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

The giant slide is the star here, but the cruise gives you more than a splash into the sea. The St Georgios II sails from Protaras toward Varosha, Cape Greco, and the Blue Lagoon, combining coastal sightseeing with two proper swimming stops.

I especially like the generous Cypriot lunch and the crew’s warm, funny approach. You get baked chicken, homemade chips, cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki, plus one included drink. The main drawback is space: on a busy sailing, seating can feel tight, and the first swim stop may pass quickly.

Key points

• A giant inflatable slide lets you launch straight from the yacht into the sea.
• Varosha and Famagusta views add useful context about Cyprus’s divided past.
• Two swimming stops include the Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay, with turtles possible but never guaranteed.
• The lunch is unusually substantial for a boat trip, with vegetarian and children’s meals available by request.
• Pickup is optional from resorts in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis.
• Snorkel gear requires a €20 cash deposit, refunded when you return the equipment.

A yacht cruise with more substance than sunbathing

The St Georgios II is a polished, roomy yacht with a relaxing upper deck, an air-conditioned lounge, a bar, toilets, WiFi, and a front captain’s table that becomes a favorite perch for curious children and adults alike. You can sit back with the coastline in view, or move around for photographs as the boat heads east from Protaras.

This is not a quiet sailing reserved for couples seeking solitude. Music, swimming, a waterslide, commentary, and a friendly crew make it a lively family outing. The tone is informal, and the crew clearly enjoys working the boat. That matters on a trip lasting around three and a half hours to five hours, depending on the option and conditions.

You can board at the end of Protaras Pier, near the Evelena Hotel. If you choose a transfer, pickup is available from central points around Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis. The pickup point may be a short walk from your hotel, and the bus can arrive 20 to 60 minutes before sailing, so check the confirmed time carefully.

Varosha gives the cruise a serious first chapter

The boat first leaves Protaras and heads toward the Famagusta area. From the water, you look toward Varosha, the abandoned resort district often called a ghost town. The guide explains how events in 1974 divided Cyprus and left this once-famous holiday area largely closed off.

This short stop is valuable because it gives the day some context beyond beaches and swimming. You are not walking through Varosha, and the sightseeing from the boat is brief, so keep your expectations sensible. Still, seeing the coastline from the water while hearing the basic story helps you understand why Cyprus remains politically divided.

The commentary is offered in English, Greek, and Arabic. Other languages are available in written form through the cruise app. That makes the sightseeing more useful for mixed-language families, although you should not expect spoken commentary in every European language.

Fig Tree Bay and Cape Greco from the water

As the yacht returns along the coast, it passes Fig Tree Bay and continues toward Cape Greco National Park. From the boat, the coastline becomes a series of clear-water coves, rocky points, caves, and bright limestone formations.

The route includes views of the Agioi Anargyri Church, Lovers Bridge, and the Sancta Maria Shrine. These are quick photo opportunities rather than long shore visits. Bring your phone or camera, but protect it from spray, especially if you plan to use the slide or swim soon afterward.

I like this part of the trip because the boat lets you see several well-known sights without organizing separate taxis, walks, or beach visits. The trade-off is that you see them from offshore. If you want to explore a church or walk across a natural arch, this cruise will not replace a land excursion.

Blue Lagoon brings the first real swim

The boat moors at the Blue Lagoon for a break of roughly 45 minutes. This is where the day shifts from sightseeing to water time. You can swim, snorkel, use the free life jackets and pool noodles, or simply sit on deck and enjoy the view.

The water is the reason this stop works so well. It is clear, turquoise, and inviting, though the boat can become busy around the swimming area. The inflatable slide is the main attraction for children and many adults. It is large enough to feel like a proper ride rather than a small pool toy, but remember that the landing can be a little hard on your body. One person described the slide as not entirely painless, which is fair warning to land feet first and follow the crew’s instructions.

A €20 cash deposit is required if you borrow snorkeling equipment. You get it back when you return the set safely. Life jackets and pool noodles are available without that deposit.

The exact swimming time can change with sea conditions. Some people may find the first stop a little rushed, especially if they want to swim, snorkel, slide, and eat. If swimming is your main goal, get ready quickly when the boat anchors.

Lunch is a real part of the value

The traditional Cypriot lunch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a cheaper sightseeing boat. The meal includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. Portions are generous, and you can go back for more when food is available.

This is not just a sandwich handed over between stops. The meal gives the cruise a proper midday rhythm, and several people particularly praised the fresh chicken and the amount served. The boat also offers a vegetarian patty and chicken nuggets for children, but request these when you board.

One practical point: seating for the meal can be awkward when the boat is full. Bags left on seats can make the problem worse, so arrive early if your group wants to sit together. You may need to be flexible and share space during lunch.

One drink is included. You can choose beer, wine, soda, or juice. Additional drinks and snacks are sold at the bar, and drink prices have been described as reasonable compared with many resort bars. Bring a card for the bar, but carry cash for the snorkel deposit and small purchases. Do not bring your own drinks onto the boat.

Water is not consistently free, so do not assume a complimentary bottle will be waiting. One small bottle has been reported at €2, and it may be room temperature. Bring a reusable bottle only if the operator permits it, since outside drinks are not allowed, or plan to buy water onboard.

Turtle Bay is the second water stop

On the return journey, the boat calls at Turtle Bay, also referred to as Green Bay in the route details. The stop lasts about 45 minutes and is the best chance to see sea turtles in their natural surroundings.

The word chance matters. Turtles are wild animals, not part of a scheduled show, so nobody can promise a sighting. Some sailings see one or two turtles, sometimes close by, while others may see nothing. Keep your eyes open, but do not treat the cruise as a guaranteed wildlife trip.

The crew asks you not to touch marine life. That is both sensible and important. Swim calmly, keep your distance, and avoid chasing an animal for a photograph. You can snorkel, float, or use a life jacket while watching the water.

For many families, this becomes the most memorable part of the day. The stop is long enough to make the search worthwhile, and you still have the fun of swimming even if the turtles stay hidden.

The crew creates the mood

The boat’s crew is a major part of the experience. The style is warm, playful, and involved without feeling stiff. The guides explain the sights, help people into the water, manage the slide, and keep the meal moving.

The owner, Panayiotis, is known for welcoming people personally, while Ahman is praised for preparing the food. The crew also makes room for small touches, such as helping children take a turn steering under supervision and celebrating birthdays onboard.

That friendliness helps the cruise feel personal for a large group. It does not mean the boat is private or exclusive. You are sharing the deck, swim stops, bar, and lunch area with other passengers, and the atmosphere can become noisy during the busiest part of the day.

The boat has a front captain’s table, a relax deck, an indoor lounge with air conditioning, and free WiFi. The WiFi is handy for sharing photographs before you return to Protaras, though the sea itself is the main reason to keep your phone away for a while.

How the timing works on the water

The published duration ranges from 210 minutes to five hours, and the actual day depends on the selected cruise and sea conditions. One shorter option has been described as a three-and-a-half-hour trip. The listed route includes roughly:

• A short coastal cruise toward Famagusta and Varosha
• A sightseeing run along the Cape Greco coast
• About 45 minutes at the Blue Lagoon for lunch and swimming
• A return cruise along the coast
• About 45 minutes at Turtle Bay or Green Bay
• The final sail back to Protaras

This is a full half-day activity, not a quick boat ride. You have enough time to settle into the yacht, eat properly, and swim at two locations, but you should not expect long, quiet hours at every stop.

The route may change because of wind and sea conditions, sometimes without much advance notice. That is normal for a boat trip. If a particular cave, bay, or turtle sighting is your only reason for booking, you are taking a real chance.

Price and practical value at $47

At $47 per person, this is strong value if you want several activities in one outing. The price covers the yacht cruise, guide, lunch, WiFi, and one drink. You also get two swimming stops, a waterslide, coastal sightseeing, and the Varosha explanation.

Compare that with paying separately for a short boat ride, lunch at a beach restaurant, and a visit to a swimming cove. The cruise avoids those extra arrangements and gives you a full schedule for the price.

The value is especially good for families. Children have the slide, swimming, music, and the possibility of seeing turtles. Adults get scenery, a filling meal, historical context, and a bar. The main limits are the shared space and the fact that popular swim stops can feel busy.

Transfers add convenience, but they are not always needed. If you are staying near Protaras Pier, walking may be easier than taking a bus. If you are staying farther away in Ayia Napa, Pernera, or Kapparis, the transfer can save you the trouble of arranging transport. Pickup times can shift, and drivers wait no longer than five minutes, so be ready early.

Who will enjoy the St Georgios II most

I would choose this cruise for families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a lively sea day without paying private-charter prices. It suits you if you like to combine sightseeing with swimming and do not mind sharing the boat with a sizeable group.

It is also a good choice if you want a taste of several Cyprus highlights in one outing. You see Varosha, Fig Tree Bay, Cape Greco, the Blue Lagoon, and Turtle Bay without moving hotels or planning separate excursions.

I would be more cautious if you have limited mobility. Boarding requires about 15 steps, and the toilets are reached by stairs. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

You should also think twice if you want silence, privacy, or long hours on an empty beach. This is a social, organized cruise with music, commentary, food service, and water activities. The crew is friendly and the boat is comfortable, but it is still a group outing.

What to pack and how to make the day easier

Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, and a payment card. Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can change quickly when the boat anchors. A waterproof phone pouch is useful, especially if you want pictures near the slide or from the swim stops.

Arrive early if you want a good seat for your family. Keep bags compact and do not spread belongings over several seats. That small courtesy makes lunch and the return journey easier for everyone.

If you want snorkeling gear, bring €20 cash for the refundable deposit. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask for a life jacket before entering the water. The crew provides them, and the pool noodles are useful for relaxing rather than swimming hard.

Should you book this Protaras cruise?

Yes, if you want excellent value, a friendly crew, generous food, and plenty of water time in one half-day outing. The St Georgios II offers more than a scenic sail, and the giant slide gives the trip a clear edge for families with older children and teenagers.

Book it knowing that turtles are not guaranteed, seating may be tight, and the schedule can change with the sea. If those limits sound fair, the combination of Varosha, Cape Greco, the Blue Lagoon, a substantial Cypriot lunch, and two swim stops makes this one of the better-value boat days around Protaras.

FAQ

Where does the St Georgios II cruise depart from?

The boat is at the end of Protaras Pier. If you walk toward the Evelena Hotel, you will see the boats from there.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return are included only when you select the transfer option. Transfers serve central locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis, and the exact pickup point may be a two to seven minute walk from your accommodation.

How long does the cruise last?

The listed duration ranges from 210 minutes to five hours. A shorter option is described as a three-and-a-half-hour cruise. Check the available departure option when booking.

What food is served?

Lunch includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. A vegetarian patty and chicken nuggets can be prepared if you request them when you arrive at the boat.

Is a drink included?

Yes. You receive one beer, wine, soda, or juice. Additional drinks and snacks are available to buy at the onboard bar.

Can I use snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is available with a €20 cash deposit, which is refunded when you return the set safely. Life jackets and pool noodles are available for use.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. The cruise stops at Turtle Bay or Green Bay, where you may see turtles in their natural environment, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.