Protaras: Famagusta, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove Boat Trip

The real prize here is the chance to swim in Cape Greco’s clear water with sea turtles. The 32-meter boat gives you a broad sun deck, an air-conditioned cabin, toilets, and underwater viewing windows, so this is more comfortable than a small open boat. You also get two swim stops for $29, which is a strong deal.

I especially like the spacious boat and the simple, family-friendly plan. You can sunbathe, sit in shade, buy a cold drink, watch the coast pass, and get into the water without committing to a full-day cruise. The main concern is that the trip is advertised as three hours but has sometimes lasted closer to two and a half, and the Famagusta view may be distant.

Key points to know before you book

• Two swimming stops: One is in the turtle area and another is at the Cape Greco Blue Lagoon or nearby Konnos Beach.
• Turtles are possible, not guaranteed: You may see them close to the boat, but sea life follows its own schedule.
• A big, steady boat: The 32-meter vessel has a sun deck, indoor air-conditioning, toilets, a bar, and underwater viewing windows.
• Famagusta is viewed from offshore: This is a coastal cruise and photo opportunity, not a land visit to the city.
• Bring your own mask and snorkel: You can use your gear at the swim stops and see more beneath the surface.
• Allow about two and a half to three hours: Departure times are 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM from Protaras Pier.

Why the turtle stop is the main event

This cruise is built around a simple Cyprus holiday wish: get into clear Mediterranean water and perhaps find a turtle swimming nearby. The turtle stop is usually the most memorable part, especially for children and anyone who has never seen a sea turtle at close range.

The boat pauses in an area known for turtle sightings, and you can swim or snorkel around the vessel. Some trips have had turtles circling near the boat, with crew members attracting them with food. That can make photographs easier, but I would treat any close encounter as luck rather than a promise.

Bring a proper face mask and snorkel if you have them. You can swim without equipment, of course, but a mask lets you watch fish and turtles below the surface instead of relying on a quick glimpse. A phone in a waterproof case is useful, though you should keep your attention on the water and follow the crew’s instructions.

The sea may be calm and inviting, but wet decks and stairs can become slippery. Use the handrails, take your time, and do not rush back aboard after swimming. If you are not a confident swimmer, check with the crew before entering the water and stay close to the boat.

Setting out from Protaras Pier

The meeting point is the large pier beside the Evalena Hotel in Protaras. You board the boat there, with departures listed at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to reach the pier yourself.

This is a useful excursion for people staying in Protaras, since you avoid a long road transfer. It also makes a good half-day plan. Choose the morning departure if you want your afternoon free, or the 2:00 PM sailing if you prefer a slower start and a cooler late-day cruise.

The boat is large enough to offer several ways to spend the ride. You can sit on the open upper deck, find a shaded place, or retreat indoors to the air-conditioned area. A bar sells cocktails, beer, soft drinks, snacks, and ice cream. Food and drinks cost extra, but the onboard prices have generally been described as reasonable.

The vessel also has eight aquariums with freshwater fish. These are part of the onboard viewing experience, along with the glass-bottom and underwater windows. One caution is worth taking seriously: some passengers have objected to the condition and size of tanks used for fish and turtles. If animal welfare matters strongly to you, ask the crew what is currently kept onboard before booking.

The Famagusta view from the sea

After leaving Protaras, the boat cruises toward the sea view of Famagusta. This gives you a different way to see the city, from offshore rather than from a street or viewpoint. The boat may pause for photographs, but the distance can vary, and you should not expect to go ashore.

This part of the ride is best understood as a coastal orientation. You get a sense of the shoreline, take photographs, and listen to the English commentary. It is not a full guided visit to Famagusta, and the city may appear farther away than the wording of the activity suggests.

That distinction matters. If Famagusta itself is your main reason for booking, a land excursion would be more suitable. If you mainly want a boat ride with a coastal view before swimming, the stop adds interest without taking too much time from the water.

The commentary can be hard to hear at times, especially from the upper deck. One passenger specifically found the captain’s announcements difficult to understand, while others praised the crew’s explanations and friendly manner. Sit nearer the speakers if the information matters to you, and keep expectations modest because this is a relaxed boat outing rather than a formal history tour.

The coast between Protaras and Cape Greco

The cruise passes several familiar coastal sights. You may see Paralimni Marina, Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Beach, Cape Greco, and Kamara tou Koraka from the water. Each gives you a different view of the southeastern Cyprus coast, and the passing scenery helps break up the time between swim stops.

Fig Tree Bay is seen as a coastal photo stop or pass-by rather than a long beach visit. The boat lets you appreciate the shape and color of the bay without dealing with beach crowds or searching for a place to sit.

The route then continues toward Konnos Beach, a popular swimming area framed by rocky shore. Depending on the day’s plan, you may pass it on the way out and use nearby water for a photo or swim stop. The exact order can change with sea conditions and the captain’s judgment.

Cape Greco is the scenic center of the cruise. From the boat, you get views of rocky headlands, sea caves, and unusual shoreline formations. Kamara tou Koraka, also called the Bridge of Lovers in common tourist descriptions, is included as a photo opportunity in the route, but the boat does not turn the cruise into a long shore visit.

The best views come from the open deck, but the sun can be strong. I would bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and a light cover-up. The shaded areas are valuable, especially on the afternoon sailing, and the indoor cabin gives you a place to cool down.

Two swim stops at Blue Lagoon and Konnos

The cruise usually includes two chances to get into the sea. One is associated with the turtle area, and another is at the Cape Greco Blue Lagoon or around Konnos Beach. The water is the reason to choose this trip over a sightseeing-only cruise.

At the Blue Lagoon, you can swim and snorkel in clear water with rocky scenery around you. This is not a beach stop with a café and sun loungers. You remain on the boat between swims, so bring anything you need with you and be ready to climb a ladder back aboard.

The second stop gives you more time in the water and another chance to see fish. Some people stay aboard to watch from the deck, use the underwater viewing area, or enjoy the shade. That flexibility helps families and mixed groups, since not everyone has to swim.

The length of the stops is not specified, so do not plan on a long, unhurried snorkel session. This is a compact cruise with sightseeing between swims. If you want several hours in one cove, a dedicated snorkeling trip would suit you better.

The sea can feel refreshing even in hot weather. Use care if you are swimming after sitting in the sun, and keep valuables secured. The crew controls the swimming area and will tell you when it is time to return.

Glass-bottom windows, freshwater fish, and onboard comfort

The underwater viewing area lets you look below the boat without getting wet. It is a nice option for young children, non-swimmers, and anyone who wants a break from the sun. Visibility depends on water conditions and how clean the glass is. A few passengers found the glass less clear than hoped, and you should not treat it as a substitute for snorkeling.

The boat’s size is a real advantage. A spacious 32-meter vessel gives you room to move around, and several people specifically appreciated that it felt less crowded than nearby boats. Clean toilets and air-conditioning also make a difference on a three-hour outing, especially for families.

The open deck is the place for views and sun. The indoor area is better when you need shade or a cooler seat. Music is played during the cruise, generally at a relaxed level, though the atmosphere can change depending on the group and the day.

The aquariums are unusual for a coastal cruise, but they also create the most serious ethical question. Some passengers were upset by small tanks and limited water space, particularly where turtles were involved. You may want to inspect this part of the boat yourself and decide if it fits your standards.

The crew and the style of the cruise

The tone is informal and easygoing. The English-speaking crew handles the boat, swimming stops, bar service, and general guidance. Captain George has been singled out for being warm and helpful, while Captain Antonakis Gregoriou and Captain Kypros have also been praised by name. Crew members can change, so book for the route and boat rather than for a particular captain.

This is not a luxury yacht charter. It is a straightforward group boat trip with music, drinks for sale, coastal views, and swimming. That is exactly why the price works so well for many people.

A small extra touch has made a good impression: fruit has sometimes been served near the end of the cruise, including watermelon. It is not part of the listed inclusions, so do not count on it as a meal, but it is a pleasant finish when you are warm and thirsty.

You are not allowed to bring drinks onboard, and weapons, sharp objects, fishing equipment, alcohol, drugs, and fireworks are prohibited. Food and drinks can be bought from the bar, so you do not need to pack a picnic.

Is $29 a good value?

At $29 per person, this is one of the cheaper ways to combine a coastal cruise, Famagusta sea views, Cape Greco scenery, and two swim stops. The boat tour and swimming are included, while food and drinks cost extra. For a family, the lack of a meal keeps the base cost under control.

The value is strongest if you live nearby and want a short outing. You are paying for several sights and water time in one trip, without a full-day commitment. The large boat, air-conditioning, toilets, shaded areas, and spacious deck also add comfort that you may not get on the very cheapest small-boat rides.

The value is weaker if you book mainly to visit Famagusta or to spend a long time snorkeling. The city view can be distant, the commentary may be hard to hear, and the outing can finish in about two hours and 20 minutes to two and a half hours rather than the stated three.

Still, even a shorter trip gives you a boat ride, coastal scenery, and two opportunities to swim. At this price, that is a fair exchange for most visitors staying in Protaras or nearby.

Who should book this Protaras boat trip?

I would choose this cruise for families, couples, first-time visitors to the Cape Greco coast, and anyone who wants to see turtles without paying for a full-day sailing. The large boat makes it easier for a mixed group, since swimmers, sunbathers, children, and people who prefer the cabin can all enjoy the outing.

It also suits budget-minded visitors. You get the main ingredients of a Cyprus sea day without hotel transport, lunch, or a long time commitment. The 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM departures make it easy to fit around other plans.

I would think twice if you need a quiet private cruise, a long snorkeling session, a guaranteed turtle encounter, or a close visit to Famagusta. You should also consider the aquarium concern before booking if keeping marine animals in tanks conflicts with your values.

Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The trip is wheelchair accessible, but swimming access involves boarding and using the boat’s facilities, so confirm the practical details if you need specific assistance.

My call: book it for the water, not the city

Book this trip if your priority is clear Cape Greco water, two swims, and a good-value boat ride. Bring a mask, protect yourself from the sun, and aim for the turtle stop with realistic expectations. You may see turtles, but you may also simply get beautiful water and fish.

Do not book it as a full Famagusta sightseeing tour or a premium wildlife excursion. For a short, affordable outing from Protaras, though, the combination of a roomy boat, coastal views, Blue Lagoon swimming, and possible turtle sightings makes it an easy choice for many holiday plans.

FAQ

Where does the boat leave from?

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

What time does the boat depart?

The boat departs twice daily, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Starting times should be checked when booking.

How long is the cruise?

The advertised duration is three hours, but the trip has sometimes lasted about two hours and 20 minutes to two and a half hours.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy onboard, including cocktails, beer, soft drinks, snacks, and ice cream. Some trips have also included complimentary fruit.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The cruise includes swim stops at the Cape Greco turtle area and the Blue Lagoon or nearby Konnos Beach. You can bring your own snorkeling equipment.

Is Famagusta visited on foot?

No. Famagusta is viewed from the sea, with scenic views and a photo opportunity. There is no land visit included.