Protaras: St Georgios Presidential Cruise BBQ & 1 drink. 16+

Clear water, caves, turtles, and lunch await. The St Georgios Presidential Cruise packs Protaras’ best coastal sights into about three hours, with a swim in the Blue Lagoon, a freshly cooked BBQ meal, and one cocktail or beer included. I especially like the small maximum group of 46 and the chance to see turtles during the swim stops. The main consideration is that this is an active boat outing, with steps to board and to reach the washroom, plus a long pickup window for some hotels.

I also like the easy, relaxed rhythm: sail, stop, swim, eat, and return. The boat has shade, snorkeling gear, WiFi, and a toilet, so you are not simply sitting in the sun with nowhere to go. The tour is for ages 16 and up, while alcoholic drinks are limited to those aged 18 and older.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon swim: Stop in clear water near Cape Greco, with snorkeling equipment available and a chance of seeing turtles.
• Cape Greco by boat: See sea caves, Shark Mouth Cave, Lovers Bridge, Konnos Bay, and the Agioi Anargyroi Chapel from the water.
• BBQ lunch included: Freshly prepared chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad are served on board, with a vegetarian option.
• Famagusta border viewpoint: The cruise includes a view toward the occupied zone, adding important modern history to the coastal scenery.
• Comfortable boat setup: Shade, restroom, WiFi, flotation aids, and a maximum of 46 people make the outing easier for a half day at sea.
• Pickup can take time: Hotel transfers may last 5 to 75 minutes, so check your ticket and be ready before the stated pickup time.

Why this Protaras cruise works so well

The appeal is simple: you get a good sample of the eastern Cyprus coast without spending a full day at sea. The route combines swimming, scenery, food, and a little local context. That mix gives you more than a standard boat ride, but it does not demand the long hours of a full-day sailing trip.

The St Georgios Presidential Cruise costs $48.27 per person. For that price, you receive the boat trip, lunch, snorkeling gear, one alcoholic drink, and hotel pickup if your location is covered by the central pickup system. You can also use the toilet and WiFi on board, which matter more than they may sound once you are several hours into a sunny cruise.

I see this as good value for someone who wants a set outing rather than arranging a boat, lunch, and swim stop separately. Snacks cost extra, and tips are not included, but the main parts of the day are covered. The one drink is either a cocktail or beer, and alcohol is available only to those aged 18 and over.

The boat holds no more than 46 people. That is not a private cruise, but it helps prevent the crowded feeling that can spoil a swim stop. One account described plenty of room to move around and shady areas, which is useful in the strong Cyprus sun.

Leaving Protaras Pier and looking toward Famagusta

The meeting point is Protaras Pier on the coastal walkway between Protaras and Pernera. The scheduled start is 10:15 am, though one account records a departure closer to 10:30, so use the time printed on your own ticket.

Early in the cruise, the boat sails toward a viewpoint near the border of the occupied zone. From the water, you can see toward Famagusta. The crew also gives commentary about the resort and the events of 1974, when Turkish forces took control of the northern part of Cyprus.

This stop adds weight to what might otherwise be only a scenic morning. Famagusta is not just a distant coastal view. Its divided status remains part of everyday life in Cyprus, and seeing the area from the sea gives you a useful sense of its position.

Do not expect a long shore visit here. This is a viewing point from the boat, not a land excursion into Famagusta. If your main aim is swimming, this pause may feel slower. If you want some context alongside the scenery, it is a worthwhile part of the route.

Agioi Anargyroi Chapel and the rocks beneath it

The Church of Agioi Anargyroi is one of the most recognizable points along this coast. It is described as the easternmost point of Cyprus, and the small chapel sits above a cave that was once the original place of worship.

The boat moves close to the rocks, allowing you to see the chapel and the cave from the water. You may be close enough to touch the rock at the front of the boat, depending on the boat’s position and sea conditions. This is a good example of why a boat gives you a different view from a road trip. The cliffs and chapel make more sense when you see how directly they meet the sea.

There is no extra admission fee. You do not need to plan a separate ticket or leave the boat. Bring a phone or camera, but keep a firm grip on it near the front rail. The tour uses open coastal views well, though the best photo position can depend on where you are standing when the boat turns.

Cape Greco’s caves, Shark Mouth, and Lovers Bridge

Cape Greco National Forest Park is the visual center of this cruise. The boat passes natural caves along the coast, including Shark Mouth Cave, and continues toward Lovers Bridge. The caves were once used by pirates to smuggle contraband onto Cyprus, giving the rocky shore an unusual bit of backstory.

You see the park from the sea rather than walking through it. That means you will not explore inland trails, but you will get a clean view of the cliffs, openings, and rock formations from below. The boat also gives you a sense of the park’s shape, with the coast folding into coves and small inlets.

Lovers Bridge is a natural rock formation and a popular photo point. The same is true of the cave entrances. The sightseeing is fairly fast moving, so I would keep your camera ready before the boat reaches each feature.

The best part is the change in pace. One minute you are looking at a chapel and cave, then the coastline opens into clear water and a swimming stop. It keeps the cruise from becoming a long, single stretch of sitting.

The Blue Lagoon swim stop

The Blue Lagoon is where the cruise becomes more than a sightseeing loop. The boat stops in clear water for a refreshing swim, and snorkeling equipment is available. You use life jackets as flotation aids, so you can choose a relaxed float rather than swim hard.

Several accounts describe turtles near the swimming areas, with one noting turtles close enough to make the encounter a major memory. Turtles are wildlife, of course, so no sighting can be promised. Still, the combination of clear water, snorkeling gear, and a protected-feeling cove makes this one of the strongest reasons to book.

You should bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry place for your phone. The supplied details do not state how long each swim lasts, so expect the crew to set the timing around the route and sea conditions rather than plan on an unlimited water session.

The water may be the tour’s main draw, but the swim stop is not ideal for everyone. If you do not swim, you will remain on the boat while others enter the water. Shade is available, which helps, but the cruise still centers on getting wet.

Passing Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay

Fig Tree Bay is viewed from the sea rather than visited from the beach. From this angle, you get a broad view of the shoreline and can see why the bay is one of the best-known coastal spots near Protaras. There is no admission charge and no shore stop.

Konnos Bay receives the same treatment. The boat offers a view of the sandy beach and clear water at the beginning of Cape Greco National Forest Park. This is useful if you want to see several famous beaches without spending the day moving between them by road.

The tradeoff is clear: you get variety, but not time on each beach. You cannot walk the sand, buy something from shore, or settle in for a long beach afternoon. I would see these passages as scenic extras that round out the cruise, not substitutes for a proper beach visit.

A BBQ lunch prepared on board

Lunch is one of the better value points. The crew prepares the food on board, including BBQ chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad. Pourgouri is a Cypriot grain dish often described as a local cous cous style side, and it gives the meal a regional touch.

A vegetarian choice is available within the menu. If you have a more serious dietary restriction, the supplied information does not explain what alternatives can be arranged, so ask before booking rather than assume.

The meal fits the setting. You are not getting a restaurant tasting menu, but you are receiving a substantial plate after swimming and sitting in the sun. Food quality received strong praise, and the combination of hot BBQ items, sides, and salad should suit most people looking for a practical lunch at sea.

Sweet and savory snacks can be bought on board, but they are not included. You are also asked not to bring your own drinks. One cocktail or beer is included for adults aged 18 and over, while nonalcoholic drink arrangements are not specified in the supplied details.

The boat, group size, and onboard comfort

The boat has several features that make three hours easier. There is a restroom, WiFi, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and shaded space. There are steps from the pier onto the boat and additional steps down to the washroom, so this is not a step-free activity.

The maximum group size is 46 people. I would not call that intimate, but it is modest for a popular coastal cruise. The available comments describe the boat as having room to move, which should make the swim stops less frantic than they can be on a packed vessel.

Music is part of the atmosphere, and the crew is described as friendly and helpful. The tone seems relaxed rather than formal. You should expect a social boat outing with commentary when useful, not a quiet private charter.

The cruise lasts about three hours, though one account describes roughly three and a half hours from departure to return. Small differences can come from pickup timing, sea conditions, and the day’s route. Plan for a half morning and early afternoon rather than relying on an exact return minute.

Pickup details that affect your morning

Pickup is offered through central meeting points, not necessarily directly outside every hotel. Transfer times can range from 5 to 75 minutes, depending on where you are staying. Check your ticket carefully for the exact pickup time.

You are asked to arrive five minutes early and be prepared to wait up to 15 minutes if the bus is late. If you have concerns, the operator provides WhatsApp contact at +357 97724697. This is worth saving before you leave your accommodation.

The cruise ends back at the Protaras meeting point. If you arrange your own way there, allow enough time to find Protaras Pier on the coastal walkway. If you use pickup, remember that the return process may also take time after the boat docks.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this cruise if you want a well-priced mix of swimming, scenery, and lunch without spending a full day on the water. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who are comfortable with steps and sea conditions.

It is especially good for you if turtles are high on your wish list, though sightings remain uncertain. It also works for anyone interested in seeing Cape Greco’s caves and beaches from a fresh angle rather than only visiting them by land.

I would think twice if you want a private boat, a long beach stop, or a quiet sailing experience. The music, group setting, and scheduled route may not suit someone seeking solitude. The 16-plus age rule also rules out younger children, and alcohol is restricted to adults aged 18 and over.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. After that, refunds are not offered for cancellations or changes. The trip also depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Should you book the St Georgios Presidential Cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward Protaras sea day with several strong ingredients: Cape Greco caves, a Blue Lagoon swim, possible turtle sightings, a cooked BBQ lunch, and a drink included. The $48.27 price is fair because it covers more than the boat ride, and the group size should leave you some breathing room.

Skip it if you dislike swimming stops, need step-free access, or want extensive time ashore. For most visitors who want to see the coast without fuss, this is a practical and enjoyable choice, with enough variety to keep three hours moving.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Protaras Pier, located on the coastal walkway between Protaras and Pernera in Cyprus.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:15 am. Check your ticket for the exact pickup or meeting time.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the Protaras meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The stated duration is approximately three hours. The actual time may vary slightly, with one account describing about three and a half hours on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered from centralized pickup points. Transfer times may range from 5 to 75 minutes, depending on your location.

What food is included?

Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad. A vegetarian option is available.

Is a drink included?

One cocktail or beer is included. Alcoholic drinks are available only to people aged 18 and over.

Can I use snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the swimming stops.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

The experience is for people aged 16 and over. If someone appears younger than 16, photo identification may be requested.

Can the cruise be canceled for bad weather?

Yes. The cruise requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can receive a refund or choose another date or experience.