Protaras: Famagusta, Blue Lagoon, and Turtle Cove Boat Trip — A Detailed Review
Picture yourself cruising on a spacious 32-meter Napa king boat with a sun deck and air-conditioned interior, gliding along the coast of Cyprus while the sea sparkles beneath you. This boat trip from Protaras offers a window into some of the most iconic spots in the area—Cape Greco Lagoon, Turtle Cove, and the Blue Lagoon—all within a manageable 2.5-hour window, making it a perfect half-day escape.
What draws many to this experience? First, the chance to swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat, which many reviews highlight as a highlight. Second, the underwater viewing area and glass bottom provide a fascinating glimpse beneath the waves without even getting wet.
A couple of considerations: the trip’s duration is relatively short, and some travelers mention that the boat doesn’t go as far as Famagusta itself—more of a scenic cruise with stops rather than a long-distance excursion. Still, if you’re after a relaxing, scenic, wildlife-focused outing, this boat trip hits the spot. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate authentic coastal views, simple comfort, and good value.
If you’re in Protaras and want a family-friendly adventure or an easy way to see the natural beauty of the area, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable choice. It’s particularly appealing if your priority is swimming, wildlife encounters, and scenic coastlines rather than a lengthy or complex tour.
Key Points
- Flexible Timing: Tours run twice daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so you can choose what fits best.
- Wildlife Encounters: Swim with turtles and explore underwater views, with a focus on responsible viewing.
- Comfort & Convenience: Spacious boat with sun deck and air-conditioned interior, plus onboard bar for drinks and snacks.
- Authentic Views: See Famagusta and surrounding coastlines from the sea, with photo opportunities.
- Family Friendly: Suitable for kids and adults alike, with accessible facilities and relaxed pace.
- Value for Money: Many reviews praise the trip’s good pricing and included stops, making it a worthwhile experience.
A Complete, Honest Look at the Experience
When we step aboard this half-hourly boat trip, what we’re really signing up for is a chance to enjoy some of Cyprus’s most scenic coastal spots in a comfortable setting. The starting point at Protaras Pier is straightforward, located conveniently next to the Evalena Hotel, making it easy to access without the hassle of complicated transfers.
The itinerary is designed to maximize both relaxation and adventure. The first stop at Cape Greco Lagoon offers an intensely clear and vivid swimming environment—perfect for those who love to snorkel or just float around in calm waters. Reviewers like Lydia happily reported, “We swam with turtles and were allowed to bring our own snorkel.” The visibility in these waters is often praised, and the chance to see sea turtles in their natural environment is a real draw.
Next, the boat moves on to Blue Lagoon, perhaps the highlight for many. Known for frequent sea turtle sightings, this spot provides an almost surreal backdrop of bright blue waters. The calm, shallow nature of the lagoon means it’s suitable for all ages, and the underwater viewing windows allow those who prefer to stay dry to peek beneath the surface.
The underwater viewing area on the boat is a thoughtful touch. Unlike typical glass-bottom boats, this feature lets you observe marine life without getting wet, adding an educational element to the trip that kids and adults alike find engaging. The eight aquariums with freshwater fish are a nice addition, especially for smaller children, although some reviews note that the glass floor could benefit from a cleaning to enhance visibility.
Throughout the cruise, the onboard bar offers drinks, snacks, and ice cream—perfect for quenching thirst and cooling down after swimming or just relaxing in the sun. Many reviews highlight the value of this, noting that the free ice cream and drinks at the end make the experience even more enjoyable.
The scenery from the boat offers wonderful photo opportunities—fabulous views of Famagusta’s skyline, Konnos Bay, and the sea caves. As Kaz pointed out, “You get great value for money with this cruise,” especially considering the stops for swimming and the comprehensive coastline views.
An important consideration is the short duration—at just 2.5 hours, some travelers feel they could spend more time exploring, but for most, it’s enough to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed. Also, keep in mind that the trip doesn’t go all the way to Famagusta itself but offers a scenic cruise with a focus on specific swim spots.
The crew generally receives praise for their professionalism and friendliness. Captain Kypros and the guides make sure everyone feels comfortable, and some reviews mention the captain’s welcoming attitude as a major plus.
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Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary
Start at Protaras Pier: A straightforward start point, easy to find and close to most accommodations in the area.
Stop at Cape Greco Lagoon: Expect calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling and swimming. This spot is especially noted for its sea turtles, which many reviewers have had the pleasure of swimming alongside. The lagoon’s tranquility and transparency make it one of the best places for a relaxed swim.
Blue Lagoon: This larger, well-known site offers an almost surreal blue setting and regular turtle sightings. It’s perfect for snapping photos or just lounging in the water.
Sea Caves and Konnos Bay: As the boat passes these scenic spots, you get a chance for quick photo ops of the rugged coastline and caves—ideal for those wanting to see more of Cyprus’s natural landscape from the water.
Return to Protaras Pier: After roughly two hours of cruising, swimming, and sightseeing, the boat heads back, often with smiles, sunburns, and perhaps a few stories to tell.
What Travelers Love Most
Many reviews emphasize how knowledgeable the guides are, with Captain Kypros earning particular praise for his welcoming attitude. Lydia loved that she was allowed to swim with turtles and even bring her own snorkel. The good value for money, especially with included ice cream and drinks, is another frequent shout-out.
Reviewers also appreciate the scenic beauty and the ease of the experience—no need to worry about navigation or planning, as everything is organized, and the boat is accessible for all.
What Could Be Better
Some travelers mention that the glass bottom could be cleaner, offering clearer views of the aquatic life. A few felt the trip was shorter than expected, but for most, this was a minor point given the overall value and quality of the stops.
Others note that the trip doesn’t go as far as Famagusta, which might be disappointing if you hoped for a more extensive exploration. Still, the scenic cruise plus swim stops tend to satisfy most expectations.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Is This Tour Best For?
If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic boat ride with opportunities to swim and see turtles, this trip is ideal. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or groups wanting a simple, well-organized coastal outing without the hassle of heavy planning.
It’s also perfect if your main interests are marine wildlife and beautiful waters—the cruise offers enough time for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating in calm, clear waters. The onboard amenities and the friendly crew make it a comfortable experience, even for those with limited mobility.
While it might not satisfy those looking for longer or more adventurous excursions, it delivers excellent value and authentic coastal scenery for a reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the boat trip last?
The trip lasts approximately 2.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.
What are the departure times?
The boat departs twice daily, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so you can pick what suits your schedule.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase onboard. Many appreciate the bar’s offerings, including cocktails, soft drinks, and ice cream.
Is the trip suitable for kids?
Yes, most reviews highlight that it’s family-friendly, with facilities and stops suitable for children and adults alike.
Does the boat go all the way to Famagusta?
No, the boat cruise offers scenic stops around Cape Greco and Blue Lagoon, not a full trip into Famagusta harbor.
Are there any animal welfare concerns?
Some reviews mention concerns about turtles being kept in tanks on the boat, which is worth considering if animal welfare is a priority.
Is the boat accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?
Yes, you are allowed to bring your own snorkel to enjoy the swim stops.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Snorkeling gear is recommended if you want to get the most out of the swim stops, but equipment is not supplied.
To sum it up, this Protaras boat trip offers a compact but rewarding glimpse of Cyprus’s beautiful coastlines, marine life, and scenic waters. The combination of swimming with turtles, underwater views, and spectacular scenery makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking to combine relaxation with nature. Its value for money, friendly crew, and scenic stops make it well worth considering if your time in Cyprus is limited but you still want an authentic and memorable coastal experience.
For travelers who cherish wildlife encounters, scenic boat rides, and simple comforts, this tour hits the right notes. Just keep in mind it’s a short tour, so if you’re seeking a longer or more adventure-filled day, you might want to explore other options. But for a straightforward, beautifully scenic, wildlife-rich outing, it’s hard to beat this boat trip.
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