Protaras: Luxury Yacht Cruise with slide, BBQ Lunch & Drink

The giant slide is the star of this St Georgios II yacht cruise, but it is only part of the appeal. You sail from Protaras toward Famagusta, look across at the abandoned resort of Varosha, pass Cape Greco’s sea caves and landmarks, then stop in bright-blue water for swimming, snorkeling and lunch.

I like the generous traditional Cypriot meal, which includes chicken, homemade chips, salad, couscous, bread and tzatziki. I also like the crew’s warm, playful approach, from helping nervous swimmers with life jackets to letting children take a turn at the captain’s table.

The main drawback is space. This is a popular family boat, and seating can become awkward if people leave bags spread around. The first swim stop may also feel short, and turtles are never guaranteed.

Quick facts for choosing the cruise

• Varosha with a view: Learn how the 1974 conflict divided Cyprus while looking toward the closed-off ghost town from the sea.
• Two water stops: Swim in the Blue Lagoon and later at Green Bay, known as a good place to look for turtles.
• A proper lunch onboard: Expect baked chicken, homemade chips, Cypriot couscous, salad, bread and tzatziki, with vegetarian and children’s options available by request.
• A huge inflatable slide: The slide drops from the yacht into the sea and is a hit with older children, teenagers and playful adults.
• Comfort in all weather: Use the open relax deck for views or the air-conditioned lounge when the sun gets too strong.
• Good value at $47: The fare includes the cruise, guide, lunch, WiFi and one drink, with transfers available for an additional booking option.

Why this Protaras boat trip works so well

At $47 per person, this is not a bare sightseeing boat that gives you a quick look at the coast and sends you home. You get a cruise of roughly three and a half hours, sometimes listed as up to five hours depending on the departure and operating schedule, plus lunch, swimming time, a drink and use of the yacht’s facilities.

I like that the trip mixes several kinds of holiday activity. You get coastal views and a short lesson in Cyprus’s divided past, but you also get the simple pleasures: music, food, a swim and a ridiculous inflatable slide.

The mood is family-friendly without being limited to families. Young children can use life jackets and pool noodles, teenagers have the slide and snorkeling, and adults can sit on the upper deck with a drink while the coastline slips by.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Panayiotis, the owner, has been warmly involved with passengers, while Ahman is praised for the food. The onboard team keeps the tone light and funny, but also helps with boarding, swimming equipment and safety.

That balance matters. A boat trip can feel stiff if the crew treats it like a lecture, or chaotic if nobody explains what is happening. Here, the guide commentary is available in English, Greek and Arabic, and the cruise app provides written translations in other languages.

Starting from Protaras Pier

The boat is at the end of Protaras Pier. If you walk toward the Evelena Hotel, you should be able to see the boats from that area. The meeting point is convenient if you are staying near central Protaras, and some people staying close to the seafront may find walking easier than taking a transfer.

Hotel pickup and return are optional. Transfers cover central locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera and Kapparis, with a long list of meeting points near hotels, restaurants and shops. Your exact pickup point may be a two to seven minute walk from your accommodation, and pickup can be 20 to 60 minutes before sailing.

If you choose a transfer, be ready five minutes before the stated time and allow another 15 minutes in case the bus is delayed. The driver waits no more than five minutes after pickup time, so this is not the moment to finish breakfast at a leisurely pace.

Once the transfer bus fills, the transfer option can disappear from booking. If that happens, you need to arrange your own way to the pier.

Sailing toward Famagusta and Varosha

The first part of the cruise heads away from Protaras toward the Famagusta area. From the water, you can look toward Varosha, the former resort district that has remained closed and abandoned since the events of 1974.

This is the most thought-provoking part of the trip. Cyprus is often sold through beaches and sunshine, but the island’s modern division is impossible to understand without hearing about the conflict between its Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

You are not touring Varosha on foot. This is a boat-side viewing and explanation, with a photo stop and scenic views from offshore. That limitation is worth knowing, but the setting gives the subject real weight. You are seeing a once-famous holiday area from the sea, not just hearing a few facts in a museum room.

After the Varosha commentary, the yacht turns back along the coast. The cruise is scenic rather than fast, so you have time to sit on the upper deck, take photographs and watch the shoreline change.

Fig Tree Bay and the Cape Greco coast

The boat passes Fig Tree Bay before entering the Cape Greco National Park area. From the water, the coastline takes on a different character from the busy beach towns. Rocky headlands, small coves and sea caves provide the backdrop, and the open view helps you understand why this part of Cyprus is so popular for boat trips.

The route includes several recognizable sights. You pass the Agioi Anargyri Church, Lovers Bridge and the Sancta Maria Shrine, all useful photo subjects as the yacht moves close to the coast.

The captain’s table at the front is likely to be the most sought-after spot for photographs and forward-facing views. If you want that position, arrive early and keep your belongings compact. Seating can be a minor issue when the boat is full, especially if groups occupy more room than needed with beach bags and towels.

For a quieter ride, the relax deck gives you a broad view without requiring you to stand at the rail. If the sun becomes intense, the air-conditioned lounge is a practical escape. The yacht is described as clean and modern, though this is still a working excursion boat rather than a private charter.

Blue Lagoon: lunch, swimming and the slide

The Blue Lagoon is the main pause in the outward journey. The boat moors in turquoise water, giving you time to swim, snorkel and use the inflatable slide.

The slide is large enough to feel like a real feature rather than a small children’s accessory. You climb up and shoot into the sea, so hold onto loose items and expect a brisk landing. Some people find the splash less gentle than expected, which is part of the fun but worth knowing if you have a sensitive back or dislike sudden drops.

Life jackets and pool noodles are available at no extra charge. That makes the swim stop more welcoming for children and adults who are not confident swimmers. You can also rent snorkeling gear, but it requires a €20 cash deposit that is refunded when the complete set is returned safely.

Lunch is served onboard and is one of the strongest value points. The usual plate includes baked chicken, homemade chips, Cypriot couscous, salad, bread and tzatziki. Portions are generous, and you may be able to return for more if food remains.

Vegetarians can request a vegetarian patty, while chicken nuggets can be prepared for children. Ask the crew when you board rather than waiting until plates are being served.

The meal is hearty rather than fancy. That is exactly right for a swim cruise. After sliding into the sea and sitting in the sun, you will probably want familiar, filling food rather than a delicate lunch that leaves you hungry.

One drink is included. You can choose beer, wine, soda or juice. The bar stays open for additional drinks and snacks, and prices have generally been described as reasonable compared with nearby bars. Bring a card, but also carry cash for the snorkeling deposit and any small purchases.

Green Bay and the turtle search

The return route includes a second swimming stop at Green Bay, often called Turtle Bay in the context of the cruise. This is where you may get the chance to see sea turtles in their natural setting.

The important phrase is may get the chance. Turtles are wild animals, not scheduled performers. Some outings spot one or two, sometimes from a distance, while other departures may not see any. Do not book this cruise solely for a guaranteed turtle encounter.

Even without turtles, the stop has value. You can swim, snorkel and enjoy another stretch of clear water after lunch. Several people find the second stop more relaxed because it allows more time in the water than the first.

Do not touch marine life. Keep your distance, avoid chasing animals and follow the crew’s instructions. That protects both you and the turtles.

The timing of the swim stops can change with sea conditions. One stop may feel shorter than expected, and the cruise operator can alter the order or route without much advance notice when the water is rough.

What the yacht feels like onboard

The St Georgios II is designed for a mix of comfort and activity. You can move between the open upper deck, the front captain’s area and the air-conditioned lounge. That gives you options during a long sailing stretch.

WiFi is available, which is useful if you want to share photographs before returning to shore. Still, I would treat it as a bonus rather than the reason to book. The best part of the trip is looking up from your phone at the sea caves, cliffs and changing shoreline.

Music plays during the cruise, adding to the holiday atmosphere. The tone is lively, but the boat also has enough room for you to step away from the main energy for a quieter view.

There are about 15 steps to board, and the toilets are reached by stairs. This cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Wet decks, a slide and swim ladders also mean you should wear sensible footwear and move carefully.

Smoking is not allowed indoors, drones are not permitted, and you should not bring your own drinks onto the boat. Pack sunscreen, a towel, cash and a credit card. A hat and a dry change of clothes are sensible additions, although only the first four items are specifically required for the activity.

How the value adds up at $47

The price makes the cruise particularly appealing for families. A separate boat ride, lunch, swimming stop and a paid water attraction could easily cost more when booked individually, while this fare bundles the main pieces together.

The included meal is not a token sandwich. You receive a full hot plate with sides, bread and dip, and the serving size helps explain why the cruise gets such strong marks for value.

The free drink also keeps the basic price honest. You will still pay for extra drinks, and bottled water may not be free, so bring cash or a card for the bar. One useful point from the practical side: a small bottle of water has been sold for €2, so do not assume drinking water is included simply because one complimentary drink is offered.

Transfers add convenience rather than luxury. If your hotel is close to Protaras Pier, walking may save time. If you are staying in Pernera, Kapparis or Ayia Napa, the pickup can be worthwhile, especially for the return after swimming and lunch.

The high 4.7 rating from more than 1,200 bookings fits the experience’s strongest qualities: friendly staff, plentiful food, a clean boat and plenty of time in the water. The less polished points are also clear: crowded seating, occasional confusion about the departure point and swim stops that can feel too short.

Who should book the St Georgios II

I would recommend this cruise to families with children from about six years upward, couples who want a relaxed day on the water and groups looking for an easy mix of sightseeing and swimming.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want a boat trip with more than scenery.
• You enjoy swimming but still want lunch and a comfortable place to sit.
• You like lively crews and music.
• You want a reasonably priced introduction to Cape Greco from the sea.
• You are curious about Cyprus’s modern political history.
• You would enjoy the possibility of seeing turtles without treating it as a guarantee.

It may not suit you if you want a quiet, private sailing experience. It also is not a good choice if you have mobility problems, dislike crowded boats or need long, unhurried time at each swimming location.

Arrive early if you are a group and want seats together. Keep bags under control, request a vegetarian meal or chicken nuggets when boarding, and take the free life jacket if you are uncertain in the water.

Should you book this Protaras cruise?

Yes, if you want a good-value family boat day with food, swimming, scenery and a slide in one package. The St Georgios II gives you a stronger mix than a simple coastal ride, and the crew’s humor and helpfulness add real warmth.

Book it with realistic expectations. You are not guaranteed turtles, the boat may feel busy, and the sea can change the schedule. But at $47, with a hot lunch, one drink, two swim stops, WiFi and a memorable ride down that enormous slide, this is an easy choice for most active visitors staying around Protaras, Pernera, Kapparis or Ayia Napa.

FAQ

Where does the St Georgios II cruise depart from?

The boat is at the end of Protaras Pier. If you head toward the Evelena Hotel, you should be able to see the boats from there.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only if you choose the transfer option when booking. Transfers operate from selected locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera and Kapparis.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity is listed as lasting between 210 minutes and five hours. Check the available departure details for the exact duration and start time.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes baked chicken, homemade chips, Cypriot couscous, salad, bread and tzatziki. A vegetarian patty and chicken nuggets for children can be requested onboard.

Is a drink included?

Yes. You receive one complimentary beer, wine, soda or juice. Additional drinks and snacks are available to purchase at the bar.

Can I use the inflatable slide?

The yacht has a large inflatable slide that drops into the sea. You should follow the crew’s instructions and use the available safety equipment if needed.

Are snorkeling masks included?

Snorkeling equipment is available with a €20 cash deposit. The deposit is refunded when the set is returned safely.

Will I definitely see turtles?

No. Turtle sightings are not guaranteed. You can swim and snorkel at Green Bay even if no turtles appear.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. Boarding requires about 15 steps, and the toilets are accessible only by stairs.