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

Clear water, good food, easy cruising. This three-hour St Georgios Presidential Cruise gives you a relaxed way to see Protaras, Cape Greco, Konnos Bay, and the Blue Lagoon without spending the day on a crowded excursion. I especially like the two swimming stops and the chance of seeing turtles, along with the freshly prepared BBQ lunch served on board. The boat also has shaded areas, toilets, snorkeling gear, WiFi, and a maximum capacity of 46 people.

The main point to consider is the schedule. Pickup can take anywhere from 5 to 75 minutes depending on your hotel, and the boat includes only one free beer or cocktail. Alcohol is available only to those aged 18 and up, while anyone who looks under 16 may need photo ID.

Key Points Before You Book

• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: Crystal-clear water, with snorkeling equipment available and possible turtle sightings.
• Fresh BBQ lunch: Chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad are prepared on board, with a vegetarian option.
• Cape Greco coastline: See sea caves, Shark Mouth Cave, Lovers Bridge, Konnos Bay, and Agioi Anargyroi Chapel from the water.
• View toward the occupied zone: The cruise includes a stopping point with a distant view toward Famagusta and the border area.
• Roomier boat experience: The maximum group size is 46, and the boat has shaded spaces rather than packing everyone tightly together.
• Useful practical extras: A restroom, WiFi, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and one beer or cocktail are included.

What the Protaras Cruise Is Really Like

This is not a fast sightseeing trip where you rush from one photo stop to the next. The St Georgios Presidential Cruise is built around a slow morning on the sea, with scenery, commentary, swimming, lunch, and music filling roughly three to three and a half hours.

The advertised start time is 10:15 a.m., though the cruise has also operated with a departure around 10:30 and a return just before 2 p.m. Check your ticket for the exact pickup and boarding time. The cruise begins and ends at Protaras Pier on the coastal walkway between Protaras and Pernera.

I like the balance here. You get enough sightseeing to understand the coast, but the day is not overloaded with formal stops or admission queues. Most places are viewed from the boat, and the Blue Lagoon is where you get time in the water.

The boat accommodates up to 46 people. That is not an intimate private charter, but it is a manageable size for a shared cruise. The boat has space to move around and shaded areas, which matter on a bright Cyprus morning. If you want complete privacy or a quiet sailing trip with only a handful of people, this is not that sort of outing.

Pickup From Protaras and Pernera

Centralized pickup is offered, which can save you the cost and hassle of arranging a taxi. The operator asks you to arrive at your assigned pickup point five minutes early and allow up to 15 minutes for a late bus.

The larger issue is the total transfer range. Depending on where you stay, the ride can take from 5 to 75 minutes. That means you should not plan another tight activity immediately after the cruise. Check the ticket carefully because the pickup time may differ from the boat’s published start time.

You can contact the operator by WhatsApp at +357 97724697 if you are unsure about your transfer. The boat departs from Protaras Pier, listed at Plus Code 23C2+JJX, on the Protaras to Pernera coastal walkway.

There are steps from the pier onto the boat, and more steps down to the restroom. That is worth knowing if you have limited mobility or are carrying a stroller. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation.

The Distant View Toward Famagusta

One early part of the route looks toward the border and the occupied zone. From the sea, you get a distant view in the direction of Famagusta.

This is more than a quick scenic pause. The captain’s commentary has included an explanation of the resort being taken during the events of 1974. It gives the coastline a political and historical layer that you would miss if you only came for swimming.

The view itself is distant, so you should not expect a close look at city streets or buildings. Bring a phone or camera if you want to capture it, but the real value is the setting and the explanation rather than a long sightseeing stop.

Agioi Anargyroi Chapel and Its Sea Cave

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

The boat goes close into the rocks, allowing you to see the chapel’s position from below and touch the rock at the front of the boat. This is one of the more unusual parts of the route because the cave is not simply a scenic opening in the cliff. It also connects the modern chapel with the older worship site beneath it.

You do not pay an admission fee, since the visit is a view from the water. The tradeoff is that you will not walk into the chapel or explore the cave on foot. Still, seeing the rocks from sea level gives you a different angle than a standard road visit.

Fig Tree Bay From the Water

Fig Tree Bay is one of the best-known beaches near Protaras, and the cruise passes it for a broad view of the shoreline.

From the boat, you can appreciate the curve of the beach and the color of the water without dealing with beach crowds, towels, or finding a place to sit. This is a sightseeing pass rather than a beach stop, so do not expect to swim or go ashore here.

That distinction matters. If your priority is spending several hours on Fig Tree Bay itself, book a beach day instead. If you want to see it as part of a longer coastal route, the boat offers a pleasant perspective with no extra admission charge.

Cape Greco, Shark Mouth Cave, and Lovers Bridge

The Cape Greco National Forest Park area is the visual heart of the cruise. The boat follows the coast past natural caves, rocky cliffs, and sea formations that were once used by pirates to smuggle goods onto Cyprus.

Two names make this section especially memorable: Shark Mouth Cave and Lovers Bridge. You will see these formations from the water, which lets you understand their shape and position far better than a road viewpoint can.

The route also includes a view of Konnos Bay, known for its sandy beach and clear water. Konnos marks the beginning of the national park area and is one of the prettiest coastal sections on the trip.

The boat does not stop at every cave, and there is no land hike through Cape Greco. That keeps the outing easy, but it also means your experience depends on the captain’s route and commentary. If you enjoy having a guide point out features as you pass, this works well. If you want to explore the park’s trails, arches, and viewpoints on foot, you will need a separate visit.

Swimming in the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon stop is the main reason many people choose this cruise. The water is described as crystal clear, and the boat pauses so you can swim and use the included snorkeling equipment.

This is also where turtle sightings can turn an enjoyable swim into the highlight of the morning. Turtles have been seen close to swimmers during the stop, but wildlife is never guaranteed. You should treat a sighting as a lucky bonus, not a promised part of the itinerary.

Life jackets are provided as flotation aids. You can also use the snorkeling gear supplied on board. The information does not specify the exact length of the swimming stop, so expect the timing to depend on the day’s sea conditions and the captain’s schedule.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a dry bag for valuables. You should not bring your own drinks on board. Snacks, both sweet and savory, can be bought from the boat if lunch does not quite satisfy you.

A Second Swim and the Turtle Possibility

The cruise has been described as including two swimming stops, with the second sometimes offering especially close turtle sightings. The exact order can vary, so you may not get the same sequence every time.

I like this setup because it gives you more than one chance to get into the water. If the first swim is busy or you spend too much time taking photos, another stop gives you a chance to snorkel properly.

Still, conditions can change. Sea traffic, weather, and wildlife movement are outside the operator’s control. The tour requires good weather, and a poor-weather cancellation leads to a new date or a full refund.

BBQ Lunch Served on Board

Lunch is one of the stronger parts of the value. Food is freshly prepared on board and includes BBQ chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad. Pourgouri is a Cypriot cracked-wheat dish often served in place of rice or couscous, so this meal gives you a small taste of local cooking alongside familiar picnic food.

A vegetarian option is available within the menu. If you have a specific allergy or dietary need, confirm what can be provided before booking, since the supplied information only confirms a vegetarian choice.

The meal is included in the ticket price, which helps explain the cost. At $48.27 per person, you are paying for the boat trip, two possible swim stops, lunch, snorkeling equipment, one alcoholic drink, and possibly hotel transfer. Buying those items separately would take more planning and could cost more, especially in a popular resort area.

One beer or cocktail is included. Additional sweet and savory snacks are available for purchase, but tips and gratuities are not included. The boat’s food is best viewed as a good onboard lunch rather than a restaurant meal. It is practical, filling, and part of the day’s relaxed rhythm.

Music, Commentary, and Onboard Comfort

Music is part of the atmosphere. This is not a silent nature cruise, and you may hear music during the sailing sections. That suits a social morning better than a formal guided tour.

The captain’s commentary has been useful, especially around the border view and the coastal landmarks. You should expect information at key points, not a continuous lecture. That is a good fit if you want context without giving up your time to sit quietly and listen.

WiFi is available on board, and there is a restroom. The restroom is reached by steps, as is access to the boat from the pier. Shaded areas are available, which I consider important in Cyprus, especially if you plan to stay on deck for most of the trip.

The boat has a maximum of 46 people. That number gives you a shared excursion feel, but the boat is not designed as a private yacht. The advantage is that it avoids the feel of a very large party boat, while still offering a lively setting with music and space to move.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want an easy coastal day with a mix of swimming, scenery, food, and light commentary. It suits couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a low-effort activity from Protaras.

The minimum age is 16. Anyone who appears younger may be asked to show a passport, driving licence, or national identity card. Alcoholic drinks are limited to those aged 18 and older, so the free cocktail or beer is not available to younger participants.

This is also a good choice if you want to see several Cape Greco sights but do not want to arrange a rental car or walk between viewpoints. The boat gives you access to the caves and rocky coast from an angle that roads cannot provide.

I would be more cautious if you dislike boats, need step-free access, or want a full day of beach time. You will spend much of the outing on the water, and the principal beaches and caves are viewed rather than visited on foot.

Is the $48.27 Price Good Value?

At $48.27, I see this as a fair mid-range excursion rather than a bargain basement boat ride. The included BBQ lunch adds real value, especially with chicken, potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, salad, and a vegetarian option.

You also receive snorkeling equipment, life jackets, a restroom, WiFi, one beer or cocktail, and possible hotel pickup. The chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon and possibly see turtles is the main value driver.

The price feels strongest if you use the swimming stops, eat lunch on board, and make use of the transfer. It feels less attractive if you only want to sit on a boat and take photos, or if you are staying close enough to the pier to arrange a shorter, cheaper cruise.

The high recommendation rate of 96 percent and a 4.8 rating from 73 reviews support the idea that the operation is generally well organized. The most consistent praise centers on the friendly crew, good food, clear water, turtles, music, and the boat’s relaxed amount of space.

Booking, Weather, and Small Practical Details

You receive confirmation when you book, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The cruise requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. A minimum number of participants is also required, with the same choice of a different date, another experience, or a refund if the departure is canceled.

Arrive five minutes before your assigned pickup time, but allow for a 15-minute delay. Do not rely only on the general 10:15 a.m. start time. Your ticket contains the details that matter for your hotel.

Should You Book the St Georgios Presidential Cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a relaxed half-day on the sea rather than a packed sightseeing program. The combination of Cape Greco scenery, Blue Lagoon swimming, possible turtles, and a freshly cooked lunch makes the $48.27 fare reasonable.

Book it especially if you value convenience and do not want to organize transport to several coastal viewpoints. The main cautions are the shared boat, steps, variable pickup time, limited included alcohol, and the fact that most landmarks are viewed from the water.

If those limits suit you, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see the Protaras coast. Pack swimwear, sun protection, and patience for the pickup, then let the crew handle the route, lunch, and timing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

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

What time does the cruise begin?

The stated start time is 10:15 a.m. Your exact pickup time may differ, so check your ticket carefully.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours. It has also operated for about three and a half hours, with a return just before 2 p.m.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Centralized pickup points are offered. Transfer times can 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?

Yes. One free cocktail or beer is included. Alcoholic beverages are available only to participants aged 18 and older.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The cruise stops at the Blue Lagoon for swimming and may include a second swimming stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life jackets for use as flotation aids.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

The minimum age is 16. If someone appears to be under 16, photo identification may be requested.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.