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

Blue water, turtles, and lunch make a fine morning. The St Georgios Presidential Cruise takes you from Protaras along Cyprus’s Cape Greco coast, with a Blue Lagoon swim, sea caves, coastal sights, and a freshly cooked BBQ. I like the relaxed pace and open space on the boat, plus the rare chance to swim near turtles in clear water. The main drawback is the fixed morning schedule, and a boat trip is only as enjoyable as the weather allows.

At about $48.27 per person for roughly three hours, this is a good-value outing if you want scenery, lunch, and swimming in one package. The ride is aimed at ages 16 and up, though alcoholic drinks are limited to those aged 18 and over. Pickup is available, but transfer times can range from 5 to 75 minutes, so check your exact pickup time carefully.

Key points to know before booking

• Two swimming stops give you time in the clear Blue Lagoon water, with turtles sometimes close by.
• Cape Greco’s caves and rock formations are viewed from the sea, including Shark Mouth cave and Lovers Bridge.
• A fresh BBQ lunch is cooked onboard, with chicken, fried potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, salad, and a vegetarian option.
• One cocktail or beer is included, while extra sweet and savory snacks can be bought onboard.
• The boat holds a maximum of 46 people, leaving more room than many crowded coastal cruises.
• The cruise returns to Protaras Pier, making it easy to fit into a holiday morning or afternoon.

Setting out from Protaras Pier at 10:15

The cruise begins at Protaras Pier, on the coastal walkway between Protaras and Pernera. The listed start time is 10:15 am, though pickup times vary by hotel and location. If you use the transfer, be at your central pickup point five minutes early and allow up to 15 minutes for a late bus.

That transfer range matters. Someone staying close to Protaras may reach the pier quickly, while a pickup farther away can take much longer. You can contact the operator by WhatsApp at +357 97724697 if the transfer is unclear.

Once onboard, you have access to toilets, WiFi, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets used as flotation aids. There are steps from the pier onto the boat, followed by more steps down to the washroom. I would wear shoes that are easy to remove and bring only what you need for the morning.

The boat can carry up to 46 people. That is not a private cruise, but the limit helps keep the trip from feeling packed. One particularly useful feature is the mix of open deck and shady areas, so you can choose between sun and shelter as the morning goes on.

Looking across to the occupied zone

One of the first sights is a viewing point toward the border and the occupied zone, including Famagusta in the distance. This gives the cruise more substance than a simple ride along pretty water.

The crew provides commentary when needed, including context about Famagusta and the events of 1974. You will not spend the whole cruise listening to a lecture, which suits the easygoing mood, but the brief explanation adds meaning to what you see offshore.

This is a distant view, not a visit to Famagusta. You will remain on the boat, and the value comes from seeing the coastline while hearing why the area matters. If you want a full historical tour, this cruise is not designed for that. If you like a little context mixed with swimming and food, it works well.

Agioi Anargyroi Chapel and its cave

The boat then reaches Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, a bright coastal landmark and the easternmost point of Cyprus. The chapel sits above a cave that served as the original place of worship.

The boat goes close to the rocks, close enough for you to see the stone directly from the front of the vessel. This is a good example of why seeing the coast from the water is useful. From a beach, you get the view. From the boat, you get a closer look at the rock face and the small cave beneath the chapel.

There is no separate admission charge. The stop is mainly for viewing and photography, not for a long visit ashore. Keep your camera ready, but also watch your footing if the boat is moving or the deck is wet.

Fig Tree Bay from the water

The cruise passes Fig Tree Bay, one of the best-known beaches around Protaras. From the sea, you get a broad view of the beach and its bright coastline without needing to leave the boat.

This is a passing sight rather than a beach stop. That distinction is important if you are hoping to spend time on the sand. You will see Fig Tree Bay from offshore, then continue toward the Cape Greco area.

I like this part because it lets you compare Cyprus’s famous beach scenery with the more rugged rock formations farther along the coast. The cruise does not force you to choose between a beach morning and a boat ride. You can see both, though only the Blue Lagoon is used for swimming.

Cape Greco caves, Shark Mouth, and Lovers Bridge

Cape Greco National Forest Park is best known here from the water. The boat passes natural caves that were once used by pirates to smuggle contraband onto the island, along with formations such as Shark Mouth cave and Lovers Bridge.

The pirate connection gives the caves a bit of character, but the main pleasure is the shape of the cliffs and openings along the shore. Some formations are easy to spot from the boat, while others depend on your position and the sea conditions.

You should think of this as a scenic coastal tour, not a cave exploration. You will not walk inside the caves, and the boat may not pause at every formation for an extended period. Still, the low viewpoint from the water gives you a look that is hard to get from land.

The Blue Lagoon swimming stop

The Blue Lagoon is the heart of the cruise. The boat stops in clear water for a refreshing swim, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Life jackets are available as flotation aids, which is helpful for anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

This is also where the trip can become most memorable. Turtles have been seen near the swimming area, and some passengers have been able to swim close to them. That is a possibility, not a guarantee, so you should book this for the water and scenery first, with turtle sightings as a welcome extra.

The clear water makes snorkeling worthwhile even if you see no turtles. You can use the equipment supplied rather than packing your own, though you may prefer to bring a personal mask if you have one that fits well.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a dry bag for phones. The tour details do not specify the exact length of the swim stop, so you should listen for crew instructions and return to the boat promptly when asked.

Konnos Bay and the second swim

Konnos Bay marks the beginning of the national park area and is known for its sandy beach and clear water. The boat views the bay from offshore, giving you a different angle on one of the coast’s most attractive coves.

The trip includes two swimming stops according to the onboard schedule described by passengers. One is at the Blue Lagoon, while the other may include turtles close to the boat. Conditions can affect exactly how the crew runs the stops, so treat the order and wildlife sightings as flexible.

The second swim is a strong reason to choose this cruise over a basic sightseeing boat. You get more than one chance to enter the water, and the pauses break up the sightseeing in a natural way. If you dislike swimming from a boat, however, a large part of the cruise’s appeal will be lost.

BBQ lunch cooked on the boat

Lunch is included and freshly prepared onboard. The menu includes BBQ chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad. Pourgouri is a Cypriot bulgur-style dish often served as a simple side, and it gives the meal a local touch beyond the usual boat-trip fare.

A vegetarian option is available within the menu. If you have a serious allergy or a very specific dietary need, the supplied details do not explain how far the kitchen can adapt, so ask before booking.

The meal adds real value to the $48.27 price. You are not paying only for a short cruise and a swim. You are also getting lunch, snorkeling equipment, onboard facilities, and one cocktail or beer. Extra sweet and savory snacks are available for purchase, but you should not bring your own drinks onboard.

The food is served in the middle or later part of the cruise, depending on the day’s timing. One recorded trip left around 10:30, had the swims and sightseeing, then arrived back just before 2 pm after about three and a half hours. The official duration is approximately three hours, so allow some flexibility.

Music, space, and the mood onboard

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal. Music plays onboard, and the crew has been praised for being friendly, helpful, and amusing. You can sit in the shade, move around the boat, or watch the coast from the deck.

The music will not suit everyone, especially if you want a quiet nature cruise. The crew commentary is used when it adds value, but this is still a social boat outing with food, drinks, and swimming.

The maximum group size of 46 is worth noting. You should not expect a silent yacht charter, but the boat is not designed to pack in every available seat either. That balance helps if you want room to move and do not enjoy being crowded beside strangers.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $48.27 per person, the cruise offers solid value for a half-day activity in Protaras. Included are the boat ride, lunch, snorkeling equipment, restroom access, WiFi, flotation-aid life jackets, and one free cocktail or beer.

Gratuities are not included. You should also budget for any snacks bought onboard, since the operator sells sweet and savory options but asks you not to bring drinks.

The cruise is especially good value for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a swim excursion, and lunch. If you only want a quiet scenic ride and do not plan to swim or eat onboard, you may find a simpler sightseeing trip better suited to you.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, groups of friends, and families with older teenagers who want several Cyprus highlights in a single morning. The age rule is 16 and up, and anyone who appears under 16 may be asked for a passport, driving licence, or national identity card.

It also suits you if you like a little variety. In three hours, you get a distant historic view, a chapel and cave, beaches, national park scenery, two swims, a BBQ, and a drink. That is a good amount of activity without turning the morning into a race.

I would be more cautious if you need step-free access, since there are steps onto the boat and down to the washroom. I would also check the forecast before booking. The trip depends on good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted, and the cruise can also be changed or refunded if minimum numbers are not reached.

Should you book the St Georgios Presidential Cruise?

Book it if you want clear-water swimming, Cape Greco scenery, a freshly cooked lunch, and an easy social atmosphere in one outing. The turtle sightings are a lovely bonus, while the two swim stops and the limited boat capacity make this more appealing than a simple coastal ride.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a long visit on the beaches, or a quiet trip with no music. For most visitors staying around Protaras, though, the combination of scenery, food, swimming, and price makes this a sensible way to spend a morning.

FAQ

Where does the St Georgios cruise start?

It starts at Protaras Pier, located on the coastal walkway between Protaras and Pernera in Cyprus. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 10:15 am. If you use pickup, your exact time may differ, so check your ticket carefully.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Centralized pickup points are offered, with transfer times ranging from 5 to 75 minutes depending on your location. You should arrive five minutes early and allow up to 15 minutes for a late bus.

How long does the cruise last?

The planned duration is approximately three hours. Some departures may run closer to three and a half hours depending on the day’s timing and conditions.

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included?

One cocktail or beer is included. Alcoholic drinks are available only to people aged 18 and over. Extra snacks can be bought onboard, but you should not bring drinks onto the boat.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

The experience is for ages 16 and up. If someone appears under 16, photo identification may be requested. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, though there are steps onto the boat and down to the washroom.