Protaras: Famagusta, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove Boat Trip

The main draw is simple: two swim stops in clear Cape Greco water, with a real chance to see sea turtles. You cruise past Famagusta, Konnos Beach, sea caves, and Kamara tou Koraka before stopping at Turtle Cove and the Blue Lagoon. The boat has plenty of room, shaded areas, clean toilets, and an air-conditioned cabin.

I like the low price and the choice of swimming or staying dry. I also like the practical comfort: a 32-meter boat, a sun deck, indoor seating, a bar, and underwater viewing windows. The main caution is that the advertised three hours can run closer to two and a half, and Famagusta may be viewed from a distance rather than reached closely.

Key points to know before boarding

• Two swimming stops: One is aimed at turtle sightings, and the other is at the Cape Greco Blue Lagoon.
• A spacious 32-meter boat: You get sun, shade, air conditioning, toilets, and room to move around.
• Famagusta from the sea: The view is scenic, but do not expect a shore visit or a close approach every time.
• Bring your own mask and snorkel: The clear water is much more interesting when you can look below the surface.
• Food is not included: Drinks, snacks, ice cream, and cocktails are sold aboard, with fruit sometimes served during the return trip.
• Good value with a few limits: At about $29 per person, it is a cheap way to get on the water, though the exact route and running time can vary.

Setting off from Protaras Pier

The boat leaves from the large pier beside Evalena Hotel in Protaras. There are two scheduled departures, at 11:00 in the morning and 2:00 in the afternoon, so you can choose between a brighter morning outing or a more relaxed afternoon cruise.

You should arrive with your booking details ready, but the pier itself is the important part. This is not a hotel pickup tour, so you need to make your own way to Protaras Pier. The boat is large and easy to spot on the pier, and it is described as wheelchair accessible.

Once aboard, choose your position with care. The top deck gives you the best open views and plenty of sun, while the shaded areas are better for children, anyone sensitive to heat, or anyone who wants to keep a camera dry. The air-conditioned interior is useful when the Cyprus sun starts to feel too strong.

The boat has a bar selling soft drinks, beer, cocktails, snacks, and ice cream. These are extra, but prices have generally been considered reasonable. Drinks are not included, and you are not allowed to bring drinks aboard, so plan to buy something on the boat if you need refreshments.

The coastal run toward Famagusta

The first part of the trip is a sightseeing cruise rather than a fast transfer. You pass the Protaras coast and Paralimni Marina, with views that are best enjoyed from the upper deck. The guide provides commentary in English, though the speaker system can be difficult to hear from some parts of the boat.

The Famagusta section is mainly about seeing the city from the water. You can take photographs of the coastline and get a different perspective from the usual land-based viewpoints. It is a worthwhile addition because it gives the cruise a clear destination, but keep your expectations measured.

The boat does not always travel close to Famagusta. On some departures, you might see it only from a distance, and the advertised photo stop may be brief or not take place exactly as described. If your main goal is a close look at Famagusta or a historical tour of the city, this is not the right excursion. If you simply want a coastal view and a few photographs, it works well enough.

The boat then turns back along the coast. You pass Fig Tree Bay, one of the best-known beaches near Protaras, before heading toward Konnos Beach and Cape Greco. This section is often the prettiest part of the cruise, with clear water, rocky coves, and striking coastal formations.

Passing Konnos Beach and Kamara tou Koraka

Konnos Beach is viewed from the boat and may also be used as part of the swimming program. From the water, you get a fine sense of how the beach sits between the headlands. The stop is not a land visit, so do not expect time to walk onto the sand or explore the beach facilities.

The route also passes Cape Greco sea caves and Kamara tou Koraka, the natural rock arch along the Cape Greco coast. These sights are best treated as photo opportunities. The captain or guide may point them out, but the amount of commentary can depend on where you are sitting and how clearly the loudspeaker carries.

This is a good reason to bring a camera with a wide angle setting. You will want to photograph the full curve of the coves and the rock formations, not just the water directly beside the boat. A phone with a waterproof case is useful once the swimming begins.

One limitation is that the boat may not go close to every sea cave. The route can change with conditions, traffic, and timing. You will see the coast, but this is not a dedicated sea cave expedition.

Turtle Cove and the first swim

The first major swim stop is in the area known as Turtle Cove or Turtle Bay. This is the part that attracts most people, and rightly so. The water is clear enough for you to see fish and, with good fortune, sea turtles moving below the surface.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Several people found that the underwater experience was much better with proper face gear than by simply looking over the side of the boat. You can also bring swimming goggles, though a snorkel lets you stay in the water longer without lifting your head.

Turtle sightings are not guaranteed. You may see a turtle close to the boat, or you may see none at all. Wildlife is not a scheduled performance, and the best approach is to enjoy the water even if the turtles keep their distance.

There is an important ethical point here. The boat has eight aquariums containing freshwater fish, and concerns have been raised about the use of small tanks for animals, including turtles. Some departures have involved crew members attracting turtles with food. I would prefer to see turtles left entirely free, without feeding or keeping marine animals in cramped display conditions.

That does not cancel out the natural appeal of the bay, but it is worth knowing before you book. You can enjoy the clear sea and watch wildlife in its own environment. If animal welfare is a major concern for you, ask the operator how the aquariums and turtle encounters are handled before paying.

The swim itself is usually the highlight. The sea is refreshing, and the water around the boat can be remarkably transparent. If you are not swimming, you can watch from the deck or use the underwater viewing area, though the glass may not always be perfectly clear.

The Blue Lagoon swim stop

The second swim is at Cape Greco Blue Lagoon, a popular place for its bright, clear water and sheltered feel. This is the stop where you can swim, snorkel, or simply float beside the boat while looking back at the rocky coastline.

The Blue Lagoon is not an empty secret spot. Other boats use the same area, especially in the warmer months. Still, the water is the reason to come, and you get a much better experience by entering the sea rather than staying on deck for the full stop.

The two-stop format gives the trip good balance. The first stop offers the possibility of turtles, while the Blue Lagoon gives you a second chance to swim even if the wildlife does not appear. Families often appreciate this because children can spend real time in the water instead of waiting through a long sightseeing cruise.

Use the handrails and take care on the stairs after swimming. Wet decks can become slippery, particularly when people are moving between the upper deck and the interior. A small dry bag is helpful for phones, wallets, and room keys.

What the boat is like for three hours

The boat is the strongest practical feature of this excursion. At 32 meters, it has more room than the smaller coastal boats that operate in the same area. You can move between the sun deck, shaded sections, the air-conditioned interior, and the underwater viewing area.

The clean toilets matter more than you might expect on a three-hour boat trip. The interior also gives you a place to cool down if the afternoon becomes hot. This makes the outing easier for families and for anyone who does not want to spend the entire time in direct sun.

Music is played during the cruise, usually at a relaxed volume, though the atmosphere can vary by departure. Some sailings feel quiet and calm, while others have more of a casual party-boat mood. The crew has been praised for being friendly and helpful, with captains such as George, Antonakis Gregoriou, and Kypros named for their warm approach on different trips.

The underwater viewing area is a nice extra, but it should not be the sole reason you book. Glass-bottom viewing depends on water clarity, boat position, and how clean the windows are. The aquariums with freshwater fish add something for children, but the animal welfare concern is a real weakness.

Fresh fruit may be handed out during the return journey, sometimes including watermelon. It is a small touch, but welcome after swimming. Food is otherwise not included, so bring money for the bar if you want a snack or cold drink.

How much value do you get for about $29?

At about $29 per person, this is one of the cheaper ways to combine a boat cruise, coastal sightseeing, and two swim stops around Protaras. You are not paying for a full meal, hotel transfers, or a long guided visit to Famagusta. You are paying for time on the water and access to the Cape Greco swimming areas.

That makes the value strong for a short holiday outing. A beach day can cost less if you already have transport and equipment, but this cruise lets you see several coastal sights without arranging a boat yourself. You also get air conditioning, toilets, shaded seating, and a bar.

The trip is listed as three hours, but actual running time can be closer to two hours and twenty minutes or two and a half hours. That is not a major issue if you want a compact outing, but it matters if you are planning a tight schedule around lunch, a transfer, or another tour.

The cost is especially fair for families who want an activity without a full-day commitment. Children can swim, look for fish, and enjoy the boat without being trapped aboard for six hours. Adults who want a serious historical visit to Famagusta or a quiet private cruise should spend more on a different type of tour.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. That helps if your plans depend on weather or if you are booking several days ahead.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would choose this cruise if you want a relaxed, inexpensive taste of the Cyprus coast. It suits families, couples, casual swimmers, and anyone who wants a few hours at sea rather than a full-day excursion.

You will get the most from it if you:

• Enjoy swimming in open water
• Bring your own snorkeling mask
• Want sun and fresh air but also need an air-conditioned cabin
• Are happy with a view of Famagusta rather than a land visit
• Can accept that turtle sightings are not certain
• Prefer a large, stable-feeling boat to a small speedboat

I would think twice if your main aim is a close Famagusta visit, a detailed history talk, or an undisturbed wildlife encounter. I would also ask about the aquarium displays if the treatment of animals is important to your booking decision.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a cheap and flexible coastal outing with two chances to swim. The clear water, spacious boat, friendly crew, and possible turtle sightings give it plenty of appeal for the price.

Book it with realistic expectations. Famagusta is a sea view, not a city tour. The trip may finish earlier than the stated three hours, and turtles may not appear. The concerns about animals kept in tanks also deserve attention.

For most families and casual visitors based in Protaras, this is a good-value way to see Cape Greco from the water. Bring a mask, use sunscreen, keep your phone protected, and choose a shaded seat before the boat gets underway.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from the large Protaras Pier beside Evalena Hotel.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs twice daily, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

How long is the boat trip?

It is advertised as three hours, though some departures last about two hours and twenty minutes to two and a half hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach Protaras Pier yourself.

Does the trip visit Famagusta?

The boat cruises toward Famagusta and provides sea views and photo opportunities. It does not include a shore visit to the city.

Are there swimming stops?

Yes. The trip includes swimming at Turtle Cove and the Cape Greco Blue Lagoon area.

Can I snorkel during the trip?

Yes. You can bring your own snorkeling gear and use it during the swimming stops.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. Sea turtles are often seen in the area, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is food included?

No. Drinks, snacks, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, and ice cream are available to buy aboard. Fruit may also be served during the trip.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.