From Protaras: Cruise to Blue Lagoon, Turtle Cove & Sea Cave

Clear water, turtles, slides, and a party boat. This three-hour cruise from Protaras Pier packs Cape Greco’s best coastal sights into an easy half-day outing. I especially like the chance to swim at Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove, plus the air-conditioned underwater deck, which gives you something to do even when you stay dry. The cheerful crew, including guide Brian on some departures, adds plenty of fun with jokes, facts, and a lively return trip.

The main thing to remember is that turtles and dolphins are wild animals, not scheduled performers. You might swim near a turtle, as many people do, but you might see only fish, or nothing at all. The boat can also feel crowded below deck at busy times, so this suits you best if you enjoy a sociable group trip rather than a quiet private cruise.

Key points before you book

• Two swimming stops give you time for Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove, with ladders, a jumping platform, and adult and children’s slides.
• The 23-porthole underwater deck lets you watch fish and the seabed without getting wet.
• Cape Greco’s coastal sights include sea caves, Lover’s Bridge, Pirate Caves, Konnos Bay, and Fig Tree Bay.
• The crew creates a lively mood, with music, a short underwater show, and plenty of interaction with children.
• The $35 price includes the cruise and facilities, but drinks, snacks, snorkel equipment, and transport to the pier cost extra.
• Wildlife sightings are never promised, even though turtles are often spotted at the swimming coves.

Boarding at Protaras Pier

You meet at Protaras Pier at least 10 minutes before departure and show your booking before boarding. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the pier and allow enough time to arrive without rushing.

The boat is the Dolphin Submarine, described as the biggest glass-bottom boat in the area. It has open areas for sun and sea views, indoor seating, toilets, a bar, and an air-conditioned lower deck. The boat also has free Wi-Fi, although most people will probably spend their time watching the coastline or waiting for the next swim stop.

I like the mix of seating options. You can sit inside if the sun is strong, move outside for photographs, or head below to view the water through the portholes. The lower deck is especially useful for families with young children who are not ready to swim. One parent described the underwater area as the highlight for children who stayed out of the water.

The boat is repeatedly praised for being kept clean. Crew members continue tidying during the trip, which matters on a boat where wet swimmers, snacks, and children can quickly create a mess. At busy times, though, the downstairs area can fill up, and you may not get a clear view from the underwater deck.

Famagusta from the water

Early in the cruise, you get a view toward Famagusta, the partially abandoned town often called the ghost town. The guide explains some of its background while the boat passes offshore.

This is not a full historical tour of Famagusta, and you should not expect to go ashore. Still, the view gives the cruise more substance than a simple swim outing. You are not only being carried from one swimming area to another. You also get a short introduction to one of Cyprus’s most unusual and politically charged sights.

The English commentary is informal and easy to follow. Guides add facts about the coast and point out notable rock formations. Brian is singled out for his comic style and underwater show, but the exact guide may vary with the departure.

Cape Greco’s caves and coastal rock formations

The boat then follows the Cape Greco coast, where the scenery becomes the main event. You pass sea caves, Pirate Caves, unusual rock shapes, and the famous Lover’s Bridge.

Lover’s Bridge is a natural rock arch reaching into the sea. From a boat, you get a useful angle that is hard to find from land. The same is true of the caves. You can see their openings, cliffs, and water-level shapes without walking in the heat or searching for a parking place.

The guide points out the sights as you go, so keep your camera ready. The boat does not stop at every landmark, and the route is still a moving view rather than a walking visit. If you want long photo sessions at each rock formation, this will feel quick. If you want an efficient look at several famous coastal spots, the boat works well.

The Cape Greco section is also a good reason to choose this cruise over a basic beach transfer. You see stretches of coast that are difficult to appreciate from the main roads, including views around Konnos Bay. Later, the return route includes Fig Tree Bay, another of the Protaras area’s best-known beaches.

Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove swim stops

The swimming stops are the heart of the trip. The cruise includes stops at clear-water areas around Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove, with time to enter the sea, float, snorkel, or simply cool off beside the boat.

The water is described as exceptionally clear, and the boat gives you several ways to get in:

• Use the steps and ladders for a steady entry.
• Jump from the side or upper deck if you are confident in open water.
• Use the adult slide for a faster entrance.
• Let children use the smaller slide.
• Wear a life jacket if you want extra support.

Some departures include two swim stops of roughly 30 minutes each, although the exact timing can change. That is enough time to get properly wet rather than receiving the brief, hurried stop common on some boat tours.

Blue Lagoon is the calmer, more relaxing part of the experience. You can float in the bright water, watch the coastline, or sit on the boat with a cold drink. Turtle Cove adds the wildlife angle, and this is where your chances of seeing a sea turtle are strongest.

Please treat the turtles as wild animals. The crew tells people not to touch or chase them, which is exactly the right approach. If a turtle appears, watch quietly and give it space. You may see one close to the boat, swim near one in the cove, or spot only a single small turtle. None of those outcomes should be treated as a failure.

The same applies to dolphins. They are sometimes seen from the boat, but there is no guarantee. The underwater deck gives you another chance to notice fish and other sea life, though visibility depends on conditions and how crowded the viewing area becomes.

The slides, jumping platform, and underwater show

This is not a sedate sightseeing cruise. Between the scenery and swimming, the boat adds a playful side with two large adult slides, a small children’s slide, and a platform for jumping into the sea.

Children usually get the most from this part, but adults can join in too. The crew also puts on a short underwater show, with a member of staff entering the water and feeding fish. Brian is praised for making this entertaining, especially for families.

Use sensible care on the adult slide. One person specifically warned that the sharp turn near the end can give you an uncomfortable knock around the lower body. That is a useful detail, especially if you are expecting a gentle flume rather than a quick, twisting slide.

The crew pays close attention to safety and helps nervous swimmers. One child was initially reluctant to enter the water but became comfortable with staff assistance and a life jacket. That does not mean every child will feel ready, but the crew appears used to helping families get settled.

The underwater deck and family appeal

The air-conditioned underwater deck has 23 portholes. It is not a full submarine, and you should not expect a dramatic underwater voyage. Think of it as a comfortable viewing room where you can look for fish and watch the water while escaping the heat.

This feature makes the cruise more flexible for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can use the slides and jump from the boat. Young children or less confident adults can stay below and still feel part of the trip. Parents can also alternate between supervising swimmers and cooling off indoors.

The lower deck has one weakness: it may be crowded. If underwater viewing is your main reason for booking, board promptly and try to find a position early. On a busy departure, the portholes may not offer everyone a clear view.

The boat is particularly well suited to families with children aged around five and older, based on the range of ages enjoying the slides and swim stops. Very young children who cannot enter the water can still use the indoor area, but the boat does not turn the cruise into a dedicated childcare experience. Adults remain responsible for their children.

Drinks, snacks, and the ride home

A small bar sells chilled drinks, snacks, ice cream, and frappes. Food and drinks are not included, so bring money if you want something cold during the cruise. The bar is useful because the boat lasts three hours and the sun can make you thirsty quickly.

The price of drinks is described as reasonable by some passengers, and one frappe received special praise. Still, you should not assume that the $35 covers anything beyond the boat experience and listed facilities.

The return trip brings views of Konnos Bay and Fig Tree Bay. Music picks up, and the mood becomes more animated. Some departures finish with dancing and a small party atmosphere, while others may feel more relaxed depending on the group and crew.

That final section is part of the appeal, but it also tells you what kind of excursion this is. If you want a quiet sunset sail with soft conversation, this may feel too lively. If you like music, jokes, and a crew that interacts with children and adults, the energy is a bonus.

Is $35 good value?

At $35 per person, I consider this good value for a three-hour outing if you plan to use the swimming facilities. The price brings together coastal sightseeing, two possible swimming stops, access to the slides, the underwater viewing area, a guide, toilets, and a lively onboard program.

A similar day at the beach would not give you the same view of the sea caves, Lover’s Bridge, Famagusta, Konnos Bay, and Fig Tree Bay in one run. You also avoid arranging separate transport to each coastal sight.

The value is lower if you only want a quiet scenic cruise. The boat is built around activity, swimming, and group entertainment. You will also need to pay for anything at the bar and bring your own snorkel gear if you want to explore below the surface. Snorkel equipment is not included.

The cruise can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Check the available starting times when booking, since the cruise lasts three hours and no pickup is provided.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack swimwear, a towel, and snorkeling gear if you have your own. Bring sun protection, though the provided information specifically lists only the first three items. A waterproof phone case would also be sensible for a boat with swimming and jumping, but it is not supplied as part of the experience.

Wear something easy to change out of. You can stay dry on the boat, but the swim stops are the main reason to book. If you have children, bring any familiar swimming aid they normally use, while remembering that life jackets are available onboard.

Smoking indoors, pets, alcohol, drugs, and making fires are not allowed. The crew’s safety instructions matter, especially around the slides, jumping platform, and sea turtles.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this cruise for families, couples who want an active half-day, and anyone seeking a simple way to see the Protaras coast from the water. It also suits you if your group has mixed interests. One person can swim with turtles, another can watch fish through the portholes, and someone else can sit at the bar with a cold drink.

It is less suitable if you dislike group entertainment, need guaranteed wildlife sightings, or want a private and peaceful boat. The boat can be busy, particularly downstairs, and the music on the way back is part of the experience.

The strongest features are the clean boat, friendly crew, clear swim stops, slides, and chance to see turtles in the wild. The biggest limits are the lack of hotel pickup, extra cost for food and drinks, possible crowding, and wildlife that cannot be scheduled.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want good-value coastal sightseeing with real swimming time, especially if children will enjoy the slides and underwater viewing area. The chance to see turtles is a fine bonus, but the sea caves, Blue Lagoon, Lover’s Bridge, and clear water are enough to make the trip worthwhile even on a turtle-free day.

Skip it if your priority is silence, privacy, or a guaranteed encounter with dolphins. For most families and active couples staying around Protaras, this is an easy, fun way to spend three hours without spending the whole day on a major excursion.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Protaras Pier in Protaras. You should arrive at least 10 minutes before departure and show your booking before boarding.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

Are turtles and dolphins guaranteed?

No. You may see and swim near sea turtles, and dolphins may appear, but sightings of wild animals cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to snorkel. Swim stops, adult and children’s slides, life jackets, and access to the boat facilities are included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The onboard bar sells drinks, snacks, and ice cream, but you pay for these separately.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included. You need to make your own way to Protaras Pier.