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

A giant slide changes the whole boat day. The St Georgios II combines a relaxed coastal cruise with Cape Greco scenery, two swimming stops, a generous Cypriot lunch, and a huge inflatable slide that gives this outing more energy than a standard sightseeing boat. I especially like the friendly crew and the amount of food included for $47. The main catch is that swim time can feel short, seating can be tight, and turtles are never guaranteed.

This is a family-friendly cruise, but it is not only for families. You can stretch out on the upper deck, sit in the air-conditioned lounge, listen to music, or try the front captains table for the best forward view. The boat is clean and modern, though you will need to climb about 15 steps to board and reach the toilets.

Key points before you book

• The St Georgios II has a huge inflatable slide, plus life jackets and pool noodles for easy swimming.
• The Blue Lagoon stop includes a filling Cypriot lunch with roast chicken, chips, salad, cous cous, bread, and tzatziki.
• Two swim stops are included, with the second at Green Bay, also known as Turtle Bay.
• Turtles are possible but not promised, so treat them as a lucky bonus rather than the main reason to book.
• Varosha adds real historical context, with views toward the abandoned district of Famagusta and an explanation of Cyprus’s division.
• Transfers are available from selected resorts, but the boat is also easy to reach at the end of Protaras Pier.

Why this Protaras boat trip is better than a basic sightseeing cruise

A boat trip can easily become a slow ride past the coast with a quick swim tacked on at the end. This one has more going on. You get coastal views, a history talk, two swimming breaks, lunch, music, a bar, WiFi, and the slide.

I like that the experience works for different moods. You can be active in the water, sit in the shade, or use the air-conditioned lounge when the sun gets too strong. The upper relax deck is the place to watch the coastline, while the front of the boat gives you the most open views as the yacht moves away from Protaras.

The crew receives the strongest praise for good reason. They keep the mood light without losing control of the day, and several families found the staff especially helpful with children. One child even got the chance to steer the boat, and the crew marked a birthday with a song for a passenger. Those small touches help this feel more personal than a strictly scheduled cruise.

The boat is described as modern, clean, and attractive. It is not a private yacht experience, however. This is a shared excursion, and busy departures can mean that groups need to claim seats early. Keep bags compact and avoid spreading personal items over several seats.

Leaving Protaras and looking toward Varosha

The cruise begins at the end of Protaras Pier, near the Evelena Hotel. If you are staying close to the seafront, walking may be easier than arranging a transfer. The meeting point can cause a little confusion, so give yourself time to find the boats rather than arriving at the last minute.

From Protaras, the St Georgios II heads toward Famagusta. The first section is a gentle sightseeing cruise, with views along the coast and time to settle into the boat. You can use this part to find the best deck, order a drink, and listen to the guide.

The view toward Varosha is one of the more meaningful parts of the day. Varosha was once a resort district, but it was abandoned after the events of 1974, when Cyprus became divided. From the water, you learn about what happened and see the coastline connected to that painful history.

This is not a long shore visit. The boat makes a photo and sightseeing stop, then continues along the coast. Still, it adds context that many purely recreational cruises leave out. You are not only looking at beaches and caves. You are also seeing a place shaped by conflict and separation.

The guide commentary is available in English, Greek, and Arabic. Other languages are supported through a cruise app with written information. Keep in mind that the spoken presentation is not available in every language.

Fig Tree Bay and the Cape Greco coast

As the boat retraces the coast, it passes Fig Tree Bay before reaching the Cape Greco National Park area. This stretch is ideal for photographs, especially from the front or upper deck.

The route includes several recognizable coastal sights:

• Agioi Anargyri Church
• Lovers Bridge
• Sancta Maria Shrine
• Coastal caves and rock formations
• The blue water around Cape Greco

The boat brings you close enough to appreciate the shapes and colors of the coast, though sea conditions can alter the exact route. The captain may need to change the order or location of stops if the water is rough.

Lovers Bridge and the church are quick photo stops rather than long visits. That is worth knowing if you prefer walking ashore and exploring each place. This excursion is about seeing many highlights from the sea, not spending an hour at one landmark.

I would use the sightseeing sections for photos, then put the camera away during the swimming stops. The upper deck offers wide views, while the front captains table is popular because it gives you an unobstructed look ahead. Access to that area can depend on how busy the boat is.

The Blue Lagoon stop brings lunch and swimming together

The Blue Lagoon is the first major break. The St Georgios II moors in the turquoise water, giving you time to swim, snorkel, use the slide, or simply float beside the boat.

The slide is the star attraction for children and plenty of adults. It is large, fast, and more exciting than the small slides found on some excursion boats. Life jackets and pool noodles are available at no extra charge, which helps less confident swimmers enjoy the stop.

Snorkel equipment is available with a refundable cash deposit of €20. You get the deposit back when the equipment is returned safely. Bring cash for this, as well as for drinks and other purchases at the bar.

Lunch is served on board during the Blue Lagoon stop. The usual meal includes:

• Baked chicken
• Homemade chipped potatoes
• Cyprus cous cous
• Salad
• Bread
• Tzatziki

Vegetarian patties are available, and chicken nuggets can be prepared for children, but you need to request these when you arrive at the boat. The portions are generous, and you can expect a filling rather than delicate meal. The chicken and chips suit a day in the sun, while the salad, bread, and tzatziki add a taste of a simple Cypriot-style lunch.

A free drink is included. You can choose from beer, wine, soda, or juice. Other drinks and snacks are sold at the bar, and the prices are described as reasonable compared with nearby bars. Water is not necessarily free, so bring some cash or a card for bottled water. One small bottle has been sold for €2.

The lunch is one of the best parts of the value. At $47 per person, you are not paying only for a boat ride. You are also getting a cooked meal, a drink, entertainment, two water stops, and a guide. The food will not be a restaurant tasting menu, but it is plentiful and practical for a family day at sea.

Green Bay and the chance to see turtles

After leaving the Blue Lagoon, the boat continues along the coast before stopping at Green Bay, often called Turtle Bay. This is the second swimming and snorkeling stop, and it is usually the more anticipated one.

Turtles are wild animals, so there is no promise that you will see them. Some departures have spotted one or two turtles, sometimes from a distance and sometimes much closer. Other departures may not see any. The responsible approach is to enjoy the water and treat a turtle sighting as luck.

You are asked not to touch marine life. That rule matters, especially when a turtle appears near the boat. Keep your distance, avoid chasing it, and let it move freely.

The stop gives you a chance to snorkel and look for marine life in the clear water. Bring your own mask if you prefer not to pay the deposit for boat equipment. The swimming area can be busy, so life jackets are a useful option for children or anyone who is not a strong swimmer.

Some people find the first swim stop a little rushed, while the second stop feels more relaxed. The full timing depends on sea conditions and the day’s running order. If swimming is your main aim, sit where you can get into the water quickly and have your towel ready before the boat stops.

What the boat is like for comfort and families

The St Georgios II offers several ways to spend the cruise. The upper deck is best for sun and views. The lounge provides air conditioning and a break from the heat. The front area is popular for photographs and the feeling of being right at the bow.

The boat has toilets, but they are reached by stairs. Boarding also requires about 15 steps, so this excursion is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Parents should also consider the steps, wet surfaces, and active slide area when deciding if very young children can manage comfortably.

Music plays during parts of the cruise, and the atmosphere is sociable rather than quiet. If you want a peaceful sailing experience, this may feel lively. If you like a bit of music, jokes, and crew interaction, it adds to the holiday mood.

Seating deserves a small warning. The boat can feel crowded at busy times, especially when people leave bags on seats. Arrive early, keep your belongings close, and have one person in your group hold seats while others board or collect food.

Free WiFi is available, which is handy for sending photos while you are still at sea. The strongest reason to keep your phone out, though, is the scenery. Cape Greco is best appreciated with your eyes, not only through a screen.

Transfers, timing, and practical planning

You can meet the boat at Protaras Pier or select a transfer from central pickup points in Protaras, Pernera, Kapparis, and Ayia Napa. Transfers are not necessarily directly outside your hotel. The pickup may be a two to seven minute walk away, and the exact point is confirmed after booking.

Pickup can take place 20 to 60 minutes before departure, depending on your resort. Be at the stated location five minutes early and allow another 15 minutes in case the bus is delayed. Drivers wait no longer than five minutes after the planned pickup time, so do not treat the pickup time as a loose suggestion.

The cruise is advertised as lasting from 210 minutes to five hours, depending on the departure and transfer arrangement. The sightseeing and swimming schedule adds up to a substantial half-day outing, but the exact duration can change with sea conditions.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash
• Credit card
• Swimwear
• A waterproof phone pouch if you want photos in the water

Do not bring drinks from outside. Drones are not allowed, and smoking indoors is prohibited.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and a reserve-now-pay-later option is available. If you need a transfer, book early because the transfer option can disappear once the bus places are full. After that, you may need to reach the pier yourself.

Is $47 a fair price for the St Georgios II?

Yes, for most people this is strong value. The price includes the cruise, guide, lunch, one drink, WiFi, and the main swimming activities. A boat trip offering only a short sail and one swim could cost a similar amount, while this outing adds lunch and a second water stop.

The food is also a real part of the value. You receive a full plate of chicken, chips, salad, cous cous, bread, and tzatziki, with vegetarian and child-friendly alternatives available on request. Extra drinks cost more, and snorkel equipment requires a refundable €20 deposit, but these charges are clear and manageable.

The price does not buy a private or quiet yacht charter. You share the boat with other groups, and the popular slide and swim stops can become busy. If you want solitude, a smaller private boat would suit you better, but it would likely cost much more.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to families with school-age children and teenagers, couples who want more than a lazy sail, and anyone looking for a good-value half-day on the water. The slide, music, lunch, and two swim stops give the day enough variety to keep different age groups happy.

It also suits people who want a quick introduction to Cape Greco without arranging several separate activities. You see coastal landmarks, hear about Varosha, swim at the Blue Lagoon, and have a chance to spot turtles without moving between multiple bookings.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, dislike shared group excursions, or need long, quiet swimming sessions. The boat has stairs, the schedule can feel brisk, and turtles may not appear. The best mindset is to book it for the boat day, scenery, food, and water time, with turtles as an extra.

Should you book the St Georgios II?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value boat day with a clean yacht, generous lunch, friendly crew, two swimming stops, and a slide that children will remember. The strongest parts are the staff, the food, the Cape Greco views, and the chance to combine relaxation with a little excitement.

Skip it if your priority is privacy, long uninterrupted swims, or guaranteed turtle sightings. For most visitors staying around Protaras or Ayia Napa, though, the St Georgios II offers a lot for $47 and makes a practical choice for a family-friendly day on the Cyprus coast.

FAQ

Where does the St Georgios II cruise leave from?

The boat is located at the end of Protaras Pier. If you walk toward the Evelena Hotel, you will see the boats from that area.

Are hotel transfers included?

Transfers are included only if you choose the transfer option when booking. Pickup points are available in Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis, and the exact location may be a short walk from your hotel.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes baked chicken, homemade chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. Vegetarian patties and chicken nuggets for children can be requested when you arrive at the boat.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. The boat visits Green Bay, also called Turtle Bay, where you may see turtles in their natural environment, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is available with a €20 cash deposit, which is refunded when the equipment is returned safely. 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 boat toilets are also accessible only by stairs.