Protaras: Famagusta, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove Boat Trip

Turtles make this short cruise memorable. From Protaras Pier, you get a scenic ride past Famagusta, Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Beach, Cape Greco, and Kamara tou Koraka, with two chances to swim in clear coastal water. I especially like the spacious 32-meter boat, the air-conditioned cabin, and the low price of $29 per person.

I also like the choice of viewing the sea from several angles: the upper sun deck, the indoor underwater windows, and eight aquariums containing freshwater fish. The main consideration is that the cruise may last closer to two and a half hours than three, and the boat may not approach Famagusta or the sea caves as closely as you expect.

• Two swimming stops give you time at both the turtle area and Cape Greco’s Blue Lagoon.
• Sea turtle sightings are possible, not guaranteed, but many passengers see turtles close to the boat.
• The 32-meter vessel has room to spread out, with shaded deck areas, clean toilets, and air conditioning.
• The route passes major Protaras and Cape Greco sights, including Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Beach, sea caves, and Kamara tou Koraka.
• Drinks, snacks, ice cream, and cocktails are sold onboard, while fruit has sometimes been offered at no extra cost.
• The best practical tip is to bring your own mask and snorkel, since you will see much more in the clear water.

A low-cost way to see the Protaras coast

This is a sightseeing cruise with swimming, not a full-day sailing adventure. The boat leaves the large pier beside Evalena Hotel in Protaras twice daily, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. You return to the same pier after a coastal loop lasting about three hours according to the advertised schedule, though some departures have lasted about two hours and 20 minutes to two hours and 30 minutes.

That shorter format is part of the appeal. You can fit the trip into a morning or afternoon without giving up a whole beach day. At $29 per person, the price is especially appealing for families and couples who want sea views, a couple of swims, and a chance to see turtles without paying for a private boat.

You should arrive at the pier with your booking name or confirmation details ready. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Protaras Pier.

Boarding the spacious glass-bottom boat

The boat is large enough to feel less cramped than some of the smaller coastal cruises around Protaras. You can choose the open upper deck for sun and wide views, or retreat inside to the air-conditioned seating area when the midday heat becomes too much.

Shaded places matter in Cyprus. The sun can be fierce, and the trip includes time sitting on the boat between swimming stops. I would claim a shaded seat early, then move around as the views change.

The boat also has clean toilets, a useful feature during a family outing. Stairs and deck surfaces can become slippery after swimmers return onboard, so use the handrails and watch your footing. This is a small point, but wet boat decks are not the place for hurried steps.

The underwater viewing area lets you look below the surface without getting wet. Eight small aquariums with freshwater fish add another point of interest, especially for children. Still, the glass-bottom section is not the main reason to book this cruise. The sea itself is usually more rewarding, particularly when you bring snorkeling equipment.

The opening run past Protaras and Paralimni Marina

After leaving Protaras Pier, the boat begins with a guided coastal sightseeing run. You pass the Protaras shoreline and Paralimni Marina, with time to settle in, take photographs, and listen to the English-speaking guide.

The pace is relaxed rather than rushed. You are not getting off at each place, so think of this part as a moving viewpoint. It gives you a useful sense of how the resort beaches connect along the coast.

Commentary quality may vary depending on where you sit and how clearly the speaker carries across the deck. One passenger found the announcements difficult to hear, while others enjoyed the captain and crew’s explanations. If the information matters to you, sit reasonably close to the speaking area rather than at the far end of the upper deck.

Famagusta from the sea

The boat then heads toward the Famagusta area for coastal views and photographs. Seeing the city from the water gives you a different perspective from a road trip or a land border viewpoint.

Keep your expectations measured. The boat does not necessarily travel close to Famagusta, and one departure remained near Pernera, leaving the city visible only at a distance. The advertised stop is best understood as a sea view and photo opportunity, not a shore visit or a close inspection of the city.

That limitation does not ruin the trip, but it matters if Famagusta is your main reason for booking. If your priority is swimming, turtles, and Cape Greco scenery, the distance is less important. If you want a detailed look at Famagusta, choose a dedicated land excursion instead.

Passing Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Beach, and Cape Greco

The route continues past some of the most recognizable coastal spots near Protaras. Fig Tree Bay is a quick photo subject from the water, with its famous beach setting and offshore views. You do not get a long stop here, so keep your camera ready.

Konnos Beach comes next, along with the coastal cliffs and sea caves around Cape Greco. The water changes color as the boat moves along the coast, and the view from offshore helps you understand why this stretch is popular for swimming and boat trips.

The cruise also passes Kamara tou Koraka, a natural rock formation associated with the Cape Greco coast. Again, this is a passing view rather than a walk ashore. You may not get as close to every sea cave as the description suggests, so consider these landmarks an attractive coastal backdrop rather than a detailed geology tour.

I like this section because it gives you a broad look at the coast in a short time. You see several famous places without dealing with parking, beach crowds, or a hot drive between them.

The first swim near Turtle Cove

The most anticipated stop is the turtle area near Cape Greco. The water is clear, and turtles are often seen swimming around the boat or near people in the water. Several passengers have described seeing a mother and baby together, while others simply enjoyed the clear sea even when no turtle appeared.

That distinction matters. Turtles are a possibility, not a promise. Wildlife follows its own schedule, so you should book this for the swimming and scenery first, with turtle sightings as a welcome bonus.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. You can swim without equipment, but a mask lets you look below the surface and gives you a better chance of spotting fish and turtles. The water can be refreshing, and the stop is suitable for confident swimmers who want to get away from the boat.

There is an ethical point worth considering. Some passengers objected to the way turtles or other animals were displayed in small onboard tanks, describing the conditions as too cramped. Others found the underwater viewing area interesting. If animal welfare is important to you, you may prefer to focus on seeing marine life in the open sea and ask the crew about the aquarium setup before boarding.

The Blue Lagoon stop at Cape Greco

The second main swim is at the Cape Greco Blue Lagoon, one of the strongest parts of the trip. The water is exceptionally clear, and you can swim or snorkel while the boat waits offshore.

This stop works well for people who want an easy introduction to the Cape Greco coast. You do not need to arrange a separate beach transfer, and you get the fun of entering the water directly from the boat. Families can stay aboard in the shade while stronger swimmers take a turn in the sea.

The boat provides the swim stops, but food and drinks are not included. You can buy soft drinks, beer, cocktails, snacks, and ice cream from the bar. Prices have been described as reasonable, and fresh fruit such as watermelon has sometimes been handed out on the return journey.

Do not count on the fruit as part of the formal inclusions. Treat it as a pleasant extra, not something to plan your lunch around. For a three-hour outing, eat before boarding or bring only items permitted by the operator. Outside drinks are not allowed, and alcohol or drugs are prohibited.

What the crew adds to the outing

The crew receives frequent praise for being friendly, helpful, and considerate. Captain George is singled out as warm and welcoming, while other passengers have praised Captain Kypros and Captain Antonakis Gregoriou. Names and crew assignments may change, but the general tone is relaxed and personal.

Music is sometimes played during the ride, creating a casual holiday mood rather than a formal lecture. The crew may point out landmarks, guide you toward the turtles, and help passengers get settled for swimming.

The tone suits families and mixed-age groups. One family group ranged from age nine to 65 and found the cruise comfortable, while other passengers appreciated having plenty of space on the boat. You should not expect a silent nature trip, though. Music, engine noise, and announcements are part of the setting.

How much value do you get for $29?

At $29, this is strong value if you want several activities in one compact outing. You receive a boat ride, coastal sightseeing, two swimming stops, access to the underwater viewing area, and the chance to see turtles. There is also an air-conditioned interior, toilets, and room to sit away from the sun.

The value drops if you are booking mainly for a close view of Famagusta or a full three-hour cruise. The boat may stay farther from the city than expected, and some departures have been shorter than the advertised duration. You also pay extra for drinks, snacks, ice cream, and cocktails.

Compared with a private boat, the price is a bargain. Compared with a simple beach afternoon, it is worth paying for if you want to see more of the coast without arranging transport. For a family, the combination of swimming, fish tanks, sea views, and onboard refreshments can fill an afternoon at a sensible cost.

What to bring and what to expect

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A waterproof phone case is useful for photographs from the swim stops, and your own mask and snorkel will make the clearest water more enjoyable.

Wear footwear with a secure grip. The deck and stairs can get wet, and the boat may become slippery after each swim. Keep valuables simple, since you will move between the open deck, indoor cabin, and water.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, but you should still confirm the practical details for your own needs before booking, especially if you plan to enter the water. The English-language tour is the stated option.

You cannot bring weapons, sharp objects, fishing equipment, fireworks, drinks, alcohol, or drugs. The cruise is designed for sightseeing and swimming, not fishing or a private party.

Who should book this Protaras cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want an affordable half-day activity with swimming, clear water, and a good chance of seeing turtles. It suits families, couples, and mixed-age groups who prefer a stable, spacious boat over a small speedboat.

It is also a good choice after several days on the beach. You still get time in the sea, but the changing views make the outing feel different from swimming at the same resort beach.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a close Famagusta visit, a precise three-hour schedule, or a serious wildlife tour. You should also think carefully about the onboard animal displays if that issue concerns you.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your Cyprus plans depend on weather or changing family schedules.

FAQ

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from the large pier beside Evalena Hotel in Protaras.

How long does the boat trip last?

The advertised duration is three hours. Some departures have lasted about two hours and 20 minutes to two hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the boat depart?

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

Does the trip include swimming?

Yes. Swimming stops are included, with stops near the turtle area and at the Cape Greco Blue Lagoon.

Can I see turtles on the trip?

You may see turtles in the clear waters near Cape Greco, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included. Bringing your own mask and snorkel is recommended.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Drinks, cocktails, snacks, and ice cream are available to buy onboard. Fruit has sometimes been served at no extra cost.

Does the boat go to Famagusta?

The boat cruises toward the Famagusta area for sea views and photographs. It may not travel close to the city, and it does not include a land visit.

Is hotel transportation included?

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

Should you book it?

Book it for the swimming, Cape Greco scenery, and good chance of turtles. At $29, the mix of coastal views, two swim stops, a large boat, and onboard facilities is hard to fault.

Just keep the limits in mind. Famagusta may appear in the distance, the sea caves may pass quickly, and the trip may finish before the full advertised three hours. If those details do not bother you, this is an easy, low-cost way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Cyprus coast.