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

The slide is impossible to ignore. This Protaras cruise combines Cape Greco scenery, a generous Cypriot lunch, two swim stops, and a friendly crew on the St Georgios II. I especially like the huge inflatable slide and the chance to see turtles in their natural setting, though turtles are never guaranteed and the boat can feel busy at peak times.

At $47 per person, this is one of the stronger-value boat trips around Protaras. You get a cruise, lunch, one drink, WiFi, the slide, and plenty of time in the water. The main caution is practical: boarding requires about 15 steps, and the boat toilets are reached by stairs, so this is not suitable for anyone with mobility problems.

Five things to know before you sail

• Varosha gives the cruise some real historical weight: You view the abandoned resort area near Famagusta while hearing how Cyprus was divided in 1974.
• The St Georgios II is built for fun: Its huge inflatable slide, upper relax deck, air-conditioned lounge, and front captain’s table give you several ways to spend the trip.
• Lunch is a proper meal, not just a snack: Expect baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cypriot cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki, with vegetarian and children’s options available on request.
• Two swim stops keep the day active: The Blue Lagoon is the main lunch and swim stop, while Green Bay, also called Turtle Bay, offers another chance to spot marine life.
• The $47 price includes a lot: Transport is included only if you choose the pickup option, but the cruise, lunch, WiFi, and one drink are part of the basic package.
• Come prepared for a busy boat: Seating can be tight, especially for groups, so arrive early and avoid spreading bags across benches.

What this Protaras cruise is really like

The St Georgios II is not a quiet private yacht charter. It is a lively family boat with music, a bar, a waterslide, sightseeing, and a social atmosphere. That is exactly why the trip works so well for families and mixed-age groups: one person can relax in the sun while another heads for the slide or swims near the boat.

The boat has a modern, clean feel, according to the consistently high 4.7 rating from more than 1,200 bookings. You can sit on the open relax deck for wide views, use the air-conditioned lounge when the sun gets strong, or try to claim a place near the front captain’s table. Seating is not unlimited, so early boarding helps if you want to sit together.

The crew is a major part of the experience. They handle the safety side seriously, but the tone is cheerful rather than stiff. The guide speaks English, Greek, and Arabic. Other languages are available through the cruise app in written form, which is useful if you need more than the spoken commentary.

Leaving Protaras for Famagusta and Varosha

The boat leaves Protaras and heads east toward the Famagusta District. The first stretch is a sightseeing cruise, giving you time to settle in, take photographs, and get a feel for the coastline.

The Varosha stop adds something different from the usual sun-and-sea boat ride. Varosha was once a major holiday resort, but it was abandoned after the events of 1974, when Cyprus was divided. From the water, you view the ghost town and hear an explanation of the political history that still shapes the island.

This is a short stop, not a land visit. You will not walk through the abandoned resort or spend a long time ashore. Still, seeing the sealed-off coastline from the sea makes the division of Cyprus easier to understand. It gives the cruise a welcome sense of place instead of treating the coast as nothing more than a pretty backdrop.

If history is important to you, pay attention during this section. If you mainly want swimming, the commentary may feel like a pause before the fun begins. That balance is fair for a family cruise, but it is not a full historical tour of Cyprus.

Fig Tree Bay and the Cape Greco coastline

After passing Famagusta and Varosha, the boat hugs the coast toward Fig Tree Bay and Cape Greco National Park. This is where the scenery becomes the main attraction.

You pass clear water, rocky shorelines, sea caves, and striking coastal viewpoints. The boat also goes near Agioi Anargyri Church, Lovers Bridge, and the Sancta Maria Shrine. These are quick sightseeing moments, so keep your camera ready rather than waiting for a long stop at each place.

Lovers Bridge is a natural rock formation that makes a memorable photograph. Agioi Anargyri Church, sitting by the sea, gives the route a distinctly Cypriot character. The Sancta Maria Shrine adds another unusual visual detail along the coast.

The best place to enjoy this section is likely the upper deck, where you have an open view in several directions. The front of the boat is also popular, but it can fill quickly. If you prefer shade or air conditioning, the lounge is a useful retreat, particularly during the hottest part of the day.

The Blue Lagoon: swimming, lunch, and the big slide

The boat then heads to the Blue Lagoon near Ayia Napa and moors for a longer break. This is the central part of the cruise, with about 45 minutes set aside for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and marine-life viewing.

The water is clear and bright, and the stop gives you the chance to swim straight from the boat. Life jackets and pool noodles are available at no extra charge, which makes the stop easier for children and anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

The inflatable slide is the star attraction for many families. It is large, fast, and designed to send you straight into the sea. You can expect a loud, playful atmosphere around it, especially when children and teenagers begin taking repeated turns. One practical warning: the slide can be a little rough on the body, so use care when landing and follow the crew’s instructions.

Snorkeling equipment is available with a €20 cash deposit. The deposit is returned when you bring the equipment back safely. Bring cash for this, even if you plan to pay for other items by card.

Lunch is served onboard and is more substantial than the usual boat-trip sandwich. The standard meal includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cypriot cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. Portions are generous, and you can usually go back for more. Vegetarian patties are available, and chicken nuggets can be prepared for children, but you need to request these when you board.

A complimentary drink is included. You can choose beer, wine, soda, or juice. The bar stays open during the cruise, with additional drinks and snacks available to buy. Prices have been described as reasonable, but bring a bottle or budget for water because onboard water is not necessarily free. A small bottle has been sold for €2.

Green Bay and the turtle stop

On the way back toward Protaras, the boat stops at Green Bay, often called Turtle Bay. This is the second main water stop and usually lasts around 45 minutes.

The purpose here is simple: swim, snorkel, and look for turtles. You may see them close to the boat, or you may only catch a distant glimpse. Some trips see one turtle, others see two or more, and some may see none. The crew cannot control wildlife, so treat the turtles as a bonus rather than the reason to book the trip.

The rules matter. Do not touch marine life, even if a turtle swims close. Keep your distance and let the animal move freely. This is better for the turtle and gives you a more natural sighting.

The second swim stop often feels like the highlight because you have already settled into the boat and know how the water stops work. Some people find the first swim a little short, so use the time well. Have your towel, goggles, and sunscreen ready before the boat drops anchor.

Food, drinks, and the overall onboard mood

The food receives unusually strong praise for a boat cruise, and I can see why. A hot serving of chicken, potatoes, salad, cous cous, and tzatziki feels like a real lunch after swimming. It also makes the $47 price easier to justify, especially when you consider that drinks, equipment, and food at coastal resorts can add up quickly.

The crew keeps the mood light with jokes, music, and practical help. The atmosphere is friendly without being formal. Special occasions may receive extra attention, such as a birthday greeting, and children can sometimes be invited to sit near the captain or take part in small onboard moments.

The bar adds to the holiday feel, but remember that only one drink is included. Additional drinks cost extra, and you should not bring your own drinks onto the boat.

Free WiFi is available as the boat returns along the Protaras coastline. It is a small touch, but useful if you want to share photographs before reaching the pier.

Pickup, timing, and meeting the boat

You can meet the boat at the end of Protaras Pier. If you head toward the Evelena Hotel, you should be able to see the boats from that area. For many people staying near the Protaras seafront, walking may be easier than taking a bus.

Optional transfers cover central pickup points in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis. The pickup point may be a two to seven minute walk from your accommodation. Pickup can take place 20 to 60 minutes before departure, and the exact location is confirmed after booking.

Be at the stated pickup point five minutes early, then allow up to 15 minutes in case the bus is delayed. Drivers wait no longer than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so this is not the moment to stop for a coffee.

The cruise itself may last from about 210 minutes to five hours, depending on the selected option and sea conditions. The route can change when the water is rough, and advance notice is not always possible. If you have a tight schedule later in the day, leave plenty of room.

Is $47 good value?

Yes, for most people. The price includes the boat ride, guide, lunch, WiFi, and one drink. You also get two swimming stops, a large slide, coastal sightseeing, and the Varosha commentary. Comparable days can become expensive once you add lunch, transport, and water activities separately.

The value is strongest for families. A child can swim, slide, use a pool noodle, eat a full meal, and listen to music without the adults having to arrange several separate activities. Couples and solo visitors can enjoy it too, but anyone seeking a silent, intimate sailing trip should choose a smaller boat.

The main extra costs are drinks from the bar and the refundable €20 snorkel deposit. Hotel pickup is also optional, so check which booking choice you select before paying.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to families with children, couples who want a relaxed day on the water, and anyone looking for a broad introduction to the Protaras and Cape Greco coast. It gives you scenery, history, swimming, lunch, and a little harmless chaos on the slide.

It is less suitable if you dislike busy boats, want long uninterrupted swim sessions, or have mobility difficulties. The boat requires about 15 steps to board, and the toilets are downstairs. The route also depends on sea conditions, so you need to accept some flexibility.

Bring sunscreen, a towel, cash, and a credit card. Arrive early if you want seats together. Keep your bags compact, since large piles of belongings can make seating harder for everyone.

Should you book the St Georgios II?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value boat day with plenty included. The strongest reasons are the friendly crew, filling Cypriot lunch, clean modern boat, beautiful Cape Greco views, and two useful swim stops.

Book with realistic expectations. Turtles are not guaranteed, the boat may be busy, and the trip is not a private luxury charter despite the yacht-style name. For $47, though, the mix is hard to fault. You get a proper taste of the coast, a bit of Cyprus history, a memorable slide, and enough water time to make the day feel worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the St Georgios II cruise depart?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select the transfer option. Transfers serve central locations in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis.

How long does the cruise last?

The advertised duration ranges from about 210 minutes to five hours. Check the available departure option when booking, as timing can vary.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cypriot cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki.

Are vegetarian and children’s meals available?

A vegetarian patty is available, and chicken nuggets can be prepared for children. Request these when you arrive at the boat.

Is a drink included?

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

Are snorkeling items included?

Snorkel equipment is available with a €20 cash deposit. The deposit is refunded when you safely return the equipment.

Will I definitely see turtles?

No. Turtles are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed. The turtle stop is at Green Bay, also known as Turtle Bay.

Can I use the waterslide?

Yes. The boat has a large inflatable slide that finishes in the sea. Life jackets and pool noodles are available free of charge.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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