Protaras: Adults Presidents Cruise with Slide, BBQ & 1 Drink

The sea gets the first word. This three-hour cruise aboard the historic St Georgios 1 combines Protaras coastline views, two swim stops, a freshly cooked BBQ lunch, and a useful introduction to Cyprus’s divided past. I especially like the adult-only setting, which keeps the mood calm, and the chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon with a slide, snorkel gear, and clear water all close at hand. The main caution is that the itinerary can change with sea conditions, and neither the slide nor turtle sightings is guaranteed.

At $47 per person, this is strong value if you want a little of everything without spending a full day at sea. You get lunch, water, Wi-Fi, a guide, and one included wine, beer, soda, or juice. The boat can feel busier than a private yacht, and the view of Famagusta and Varosha is from offshore, not close up.

Why this cruise is worth a look

• A former presidential yacht: St Georgios 1 was once the private yacht of Cyprus president Glafcos Clerides, and its classic fittings give the trip more character than a standard excursion boat.
• Two proper swim stops: The Blue Lagoon and Green Bay provide time for swimming, snorkeling, and, if conditions allow, a slide ride.
• A useful history lesson: The cruise explains Varosha, the abandoned part of Famagusta, and the political division of Cyprus.
• A generous onboard lunch: Grilled chicken, chips, Cyprus couscous, salad, and tzatziki make this more than a token buffet.
• Turtles are possible: Green turtles are sometimes seen around Green Bay, but you should treat them as a bonus, not a promise.
• Adults aged 16 and over: The quieter format suits couples and adults who want music, drinks, swimming, and scenery without small children onboard.

Boarding St Georgios 1 at Protaras Pier

If you are making your own way, head to the end of Protaras Pier. The boat is called St Georgios, and the latest boarding time is 9:45 AM. If you choose the transport option, pickup and drop-off are available at a long list of hotels and stops around Protaras and Ayia Napa.

Boarding involves about 15 steps. That is manageable for many people, but the cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The toilet is down a steep stairway too, so keep that in mind before settling in for the ride.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. St Georgios 1 was once used by President Glafcos Clerides, one of Cyprus’s best-known political figures. Original period details, polished rails, classic fittings, and the captain’s instruments give the vessel a little character. It feels more special than a bare-bones sightseeing boat, while still being set up for swimming and lunch.

You can sit on the Relax Deck for open-air views or use the air-conditioned lounge with sea views through the windows. The front Captain’s Table is a natural place for conversation and sightseeing, though one practical tip is worth noting: if you sit too far forward, you may not hear the loudspeaker clearly at first. Crew members do walk around and repeat instructions.

Protaras coastline views before lunch

The first part of the cruise follows the Protaras coast. You will pass some of the area’s most photogenic sights, including Fig Tree Bay, Cape Greco, the white Agioi Anargyri Chapel, and Lovers Bridge.

Fig Tree Bay is known for its golden curve and clear water. Cape Greco brings the more rugged scenery, with pale cliffs and rocky edges meeting the sea. The chapel and Lovers Bridge add the postcard moments. Keep your phone ready, but do not spend the whole ride staring at a screen. The best views often arrive quickly as the boat moves along the coast.

The cruise gives you a broad look at the area rather than a long stop at every sight. That is useful if you want an overview in a short time, but it also means you should not expect a detailed visit to each place. This is a boat tour first, with sightseeing woven between the swimming and meal.

Seeing Famagusta and Varosha from the water

As the boat heads north, the Famagusta District comes into view. The guide talks about Famagusta and Varosha, the famous abandoned section of the city that has remained closed and largely empty for decades.

This part gives the cruise more substance than a simple sun-and-swim outing. Cyprus is divided, and the story of Varosha helps explain how that division affects the island today. The connection to Clerides adds another layer, since his political life included efforts toward dialogue and reconciliation.

You will see the area from offshore, so the view is distant. Do not book this expecting a close examination of the ghost town. Still, the guide’s explanation helps you understand what you are looking at, and the subject gives you something to think about while the boat continues along the coast.

English, Greek, and Arabic are spoken onboard. The cruise app provides written material in many additional languages, including German, French, Dutch, Italian is not listed, and a long range of other languages. The platform description marks all those languages as live options, but the practical detail is that only English, Greek, and Arabic are spoken onboard, while the rest are available in written form through the app.

Blue Lagoon: the main swimming stop

The Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece of the outing. The water is famously clear and turquoise, and St Georgios 1 anchors for about 45 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, float, or use the platform and slide if the wind and sea conditions permit.

The slide is a fun extra, but do not book this cruise solely for that feature. Its use is not guaranteed. Strong wind or rough water can make it unsafe, and the crew may keep it closed.

The swim stop is long enough to feel worthwhile rather than rushed, although timing can vary. One useful piece of advice is to bring your towel and sunscreen, and carry cash for anything you buy at the bar. You are asked not to bring your own food or drinks onboard, and you cannot touch marine life.

This is also a good place to decide how much activity you want. You can jump in from the boat, use the slide, or simply sit in the shade and watch the water. The boat has both sun and sheltered areas, which matters on hot summer days.

BBQ lunch with a drink included

Lunch is served onboard and is one of the strongest parts of the package. The meal includes freshly grilled chicken, homemade chips, Cyprus couscous, salad, and tzatziki. Vegetarian items are available from the food selection, so you are not limited to the meat dish.

The portions have been described as generous, and the food is especially welcome after swimming. The crew serves a straightforward, filling meal rather than trying to turn lunch into fine dining. That is exactly right for a boat excursion.

One wine, beer, soda, or juice is included in the $47 price. Water is also included. Extra drinks and snacks can be purchased at the bar. Some package variations may offer additional drink deals for a fee, but check the option you select rather than assuming unlimited drinks are part of the standard price.

There is one practical seating tip. The BBQ smoke can drift toward the back of the boat while food is being prepared. If you have respiratory problems or dislike smoke, sit toward the front when you board. A past passenger found this uncomfortable for roughly half an hour, while others praised the food and service. It is a small issue, but an easy one to avoid.

Green Bay and the turtle possibility

The second major stop is Green Bay, with about 45 minutes set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and watching for marine life. This is where you may see green sea turtles surfacing near the boat.

Turtle sightings have been a highlight for many people on this cruise. Some have seen more than one, and the sight can be unforgettable when a turtle rises beside the hull. But these are wild animals, not part of a staged encounter. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the crew must not disturb them.

Do not chase, touch, or feed marine life. Bring patience and keep your eyes on the water. Even without a turtle, Green Bay gives you another chance to swim in clear water and cool off before the return ride.

Weather matters here too. On one outing, the boat could not stop at Green Bay because of wind. The crew may alter the route or skip a stop for safety, sometimes without much advance notice. That is a normal limitation of a sea cruise, not a flaw in the idea, but you should be comfortable with a flexible plan.

The crew, music, and onboard atmosphere

The crew receives some of the strongest praise attached to this experience. The mood is friendly and social, with music, a bar, and staff who keep an eye on passengers during the swim stops.

Crew members named in the feedback include Eslam, Hassan, Carlos, and Lee. Eslam was singled out for being kind and caring, Hassan for being helpful, Carlos for making the bar service feel special, and Lee for being especially useful during one trip. Names and staffing can change, but they give you a sense of the personal service this boat aims for.

The cruise is adults-only, but that does not mean silent or formal. Expect a relaxed party atmosphere rather than a quiet historical voyage. The crew mixes sightseeing commentary with entertainment, and one passenger particularly enjoyed the history talk about Famagusta along with the music.

The boat has enough seating for everyone, though one account found it busier than expected. Another praised the fact that each person had a table and seat. Both impressions can be true depending on the departure and where you sit. If you want the best choice of seats, board early, but remember that early boarding may place you near the BBQ smoke if you sit at the back.

Is $47 a good price?

At $47, the cruise offers a useful bundle: boat transport, a guide, Wi-Fi, water, lunch, one drink, two swimming areas, and coastal sightseeing. Add hotel transfers if you choose that option, and the price becomes even easier to justify if you are staying outside central Protaras or Ayia Napa.

The value is strongest for anyone who wants a half-day outing with several elements packed together. A separate boat ride, restaurant lunch, and trip to the Blue Lagoon could cost more and require extra planning. Here, you pay once and spend the morning moving between scenery, history, swimming, and food.

The value is weaker if you want a long-distance cruise or a small private group. One person felt the route did not travel far enough, while another thought there were more people onboard than expected. The cruise spends a good amount of time anchored or moving between nearby coastal sights, rather than taking you on a long voyage.

The advertised duration is three hours, though some departures have lasted close to three and a half hours. Plan your morning with a little flexibility, especially if you have a later reservation or transport connection.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would choose this cruise if you want:

• A short, well-rounded morning on the water
• Swimming and snorkeling without booking a full-day excursion
• A proper hot lunch rather than packaged snacks
• A friendly adult atmosphere
• Coastal views with some Cyprus history
• A chance to see turtles without paying for a dedicated wildlife trip
• Hotel pickup and drop-off as part of your chosen option

I would look elsewhere if you need step-free access, want guaranteed use of the slide, or expect to see Varosha from close range. It may also disappoint you if your ideal boat trip means a quiet, uncrowded yacht with very little commentary or entertainment.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Do not bring outside food or drinks, drones, or smoking materials for indoor use. Wear something practical for wet steps and swimming, and keep your expectations flexible when the sea is unsettled.

FAQ

How long is the Presidents Cruise?

The stated duration is three hours. Some departures may run closer to three and a half hours, so allow extra time in your plans.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from the end of Protaras Pier. It is called St Georgios, and the latest boarding time is 9:45 AM.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you choose the transport option. Numerous stops are listed around Protaras and Ayia Napa.

What food is included?

Lunch includes grilled chicken, homemade chips, Cyprus couscous, salad, and tzatziki. Vegetarian items are available from the food selection.

Is a drink included?

Yes. One glass of wine, beer, soda, or juice is included for each person. Water is also provided.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

No. You must be at least 16 years old to board. Photo identification may be requested if you appear younger.

Will I definitely see turtles?

No. Green turtles are sometimes seen around Green Bay, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the slide always open?

No. The inflatable slide depends on wind and sea conditions, so its use is not guaranteed.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. Boarding requires about 15 steps, and the boat toilet is reached by a steep staircase. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Should you book the St Georgios 1 cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value adult boat trip that combines Protaras scenery, swimming, lunch, and a little history in one compact outing. The friendly crew, clean yacht, generous meal, and Blue Lagoon stop are the main reasons this experience earns such high marks.

Just keep the limits in mind. The boat is not a private charter, Varosha is viewed from a distance, the itinerary can change with the wind, and turtles and the slide are possible extras rather than promises. For most adults staying in Protaras or Ayia Napa, though, $47 buys a satisfying morning with plenty to do and very little planning to handle yourself.