat can feel busy when everyone heads for the same swimming area.

Lunch follows or takes place during this stop, depending on the exact running order. The standard meal is baked chicken, homemade chips, Cypriot couscous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. Portions are generous, and you can go back for more when food remains.

This is one of the strongest parts of the value. At $47, you are not paying only for a boat ride and a snack. You are getting a filling regional meal, a drink, swimming time, entertainment, and a full coastal route. The food is not fine dining, but it is hearty, familiar, and well suited to a day in the sun.

Vegetarians can request a vegetarian patty, and chicken nuggets can be prepared for children. Ask when you arrive at the boat rather than assuming the alternatives will appear automatically. One drink is included, such as beer, wine, soda, or juice. Extra drinks and snacks are sold at the bar.

Bar prices are described as reasonable compared with some places in town, but water is not necessarily free. One small bottle of room-temperature water was reported at €2, so bring cash and plan your drinks instead of relying on complimentary water.

Green Bay and the search for turtles

On the return route, the boat stops at Green Bay, also known as Turtle Bay. This is another swimming and snorkeling stop, with about 45 minutes set aside for the water. Several people have spotted one or two turtles here, sometimes from a distance and sometimes close enough to make the moment memorable.

The important phrase is not guaranteed. Turtles are wild animals, not part of a scheduled performance. You may see one, or you may spend the stop enjoying clear water and marine life without a sighting.

Do not touch marine life. If a turtle appears, keep your distance and let it move freely. That approach is better for the animal and gives everyone else a fair chance to see it.

Some people find the first swimming stop a little rushed, while the Green Bay stop often feels more generous. If swimming is your main reason for booking, get ready quickly when the boat anchors. Keep your towel and snorkeling deposit handy, and do not spend the entire stop taking photographs from the deck.

Food, seating, music, and the onboard mood

The lunch receives unusually strong praise because it is plentiful and tastes like a real cooked meal rather than a box of cold snacks. The chicken, chips, salad, couscous, bread, and tzatziki provide enough variety for a mixed-age group. Children have their own fallback option with chicken nuggets if requested.

Seating is the one practical issue to manage. There may be enough seats overall, but groups can lose space when bags spread across benches and tables. If you want to eat together, arrive early and keep your belongings compact. That small habit can make lunch much easier.

The crew keeps the tone warm and informal. Birthdays may receive a song from the whole boat, and children may get a chance to sit near the captain or help steer under supervision. These personal touches are not guaranteed, but they show the kind of family atmosphere the company aims for.

WiFi is available during the cruise, which is useful for sharing photographs as you go. I would not make it the focus. The best moments are the views from the coast and the water, not a perfect signal.

How the $47 price holds up

For $47 per person, this is one of the better-value full-day-style outings in the Protaras area, even though the cruise itself can be listed as roughly 3.5 hours to five hours depending on the departure option and schedule. The price includes the boat trip, guide, lunch, WiFi, and one drink. Resort pickup and return are included only when you select the transfer option.

The value improves if you plan to use the slide, swim at both stops, and eat lunch aboard. If you only want quiet sightseeing, part of the package may not matter to you. You are paying for an active, social cruise rather than a private scenic outing.

Extra spending is limited but worth planning for. You may buy drinks and snacks at the bar, and snorkeling equipment requires a refundable €20 cash deposit. Bring cash even if you expect to pay most costs by card.

The overall rating is 4.7 from 1,227 ratings, and the repeated praise focuses on the same things: friendly crew, plentiful food, clean boat, good music, and strong value. That consistency is useful. It suggests the experience is not dependent on one lucky day, though sea conditions and turtle sightings can still change your experience.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this cruise for families, couples who like active outings, and anyone who wants to combine Cape Greco scenery with swimming. Children from about six upward are likely to find plenty to do, while teenagers usually make a beeline for the slide and snorkeling.

It also works well for visitors who want a small taste of Cyprus beyond the beach. The Varosha explanation is short, but it gives the day a meaningful historical layer. You get coastal landmarks, local food, and a glimpse of a complicated island in one outing.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, dislike shared group activities, or want guaranteed turtle encounters. The stairs, busy seating, changeable sea conditions, and wild animals are all part of the deal.

Book early if you need a transfer, since bus capacity can fill. If you are staying near the pier, skip the bus and walk over, but confirm the exact meeting point. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead if your plans change, since that is the stated window for a full refund.

Should you book the St Georgios II cruise?

Yes, if you want a lively and good-value day on the water. The strongest reasons are the generous Cypriot lunch, the friendly crew, the two proper swim stops, and the unusual combination of Varosha history with Cape Greco scenery.

Go in knowing what this is: a shared family cruise with music, a bar, a big slide, and plenty of activity. It is not a quiet yacht charter, and turtles are a welcome bonus rather than a promise. For most visitors based in Protaras, Ayia Napa, Pernera, or Kapparis, the St Georgios II offers a lot for the price and makes an easy, memorable break from the pool.

FAQ

Where does the boat leave from?

The St Georgios II leaves from the end of Protaras Pier. If you head toward the Evelena Hotel, you should be able to see the boats from there.

Are hotel transfers included?

Transfers are included only if you select the option with pickup. Pickup is available from selected locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis. The exact meeting point may be a short walk from your resort.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity is listed as lasting between 210 minutes and five hours, depending on the selected option and schedule. Check the available departure details when booking.

What food is served at lunch?

Lunch includes baked chicken, homemade chips, Cypriot couscous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. A vegetarian patty is available on request, and chicken nuggets can be prepared for children if requested at the boat.

Is a drink included?

One drink is included. You can choose from beer, wine, soda, or juice. Additional drinks and snacks are available to purchase at the bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Will I definitely see turtles?

No. The boat stops at Green Bay, also called Turtle Bay, where turtles may be seen in their natural environment, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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