From Protaras: Catamaran Cruise to Blue Lagoon

Crystal water, cold drinks, and a good stretch of Cyprus coast make this cruise easy to like. The Mediterraneo III catamaran combines Cape Greco, Blue Lagoon, Varosha, and several swim stops in a half-day outing. I especially like the included lunch and open bar, plus the easy hotel pickup from Ayia Napa and Protaras. The main thing to consider is that the boat can feel busy, and the music may be too loud if you want a quiet family outing.

At $69 per person, this is strong value if you plan to swim and make good use of the food and drinks. You should bring your own mask if seeing fish matters to you, since snorkeling equipment is not guaranteed for everyone. The cruise is also weather dependent, and the route can change when the sea gets rough.

Key points to know before booking

• Three possible swim stops: The cruise usually includes two or three chances to swim, with clear water, showers, floats, and sometimes paddleboards available.
• Cape Greco is the visual highlight: The route passes the sea caves, Blue Lagoon, Fig Tree Bay, and the rugged eastern coast.
• Varosha adds a striking historical view: You can look toward the abandoned part of Famagusta from the sea.
• Lunch and an open bar are included: Expect buffet food, fruit, dessert, soft drinks, beer, and cocktails.
• Pickup is convenient but not universal: Hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras are covered, with some Green Bay accommodations excluded.
• The atmosphere is relaxed rather than a party cruise: Music is part of the experience, though it can be loud at times.

What the Protaras Blue Lagoon cruise is really like

This is a four to five-hour catamaran trip along Cyprus’s southeastern coast. It is built around scenery, swimming, lunch, and easygoing time on the water rather than guided sightseeing at a series of land attractions.

You board the Mediterraneo III after pickup from your hotel or an assigned meeting point. Collection generally starts at 3:00 PM, with September and October departures beginning at 2:00 PM. Some schedules have also operated earlier in the day, so check the exact departure time when booking.

The cruise has earned a 4.6 rating from 534 reviews, which tells you the basic formula works well. The most praised parts are consistent: friendly crew, plentiful drinks, good swim stops, a comfortable boat, and a generous lunch.

I would describe this as a social but not necessarily rowdy cruise. You can stretch out on the catamaran, listen to music, order a drink, and watch the coast pass by. It is a good fit for couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a simple day at sea without arranging transport or meals separately.

The ride from Ayia Napa or Protaras

Hotel pickup is included from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, or from an assigned meeting point. That saves you the trouble of finding the harbor and arranging a taxi, though the vehicle can vary.

Past transfers have included a double-decker bus and an open-top wedding-style bus. The unusual vehicles can be fun, but open-air transport is not ideal in very hot weather. There have also been complaints about a subcontracted return coach being dirty or lacking effective air conditioning. These appear to be transport issues rather than problems with the boat, but they are worth keeping in mind.

Pickup is not available from Cavo Maris Hotel or accommodations within walking distance of Green Bay. If you are staying in one of those places, confirm your meeting point before paying.

Once onboard, the crew handles the practical details. English is the operating language, and the crew has been praised for being friendly, attentive, and helpful. One particularly nice touch is the willingness to assist people who have difficulty walking on uneven ground, although formal accessible service is not advertised.

Looking toward Varosha and Derynia Bay

The first major direction is toward Famagusta, where you can view Varosha from the water. Varosha is the abandoned resort district of Famagusta, left empty and fenced off for decades after the division of Cyprus. Seeing it from a catamaran gives you a different perspective than a standard beach or town visit.

This is not a shore excursion into Varosha. You will not walk through the district, and the cruise does not provide a long historical lecture. Instead, it is a brief but memorable coastal view, especially for anyone interested in Cyprus’s divided past.

The boat then reaches Derynia Bay for a swim stop. The exact order and length of stops can change with sea conditions and the day’s program. You may find the first swim more appealing than the sightseeing because it gets you into the water early.

Bring swimwear under your clothes if possible. The cruise is designed for swimming, and you will get more from it if you are ready to use the stops rather than treating them as quick photo breaks.

Fig Tree Bay and the eastern coast

The catamaran continues along the coast past Fig Tree Bay, one of the best-known beaches near Protaras. From the water, you see the beach and shoreline from a calmer angle, without needing to find a place on the sand.

The wider coastal views are a major reason to choose this cruise instead of spending the whole day at a hotel pool. You get a changing view of beaches, rock formations, and open Mediterranean water while the catamaran provides shade, seating, and space to move around.

The boat is large enough to avoid feeling cramped on many departures, though the experience depends on how full the sailing is. Some departures have plenty of room, while others may feel close to capacity. If you want one of the front sun loungers, arrive early when boarding begins. Those places are limited and tend to go first.

A practical point: the front of the boat gives you a fine view, but it also gets the strongest sun and spray. The best place depends on your priorities. Choose the front for sunbathing and scenery, or stay farther back if you prefer easier access to the bar and more shade.

Cape Greco sea caves and Blue Lagoon

Cape Greco is the scenic center of the trip. The catamaran passes the famous sea caves and continues toward Blue Lagoon, where the water is known for its clear, bright appearance.

You should not expect to swim freely into every cave or right up to the rocks. Boat traffic and safety rules can limit how close you get. One drawback is that you may be asked to stay near the catamaran rather than swim around the caves. That protects you from passing boats, but it also means you may not get the close-up underwater exploration you imagined.

Still, the setting is excellent for a swim stop. Several departures have offered two or three stops, and some have included time at Turtle Bay or another nearby cove. Turtles and dolphins are possible sightings, but they are not guaranteed. Enjoy them if they appear, but do not book this trip as a wildlife tour.

The water is the star. It is clear enough for basic snorkeling, and the crew may provide goggles, floats, life jackets, canoes, or paddleboards. Equipment varies, so bring your own mask if you care about looking below the surface. A towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential.

Freshwater showers are available after swimming. That matters more than it sounds, especially if you have long hair or dislike sitting in saltwater for the rest of the cruise.

Lunch, cocktails, and the open bar

Lunch is served as a buffet, often around the Blue Lagoon portion of the route. Food has included salads, bread, chicken, rice, mezze, seasonal fruit, and dessert. The meal is filling rather than gourmet, but the range makes it easier for mixed groups to find something suitable.

The food has received plenty of praise, though some people have found it simply okay. That is a fair expectation. You are paying for a boat trip with meals and drinks, not a restaurant tasting menu.

Vegetarian choices are available, and staff have helped people with dietary needs identify suitable dishes. If you have a serious allergy or strict dietary requirement, ask before boarding rather than relying on the buffet labels.

The open bar is a major part of the value. It includes water, soft drinks, beer, fruit, cocktails, and other alcoholic drinks. The crew has also been willing to make drinks outside the listed selection when possible. Nonalcoholic options are available, so the package is not only useful for people who drink alcohol.

At $69, lunch and unlimited drinks make the price look better than a basic boat ride. If you only want a short scenic sail and do not drink, a cheaper sightseeing boat might suit you better. If you expect to swim, eat onboard, and enjoy a few cocktails, this package is much easier to justify.

Music, seating, and the onboard mood

Music helps create the holiday atmosphere. Several departures have had a good playlist and a relaxed feel, rather than turning into a full party boat. That makes the cruise suitable for people who want a pleasant social outing without nonstop dancing.

The volume is not always gentle. On some sailings, the music has been loud enough to make conversation difficult. If you are traveling with family and want to talk throughout the trip, this may frustrate you.

The catamaran itself offers a useful mix of spaces. You can seek a front sun lounger, sit around the main deck, or move around during the sailing. The boat has been described as comfortable and spacious, but capacity varies by departure.

Solo visitors should find the setup approachable. The crew has made a point of including people traveling alone, and the open layout makes it easier to find a place without feeling stranded.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The cruise lasts about four to five hours. That is long enough for several swim stops and lunch without taking your entire day. The afternoon and sunset versions can be especially appealing if you want softer light along the coast, though exact schedules change.

The sea controls the program. Strong wind, rough water, or other conditions can change the route and swimming schedule. This is normal for a boat trip, but it means you should keep your plans flexible and avoid booking a tightly timed evening activity afterward.

Pack:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Your own snorkeling mask if underwater viewing matters
• A light cover-up for the ride back

Pets are not allowed. You can bring snorkeling equipment onboard, but the activity does not promise that a mask will be available for every person.

The cruise is not the best choice if you dislike boats, cannot swim, or want a quiet beach day with complete control over your space. It is also not a substitute for exploring Cape Greco on foot or visiting Varosha on land.

Is the $69 price good value?

I think the price is fair, and often very good, if you use the full package. Hotel pickup, a half-day catamaran trip, multiple swim stops, buffet lunch, fruit, dessert, and an open bar add up quickly if purchased separately.

The strongest value comes from the combination of transport and onboard service. You do not need to plan a route to the harbor, find lunch, or carry drinks for the day. The crew also supplies practical extras such as floats, life jackets, freshwater rinses, and sometimes paddleboards or snorkeling gear.

The value is less convincing if you want a small sailing boat or a quiet private experience. This is a shared cruise, and the boat may be busy during high season. The included food is good holiday buffet fare, not a special culinary event.

For many visitors staying in Protaras or Ayia Napa, the convenience alone makes it a sensible choice. You get the coast, the water, the famous Cape Greco area, and a view toward Varosha in one half-day outing.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a simple, well-organized day on the Mediterranean. It works particularly well for:

• Couples who want scenery and swimming without hiring a boat
• Families with older children who enjoy water time
• Solo visitors looking for an easy social activity
• Visitors who value included drinks and food
• Anyone staying in Ayia Napa or Protaras without a rental car

I would hesitate if you want detailed historical guiding, guaranteed turtle sightings, close access to sea caves, or a peaceful boat with no loud music. You should also think twice if you prefer a sandy beach experience, since this is a boat-based outing with swimming from the catamaran.

Book it if you see the sea as the main attraction. The best moments are likely to come from jumping into clear water, watching the coast from the deck, and enjoying a cold drink afterward.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately four to five hours.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $69 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, or from assigned meeting points.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup generally starts at 3:00 PM. During September and October, collection starts at 2:00 PM. Exact times should be checked when booking.

Are there any hotels without pickup?

Pickup is not available from Cavo Maris Hotel or accommodations within walking distance of Green Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet meal is included, along with seasonal fruit and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The cruise includes an open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, including cocktails, beer, water, and soft drinks.

How many times can I swim?

The schedule commonly includes two or three swim stops, but the exact program can change because of weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. You may also bring your own snorkeling equipment.