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

Pack your swimsuit and a sense of fun. The St Georgios II combines Cape Greco scenery, two swimming stops, a generous Cypriot lunch, and a huge inflatable slide for about $47 per person. I like the mix of sightseeing and easygoing fun, especially the chance to see Varosha from the water and then cool off in the Blue Lagoon. The crew also earns high marks for being friendly, funny, and helpful.

I also like the value. Your price includes the cruise, lunch, WiFi, a guide, and one drink, while extra drinks are sold at the onboard bar. The main caution is space: the boat can feel busy, seating may be tight, and the swimming stops may seem short if you want long, quiet time in the water. Turtles are possible at Turtle Bay, but never guaranteed.

Key points to know before booking

• The St Georgios II has a giant inflatable slide: It is the playful centerpiece of the cruise, though one person found the landing a little uncomfortable.
• Varosha adds real historical context: You see the abandoned resort area from offshore and hear how the events of 1974 divided Cyprus.
• Two swim stops break up the sightseeing: The Blue Lagoon is used for lunch and swimming, while Green Bay, also called Turtle Bay, is the main wildlife stop.
• The food is a real strength: Expect baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cypriot cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki, with vegetarian and children’s options available on request.
• Transfers cover major resorts: Pickup is available in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis, but central pickup points may require a short walk.
• It is not suitable for limited mobility: Boarding involves about 15 steps, and the toilets can only be reached by stairs.

From Protaras Pier to the open sea

The boat leaves from the end of Protaras Pier, close to the Evelena Hotel. If you are staying near Sunrise Beach or along the Protaras seafront, walking may be easier than taking a transfer. One useful detail: the meeting point can cause confusion, so give yourself time to find the pier rather than arriving at the last minute.

You can also select hotel pickup and drop-off. The service covers resort areas in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis, using central points that may sit two to seven minutes from your accommodation. Pickup can be 20 to 60 minutes before departure, and the bus may arrive up to 15 minutes late, so do not plan a tight connection afterward.

The cruise length is advertised as 210 minutes to five hours. The boat portion is commonly described as about three and a half hours, while transfer time can make the full outing longer. Check the departure time and exact pickup instructions after booking, since the operator confirms these details later.

Once aboard, you can choose between open-air areas for sea views and a lounge with air conditioning. The front captain’s table is a popular place to watch the boat move along the coast, while the upper deck is better for sun and wide views. Arrive early if you are traveling as a group and want to sit together. Bags can take up more seating than expected.

Famagusta and the abandoned resort of Varosha

The first major sightseeing section heads toward Famagusta. From the water, you look across toward Varosha, the once-famous resort area that has remained abandoned since the division of Cyprus in 1974.

This part is not just a quick photo stop with pretty water behind it. The guide explains the events that split the island and left Varosha closed off for decades. You will not explore the ghost town on foot, but the view from offshore gives useful context before the cruise turns back along the coast.

The explanation is delivered in English, Greek, and Arabic. Information in other languages is available through the cruise app in written form. If this history matters to you, listen closely here, since the rest of the trip shifts toward scenery, swimming, food, and music.

The sightseeing stretch lasts longer than the actual Varosha stop. You pass the Famagusta coastline, take photographs, and then continue toward Cape Greco. The pace is relaxed, though the open deck can be sunny and exposed. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are sensible additions to your day bag.

Cape Greco’s coastal sights

The boat hugs the Protaras coastline on the way south, passing Fig Tree Bay before reaching the Cape Greco National Park area. From the water, you see several landmarks that are difficult to appreciate from a road or beach viewpoint.

The Agioi Anargyri Church is one of the most recognizable sights. You also pass Lovers Bridge and the Sancta Maria Shrine, with the crew pointing out the best angles for photographs. These stops are short, but the boat brings you close enough for useful pictures.

This is the section where the open deck pays off. The coastline, sea caves, rock formations, and clear water make the upper level the best place for views. The air-conditioned lounge is welcome if the sun becomes too strong, but you will want to step outside for the main sights.

The exact route can change with sea conditions. The operator may not always be able to give advance notice, so treat the promised stops as a plan rather than a fixed guarantee. That flexibility is normal on a small coastal cruise, but it is worth remembering if you are booking mainly for one particular viewpoint.

Blue Lagoon swimming and a generous lunch

At the Blue Lagoon, the St Georgios II moors for a longer break. You have time to swim, snorkel, use the slide, and enjoy lunch onboard. The turquoise water is the star here, and the stop gives the cruise its strongest balance of relaxation and activity.

The slide is large enough to make a proper splash rather than serving as a small children’s toy. Kids and teenagers tend to head for it quickly, but adults can use it too. Life jackets and pool noodles are available at no charge, which helps less confident swimmers enjoy the water.

Snorkeling equipment is available with a refundable cash deposit of €20. Bring cash if you want to use it. The deposit is returned when the set comes back safely. You should also bring your own towel, sunscreen, and a payment card for the bar.

Lunch is more substantial than the usual sandwich or packet of crisps served on a boat trip. The meal includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. Vegetarian patties are available, and chicken nuggets can be prepared for children if you request them when you board.

The food is one of the most consistently praised parts of the cruise. Portions are generous, and you can go back for more when available. The meal is simple, hearty, and well suited to a day spent swimming rather than formal dining. Do not expect restaurant service, but you should not leave hungry.

One practical note is worth highlighting: one recent booking description suggested that water was free, but a small bottle was sold for €2. Bring your own drink only if the operator allows it, since outside drinks are not permitted onboard. The bar remains open throughout the cruise and sells drinks and snacks. Your included drink can be beer, wine, soda, or juice.

Green Bay and the search for turtles

The return route includes a stop at Green Bay, often called Turtle Bay. This is the cruise’s best chance to see sea turtles in their natural environment, and the crew keeps an eye out while the boat is in the area.

You may see a turtle close to the boat, or you may spot one at a distance. You may also see none. The operator makes no promise, and that is important because a turtle sighting depends on wildlife, water conditions, and luck. Do not book this as a guaranteed wildlife tour.

The swimming period here is listed at about 45 minutes, although the feel of each stop can vary. Some people find the first stop a little rushed and prefer the longer second stop at Turtle Bay. If you want to swim, snorkel, and use the slide, get ready before the boat arrives so you do not lose half the break sorting your belongings.

You must not touch marine life. That rule matters even if a turtle comes near you. Keep your distance, avoid chasing animals, and let the crew guide the boat and swimmers.

A friendly crew and a relaxed onboard mood

The staff are a major reason this cruise earns such strong marks. The atmosphere is informal, with music, jokes, and plenty of help getting in and out of the water. The guide keeps the sightseeing from feeling dry, while the crew handles lunch, drinks, safety equipment, and the slide.

The personal touch can be noticeable. One birthday passenger received a song from the whole boat, and one child was invited to steer under supervision. Those moments are not a promised part of the package, but they show the warm style that runs through the experience.

The owner, Panayiotis, is also named in one account as being especially welcoming. Chef Ahman receives praise for the food. You should not book based on meeting a particular staff member, since the crew can vary, but the overall service style is clearly a selling point.

The boat itself is modern, clean, and attractive. It is not a private yacht experience. You share the decks with other families and couples, and seating can become competitive. Still, the vessel offers enough variety to spread out between the lounge, relax deck, front area, and swimming platforms.

Is $47 good value?

At roughly $47 per person, this is strong value for a half-day boat outing. You receive a coastal cruise, a guide, lunch, WiFi, one drink, two swimming opportunities, access to life jackets and pool noodles, and the slide. A comparable beach day could cost nearly as much once you add meals, drinks, and equipment.

The value is especially good for families. Children have something active to do, adults get scenery and lunch, and nobody has to organize separate transport between beaches. The bar prices are described as reasonable, sometimes cheaper than drinks in town, though you should budget for extras.

The package is less compelling if your main goal is a quiet private sailing trip. The boat can be busy, music is part of the atmosphere, and the slide and family focus create a lively setting. You are paying for a social excursion with plenty packed into a few hours, not solitude.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to families, couples who want a simple day on the water, and anyone staying in the Protaras or Ayia Napa area who wants to see several coastal sights in one outing. It also suits visitors who prefer a planned activity with lunch included rather than arranging separate beach stops.

It is a good choice if you like mixing history, scenery, swimming, and food. The Varosha explanation gives the trip more substance than a pure pleasure cruise, while Cape Greco and the Blue Lagoon supply the postcard views.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility. Boarding requires around 15 steps, the toilets are reached by stairs, and getting into the water involves ladders or steps. The cruise is also less suitable if you need a guaranteed turtle sighting, a private boat, or long uninterrupted swim time.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your plans are still moving, but sea conditions can still change the route.

Should you book the St Georgios II?

Yes, if you want a well-priced, cheerful boat day with strong food, pretty Cape Greco scenery, and real time in the water. The best reasons to choose it are the generous lunch, warm crew, clean yacht, and the combination of Blue Lagoon swimming with Turtle Bay wildlife spotting.

Go in with sensible expectations. You may share space with a fairly full boat, the sea can alter the route, and turtles are a bonus rather than a promise. Arrive early for seating, bring cash for the €20 snorkel deposit, and wear sunscreen from the start.

For about $47, the St Georgios II gives you a lot: history, coastline, lunch, swimming, a giant slide, and the chance to see one of Cyprus’s most memorable animals. That is a very fair deal for a family-friendly half-day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the St Georgios II cruise depart from?

The boat departs from the end of Protaras Pier. If you walk toward the Evelena Hotel, you should be able to see the boats from that area.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the transfer option. Pickup is available from central locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis, and the exact meeting point may be a short walk from your accommodation.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity is listed as lasting from 210 minutes to five hours. Transfer time can add to the total time away from your hotel.

What food is served onboard?

Lunch includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. A vegetarian patty is available, and chicken nuggets can be prepared for children if requested onboard.

Are drinks included?

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

Can I use snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is available with a €20 cash deposit, which is refunded when the equipment is returned safely. Life jackets and pool noodles are available without charge.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. The boat visits Turtle Bay to look for turtles, but sightings depend on natural conditions and are not guaranteed. You must not touch marine life.