From Protaras: Catamaran Cruise to Blue Lagoon

The best part of this cruise is the route: you see Varosha, Fig Tree Bay, Cape Greco, the sea caves, and Blue Lagoon from the water in one half-day outing. I especially like the easy access into the sea from a catamaran and the fact that lunch and drinks are included, so you are not paying extra every time you want a cold drink.

I also like the relaxed feel of Mediterraneo III. It is a large catamaran with sunbathing space, fresh-water showers, and room to move around, rather than a small, cramped boat. The main consideration is that the boat can fill up, music may be loud, and weather or sea conditions can change the planned route.

Key points at a glance

• Three possible swim stops: Plan on several chances to swim, with some trips stopping three times and others two or four depending on conditions.
• A wide eastern Cyprus route: The cruise links Famagusta, Derynia Bay, Fig Tree Bay, Cape Greco, the sea caves, and Blue Lagoon.
• Lunch and open bar included: Expect a buffet with salads, bread, chicken, rice, mezze, fruit, dessert, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, and water.
• Comfortable catamaran setup: Mediterraneo III offers sun loungers, freshwater showers, life jackets, floats, and a spacious deck.
• Hotel pickup from Ayia Napa or Protaras: Collection is available from major hotels or assigned meeting points, with a few Green Bay area exceptions.
• Good value at $69: Transport, a four to five-hour cruise, food, and drinks make this a strong choice for a simple day on the Mediterranean.

From Protaras toward Famagusta and Varosha

This cruise starts with pickup from a major hotel in Ayia Napa or Protaras, or from an assigned meeting point. The current pickup information says collection begins at 3:00 PM, or 2:00 PM in September and October. Some past departures have operated in the morning, so you should confirm the exact time shown for your date rather than assume every cruise follows the same schedule.

The transfer is included, which matters in Protaras. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the harbor, and pickup has generally been punctual. Transport can vary, from a regular coach to an open-sided or double-decker vehicle. That can add a bit of holiday character, but an open vehicle may feel hot in strong summer sun, and one return coach received a poor cleanliness report. I would treat the transfer as useful rather than luxurious.

Once aboard Mediterraneo III, the first major sight is the coast toward Famagusta. The boat gives you a sea-level view of Varosha, the abandoned resort area often called a ghost town. You will not be touring the town on foot. The point is to see it from offshore, so this is a short visual stop within a wider coastal cruise, not a history visit.

That distinction helps set expectations. If Varosha is your main reason for booking, you may want a dedicated land-based excursion for more context. If you want to combine a quick look at the area with swimming, food, and a boat ride, it fits well.

Derynia Bay and the first swim

The route continues to Derynia Bay, where the boat stops for a swim. This is where the cruise changes from sightseeing to a proper sea day. You can use the catamaran’s access points to get into the water, then climb back aboard without walking over rocks or carrying beach gear across sand.

The Mediterranean here is prized for its clear water, and the swim stops are the strongest reason to choose a catamaran over a bus tour. You get time in the sea rather than simply pointing a camera at the coastline. Some departures include three separate stops, while the exact number can change with weather, traffic on the water, and the captain’s judgment.

Bring your own mask if seeing underwater life matters to you. The official information welcomes personal snorkeling equipment, and some trips have had goggles or other swimming gear available, but you should not rely on a full snorkeling kit being provided. Turtles and dolphins have been seen on some outings, but neither is guaranteed. Do not expect the crew to feed wildlife, and do not feed it yourself.

You will find life jackets and floats on board, and past trips have also offered paddleboards or canoes. Availability can vary, so pack your own expectations along with your swimsuit. The boat’s freshwater shower is a useful touch after swimming, especially if you have long hair or dislike salt on your skin.

Fig Tree Bay from the water

As the catamaran follows the coast, it passes Fig Tree Bay. From land, this is one of the best-known beaches around Protaras. From the boat, you get a different view of the bay, with a chance to appreciate its shape and clear water without committing to a crowded beach afternoon.

This part of the route is more about scenery than a long stop. Keep your camera handy, but also look beyond the famous name. The value is in seeing how the beaches, coves, and rocky shoreline connect when viewed from offshore.

The catamaran is a good platform for this. You can sit near the front for the most direct view, though those spaces can go quickly. If you want a front lounger, boarding early gives you a better chance. The front is also more exposed to sun and movement, so a shaded seat may suit you better if you are sensitive to heat or motion.

Cape Greco sea caves and Blue Lagoon

Cape Greco is the visual center of the cruise. The boat passes the famous sea caves and reaches the Blue Lagoon area, where the water becomes the main attraction. The coastline here is rocky and dramatic, and viewing it from the sea lets you see openings and formations that are hard to appreciate from a road.

You should understand that this is a sightseeing and swimming cruise, not a cave exploration trip. Safety rules and boat traffic may keep you close to Mediterraneo III rather than allowing you to swim right up to the rocks. That can limit the chance to inspect the caves or search for fish, but it is a sensible restriction in a busy marine area.

Blue Lagoon is also the natural setting for the most memorable swim. The water is clear enough to make a mask worthwhile, and the catamaran gives you an easy platform for getting in and out. Some departures include lunch around this part of the route, although the order of stops can change.

The sea is the star here, but the experience is not silent or secluded. Other boats may be nearby, especially in high season. If you are looking for an empty cove and total peace, this will feel organized and social. If you want the best-known waters of Cape Greco without arranging a private boat, it is a practical compromise.

Lunch, cocktails, and the open bar

At $69 per person, the food and drink package does a lot of work in the value calculation. You receive lunch, seasonal fresh fruit, dessert, and an open bar. The buffet has included salads, bread, chicken, rice, and mezze, with enough variety for different tastes. One past passenger with coeliac disease found the crew helpful in identifying suitable food, but you should still explain dietary needs before serving yourself.

The food is best viewed as a solid buffet meal rather than a restaurant lunch. Several people found it plentiful and enjoyable, while one described it as simply okay. That is a fair expectation for a boat kitchen serving a group. It is a useful meal after swimming, and you do not need to buy lunch ashore or carry a packed meal.

The open bar includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Cocktails have received particular praise, and the bar team has sometimes made drinks that were not on the standard menu. Beer, water, soft drinks, and fruit are also available. The value is especially good if you expect to have several drinks during the afternoon, though you should pace yourself in the sun.

Music adds to the holiday mood. The playlist has been a hit, but it may be loud enough to make conversation difficult. This is not presented as a party boat, and the overall atmosphere is more relaxed than a nightclub cruise, yet you should not book it expecting a quiet sailing meditation.

Space, seating, and the feel on board

Mediterraneo III is a big catamaran, and that gives you more room than a small excursion boat. There are areas for sitting and sunbathing, with lounge pads at the front when available. The boat can be close to full, but the design still gives you places to move around.

Your best seat depends on what you want. The front offers a clear view and a good sunbathing position. The rear or shaded areas may be more comfortable if you want easier access to the bar, less direct sun, or a calmer ride. Arriving early helps with choice, but do not forget that the most exposed seats can become very hot.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Service includes drinks, food, swimming equipment, and help getting on and off the boat. One crew member assisted a passenger with limited mobility back to the coach, even though it was not listed as a formal service. That suggests a willing team, but you should ask in advance about your own mobility needs because the tour is built around a boat, swimming stops, and uneven harbor surfaces.

English is the stated language for the host or greeter. A guide named Jodie has led at least some transfers and helped create a friendly welcome. Staff interaction is generally informal and warm, which suits the easygoing nature of the cruise.

Timing, weather, and what can change

The listed duration is four to five hours. That is long enough to feel like a real outing but short enough to leave part of your day free. Evening and sunset departures have also operated, and these can offer a different mood, particularly if you like golden-hour views and a later meal.

Do not build a tightly timed evening around the advertised finish. Sea conditions, weather, swimming traffic, and the order of stops can all affect the program. The captain may shorten or alter a stop for safety. This is normal for a boat excursion, but it is worth remembering if you have a dinner reservation or airport transfer afterward.

The cruise includes hotel pickup and drop-off from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras or from assigned meeting points. Pickup is not available from Cavo Maris Hotel or accommodation within walking distance of Green Bay. You will need to follow the meeting instructions instead of assuming the vehicle will come directly to your door.

For the boat itself, bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. Shoes with a secure fit may also be sensible for boarding, although they are not specifically listed as required. Pets are not allowed.

Is $69 good value for this Cyprus boat trip?

I consider $69 a strong price if you want an all-in-one sea outing. The fare covers transport, four to five hours aboard a catamaran, several swim opportunities, lunch, fruit, dessert, and an open bar. Paying separately for a harbor transfer, meal, and drinks could quickly narrow the difference between this cruise and a cheaper bare-bones boat ride.

The value is less compelling if you care only about a quiet sail or a private swim. This is a shared cruise, and the boat can be busy. You also have limited control over the exact route, the number of stops, the music volume, and the swimming distance from the caves.

It is a particularly good match for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want an easy social day. Solo passengers can expect a friendly setting, and the open layout makes it simple to find a place to sit. It is less suitable if you dislike sun, cannot manage boat access, or want a detailed guided visit to Varosha and Cape Greco.

The cancellation terms reduce the risk: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps cash free until closer to the date. Weather can still affect the experience, so check the forecast and keep your plans flexible.

Should you book Mediterraneo III?

Book this cruise if you want a well-priced half-day on the water with the eastern Cyprus highlights gathered into one route. The combination of Cape Greco, Blue Lagoon, swimming, buffet lunch, cocktails, and hotel transport is hard to beat at $69.

I would book it with three small preparations: confirm your pickup time, take your own snorkeling mask, and arrive early if front-deck seating matters. Choose another type of excursion if your priority is an uncrowded cove, silent sailing, or an in-depth visit to Varosha.

For most people staying in Protaras or Ayia Napa, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see the coast without spending a full day organizing separate stops. Just let the sea set the timetable.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise take place?

The cruise operates along the eastern Cyprus coast around Protaras, Famagusta, Derynia Bay, Fig Tree Bay, and Cape Greco, including the sea caves and Blue Lagoon.

How long is the cruise?

The advertised duration is four to five hours.

What boat is used for the cruise?

The cruise uses the sailing catamaran Mediterraneo III.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Are there any places without direct hotel pickup?

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

What time does pickup begin?

The stated collection time begins at 3:00 PM, or 2:00 PM during September and October. Check the exact time for your chosen date because departure schedules can vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served as a buffet, with seasonal fresh fruit and dessert also included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is included, including cocktails, beer, soft drinks, and water.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The cruise includes swim stops in the Mediterranean, with some departures offering two stops and others offering three or more depending on conditions.

Can I bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own snorkeling equipment on board.

Can the route change?

Yes. The program can change because of weather and sea conditions.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not allowed on the cruise.