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

The unusual hook here is the boat itself: St Georgios 1 was once the private yacht of President Glafcos Clerides, a major figure in modern Cyprus. You cruise past Famagusta and Varosha, then turn toward Cape Greco for clear water, swimming, lunch, and perhaps a turtle or two. I like the mix of sightseeing and relaxed sea time, and I like that the boat feels more special than a basic excursion vessel.

I also like the freshly cooked BBQ lunch and the generous choice of places to sit, from the open Relax Deck to the air-conditioned lounge. The crew gets high marks for being warm and attentive, with Eslam, Hassan, Carlos, and Lee singled out for friendly service at different times. The main drawback is that the trip can feel more like a scenic swim cruise than a long coastal voyage, and the itinerary may change with wind and waves.

Key points at a glance

• Former presidential yacht: St Georgios 1 retains period details linked to President Glafcos Clerides.
• Two major swim stops: Blue Lagoon and Green Bay offer time for swimming and snorkeling.
• A proper onboard lunch: BBQ chicken, chips, Cyprus couscous, pasta, salad, and tzatziki are included.
• Varosha from the water: You hear about Famagusta and the divided history of Cyprus during the cruise.
• Adult-only setting: You must be at least 16, making this a calmer choice for couples and adults.
• Turtles are possible, not promised: Green Bay often provides sightings, but marine life and the slide depend on conditions.

A presidential yacht with a relaxed Protaras route

The cruise begins at the end of Protaras Pier, where St Georgios 1 is easy to identify. Boarding involves about 15 steps, and the toilets are reached by a steep stairway, so this is not a good fit if stairs or mobility are a serious concern.

Once aboard, you can settle into an open-air seat or find shelter in the cooled lounge. The layout gives you a useful choice: sit outside for the full sea breeze and views, or retreat indoors when the sun gets strong. The boat has Wi-Fi, a bar, toilets, and plenty of seating, though the most popular spots can fill quickly.

I would board early if you care about where you sit. One person who sat at the back found the BBQ smoke bothersome before departure, while the front offered better views and cleaner air. The front also has a practical downside: loudspeaker announcements may be harder to hear there, although crew members came around to repeat instructions.

The boat is part of the experience, not just transportation. Its connection with Glafcos Clerides gives the outing a little more character than a standard party boat. Original fittings, polished rails, and the Captain’s Table help you picture the vessel in its former role, even though today’s atmosphere is informal, social, and holiday-focused.

Protaras to Famagusta and Varosha

The first stretch follows the Protaras coastline. This is a good time to take photographs, get a drink, and listen to the guide explain the places ahead. The route then looks north toward the Famagusta District, with distant views of Famagusta and Varosha.

Do not expect a close visit to Varosha. You see the area from offshore, and the stop is brief. Still, the view gives useful context to the island’s division. Varosha became a deserted district after the 1974 division of Cyprus, and its empty hotels and shoreline have become one of the most haunting sights associated with the island.

The commentary links this modern story with Clerides’s support for dialogue and reconciliation. It is not a full historical tour, but it adds meaning to the coastal scenery. I appreciate this kind of short explanation because it keeps the cruise from becoming only a swim-and-food outing.

The distance matters. If you expect to reach Famagusta and inspect the town from close range, you may feel underwhelmed. If you see it as a short look at a complicated part of Cyprus before the cruise turns south, it works much better.

Cape Greco’s postcard coastline

After the northern view, the boat turns back along the Cape Greco coast. This is the most photogenic section of the route, with several familiar Protaras and Ayia Napa sights appearing from the water.

You pass Fig Tree Bay, known for its bright sand and curved shoreline. From a boat, you get a wider view than from the beach, with the bay framed by open water. The cruise also passes the cliffs around Cape Greco, the white Agioi Anargyri Chapel, and Lovers Bridge.

Lovers Bridge is a natural rock arch reaching into the sea. The chapel, perched above the coast, is especially attractive against the pale rock and blue water. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole time looking through it. The changing angle from the boat is part of the appeal, and several sights appear quickly.

The cruise offers scenic viewing for much of the route, but the exact order and duration can change. Wind and sea conditions may prevent the boat from reaching every planned swim area. One outing could not stop at Green Bay because of the wind, so it is wise to treat the route as weather-dependent rather than fixed.

Forty-five minutes at the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop, and it delivers the brightest water of the day. The color is remarkably clear, with rocky edges and enough open space for a proper swim rather than a quick dip beside the boat.

The stop normally lasts about 45 minutes and combines swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and the chance to use the inflatable slide. You can jump from the boat, swim around the anchored vessel, or stay on deck and enjoy the view. The water is the star, so bring a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof way to protect your phone if you plan to take pictures.

The slide is fun but not guaranteed. Strong wind or rougher water can make it unsafe, and the crew may keep it closed. The same principle applies to some route changes. I would book this for the boat, the scenery, the meal, and the swim, not solely for the slide.

Snorkeling is available, and you may see small fish in the clear water. Do not touch marine life, even if something swims close. The boat’s staff manage the stop, but you remain responsible for following instructions and judging your own comfort in the water.

Lunch is served onboard and includes freshly grilled chicken, homemade chips, Cyprus couscous, pasta, salad, and tzatziki. Vegetarian items are available from the selection. The meal is simple rather than gourmet, but it suits a day at sea. You are likely to appreciate it even more after swimming.

One drink is included in the price. You can choose wine, beer, soda, or juice, and water is also provided. Additional bar drinks and snacks cost extra. Some departures have offered an upgrade for unlimited wine, but that is not part of the standard package, so check the option you book rather than assuming it is included.

Green Bay and the turtle watch

The second water stop is at Green Bay, where the focus shifts from bright lagoon scenery to marine life. You can swim and snorkel for around 45 minutes, and this is the best part of the trip for spotting turtles.

Green sea turtles sometimes surface near the hull. Seeing one close to the boat can be the most memorable moment of the cruise, but no responsible operator can promise it. Some outings have seen several turtles, while others may see none. Keep that uncertainty in mind when comparing this cruise with a dedicated wildlife trip.

The crew may point out turtles when they appear, but you should keep a respectful distance and never touch them. The same clear-water setting makes Green Bay pleasant even without a sighting. You get time in the water, a chance to cool off, and a quieter break from the main sightseeing run.

The timing can feel slightly compressed on some departures. One person found that swimming was followed quickly by lunch, while another felt the trip spent too much time stopped and not enough time cruising. That difference reflects the nature of the outing: it is built around two long water breaks, not continuous movement along the coast.

Food, drinks, music, and the crew

The staff are one of the strongest parts of this cruise. You can expect a friendly, energetic tone, with help getting settled, explanations during the route, and attention during the swim stops. Names praised for especially good service include Eslam, Hassan, Carlos, and Lee.

The main host also mixes coastal commentary with entertainment and music. The tone is light, but the explanation of Famagusta and Varosha gives the trip substance. You are not signing up for a formal lecture, and the information is delivered in a holiday-friendly way.

The food receives especially strong praise. Portions are described as plentiful, and the menu gives you more than a token plate of food. Chicken, chips, couscous, pasta, salad, and tzatziki cover different tastes, while vegetarian choices are available from the onboard selection.

Food quality can vary slightly from one departure to another. One person found the chicken undercooked and the wine weak, while most of the detailed comments describe the meal as fresh, tasty, and better than expected. The bar also sells other drinks, with prices described as reasonable by one repeat customer.

Music adds to the atmosphere, but this is not a silent nature cruise. If you want a peaceful boat ride with little commentary or sound, choose a quiet seat and be prepared for a social onboard mood.

Is $47 good value for three hours?

At $47 per person, this is strong value if you want several holiday activities combined. You get a boat cruise, coastal sightseeing, commentary, two swimming stops, lunch, water, and one drink. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you choose an option that offers transportation.

The price becomes even more useful if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a meal, and access to swimming areas. The former presidential yacht adds character, and the adult-only format can make the boat feel more comfortable for couples and groups of friends.

The value is less clear if your priority is distance. The route does not take you on a long open-sea expedition, and one person felt it mainly covered the stretch between Protaras and Blue Lagoon. The cruise spends a substantial portion of its three hours at swimming areas, so you are paying for time in the water as much as time under way.

The published duration is three hours, though some departures have run just under three and a half. Allow a little flexibility if you have a later booking or dinner reservation. The day begins with boarding no later than 9:45 AM at the pier for the listed departure, while pickup times depend on your chosen option.

Who should book the Presidents Cruise?

I would recommend this for adults who want a well-rounded half-day on the water rather than a specialist sailing trip. Couples get attractive scenery, swimming, food, and a comfortable setting without children under 16 onboard. Friends can enjoy the music, bar, slide when open, and easy social mood.

It also suits anyone who wants a first look at Cape Greco and the Protaras coast without arranging several separate visits. The route gives you the headline views, then leaves enough time for swimming instead of keeping you on deck all day.

You should think twice if you dislike stairs, have limited mobility, or need a guaranteed route. The boat requires stair access, the toilet is down steep steps, and sea conditions can alter the plan. You should also skip it if your main goal is a guaranteed turtle encounter or slide ride.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash for extra purchases. Do not bring outside food or drinks, drones, or anything you might be tempted to use around the wildlife. Smoking is not allowed indoors.

Final verdict: a strong choice for a social sea day

Book this cruise if you want good food, two proper swim stops, friendly service, and classic Cape Greco scenery in one reasonably priced outing. Its strongest points are the attractive yacht, the generous lunch, and the crew’s easygoing care.

Do not book it expecting a close tour of Famagusta, a long-distance voyage, or guaranteed turtles and a slide. The best way to think of it is as a polished adult-only coastal day out, with a little Cypriot political context and a very good chance of memorable water time.

FAQ

How long does the Presidents Cruise last?

The stated duration is three hours. Some departures have lasted just under three and a half hours, so allow some flexibility around your plans.

Where does the cruise depart?

The boat departs from the end of Protaras Pier. Look for St Georgios 1, and board by 9:45 AM for the listed departure.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select an option that offers transportation. The available pickup and drop-off points cover Protaras and Ayia Napa locations.

Is this cruise suitable for children?

No. You must be at least 16 years old to board. If you appear younger, photo identification may be requested.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The onboard meal includes BBQ chicken, homemade chips, Cyprus couscous, pasta, salad, and tzatziki. Vegetarian items are available from the food selection.

What drink is included?

You receive one glass of wine, beer, soda, or juice, plus water. Other bar drinks and snacks are available to purchase.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. Green Bay is used for turtle and marine life viewing, but sightings are not guaranteed. You must not touch marine life.

Is the inflatable slide always available?

No. The slide depends on wind and sea conditions, so it may be closed for safety reasons.