Picture yourself gliding along the coastline of Cyprus, with the sun warming your back and the gentle sound of waves lapping against a boat. That’s what you get with the Family Fun Cruise offered by Yellow Boat Cruises in Protaras. This 3-hour trip, with a small group—just 30 guests—focuses on giving travelers a relaxed, authentic experience, packed with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and take in some of Cyprus’s most picturesque spots. It’s a chance to see the coast from a different perspective—close enough to feel the breeze and see the details of the shoreline, yet comfortable enough to enjoy a drink, some good company, and friendly local hospitality.
What draws most people in is how intimate and flexible this tour is. The shallow draft landing craft design means the boat can get surprisingly close to the coast—more than your average boat tour. You’ll also love the long stops for swimming and snorkeling, giving everyone plenty of time to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. A second highlight is the personal touch from Captain Chris and Anna, ensuring no one feels like just another face in the crowd. The open deck space, plush seating, and friendly crew make this a laid-back, enjoyable outing.
A potential consideration is that it’s a daytime tour with no transfer service included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to Protaras Pier. This isn’t a major hurdle, but it’s worth planning ahead. Also, the tour is geared toward families and those looking for a relaxed, small-group outing—so if you’re seeking a party vibe or a large, bustling cruise, this might not be your pick.
This cruise suits travelers who want a genuine, no-fuss adventure with plenty of time to swim and enjoy the scenery, particularly families or those traveling in small groups who value personal attention and authentic hospitality.
Key Points
- Small Group Experience: Limited to 30 guests for a more personalized trip.
- Close-to-Coast Navigation: Shallow draft boat allows intimate views of the shoreline.
- Flexible Swimming Stops: Multiple long stops for swimming and snorkeling.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with life jackets and snorkeling gear available.
- Authentic Hospitality: Family-owned business that emphasizes local charm.
- Well-Organized: Clean, comfortable, and filled with thoughtful amenities like a bar and shaded seating.
What to Expect on the Tour
This cruise offers a wonderful balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing. Starting from Protaras Pier, you’ll set sail with Captain Chris and Anna, who bring warmth, friendliness, and local knowledge to the experience. The boat’s design, with its shallow draft, is a highlight—allowing the vessel to get closer to the shoreline than larger, more typical boats. This means that you get more intimate views of spots like Fig Tree Bay and the Blue Lagoon, which are often missed by bigger tours.
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Itinerary Breakdown
Stop 1: Protaras Cruises Departure
Your journey begins from the pier, where the crew ensures everyone is comfortable and ready. The small size of the boat means you won’t feel crowded, and you’ll quickly leave the busy harbor behind. The music system and open deck create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families or groups of friends.
Stop 2: Fig Tree Bay
This stretch offers a guided tour and sightseeing, with fantastic views of the famous beach. It’s a good introduction to the area’s natural beauty, with the chance to snap some photos of the clear waters and rocky outcrops.
Stop 3: Green Bay
Known for its tranquility and natural beauty, Green Bay is a highlight, offering ample free time for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting marine life. The crew is happy to provide snorkeling masks if you haven’t brought your own, and the life jackets ensure safe floating for everyone.
Stop 4: Konnos Beach
A scenic spot for more sightseeing and relaxation, Konnos is one of those places that looks like it belongs on a postcard. You might find yourself simply soaking in the views or exploring the rocky surroundings.
Stop 5: Ayioi Anargiroi Church & Stop 6: Kamara tou Koraka
These photo stops give a cultural and scenic flavor to the trip. The church and the rock formations are lovely snapshots that add variety to your underwater and shoreline viewing.
Stops 7 & 8: Blue Lagoon & Return to Protaras
The Blue Lagoon stands out as a prime swimming and snorkeling spot, with its famous crystal-clear waters. Here, you’ll get plenty of time to relax, snorkel, or just float around in the warm sun. The crew’s generous stops mean you won’t feel rushed, and you can enjoy the scenery at your leisure.
The Experience of a Lifetime—In Detail
We loved the way the boat’s innovative shallow draft design allowed us to come surprisingly close to the coast. It’s the sort of detail that makes this trip stand out from larger, more commercial cruises. Being able to peer over the side and see fish swimming beneath us added to the sense of discovery, especially during the snorkeling stops.
The spacious open deck, with plush upholstery and a central table, makes lounging comfortable—perfect for families or small groups eager to chat and relax. The crew’s friendly attitude is evident from the moment you step aboard. As Sara remarked in her review, “Everything was very clean and well organized. The snorkeling equipment was excellent.” You’ll find the snorkeling gear to be of good quality, making your underwater exploration straightforward and enjoyable.
The long swimming stops are a real plus. They give you enough time to cool off, explore, or just lie back and enjoy the views. The availability of noodle floats and life jackets means everyone, regardless of swimming skills, can join in the fun. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just want to float peacefully, there’s plenty of room for all.
The fully stocked bar adds a touch of comfort, with a variety of drinks, snacks, and freshly made sandwiches. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a swim, with the crew happy to serve your favorite beverage. The music playlist sets a cheerful tone without overwhelming the senses, and the shaded seating areas provide relief from the sun, allowing you to take a break from the heat.
Authentic Hospitality and Personal Attention
The fact that this is a family-owned business shines through in the service. Captain Chris and Anna’s dedication to creating a warm, friendly environment makes the trip feel more like visiting friends than just going on a tour. As one reviewer pointed out, “Anna speaks German and explained a lot to the children,” highlighting the personal touch that makes this experience special.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details and Considerations
The tour lasts about 3 hours, with specific start times that you should check in advance. It’s important to arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth departure. Since transfer services aren’t included, you’ll need to plan how to get to Protaras Pier—most guests find it easiest to arrange a taxi or drive.
Bringing essentials like sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and your camera is highly recommended. The boat offers toilets on board, and the crew’s friendly attitude ensures you’ll have a comfortable outing. If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, don’t worry—the crew provides masks and floats, making it easy for everyone to participate.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This cruise is ideal for families, small groups, or couples who appreciate a personalized, relaxed atmosphere. It suits travelers interested in natural scenery, snorkeling, and swimming rather than high-energy party scenes. If you’re traveling with kids or prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, you’ll find this tour hits the right notes.
The limited group size and attentive crew make it especially appealing for those who want to avoid the crowds typical of larger boat trips. The emphasis on authentic hospitality and longer stops for swimming allows you to truly enjoy Cyprus’s coastline at your own pace.
The Sum Up
For anyone heading to Protaras who values authentic local hospitality, personalized service, and enough time to enjoy the water, this cruise ticks all the boxes. The small group size and thoughtful design of the boat mean that you can truly relax and take in the stunning scenery without feeling rushed or crowded. The two extended swimming stops are perfect for families or groups who want to spend quality time in the water, and the friendly crew’s local knowledge makes each stop more meaningful.
While you need to organize your own transport to Protaras Pier, the overall value of this experience—especially considering the quality snorkeling gear, ample swimming time, and intimate atmosphere—is hard to beat. Whether you’re a family looking for a safe, fun outing or a couple seeking a peaceful day on the water, this cruise offers a well-balanced, memorable experience.
In short, if you want a relaxed, authentic water adventure with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy Cyprus’s coastline, this is a tour well worth considering. It’s a gift of genuine hospitality and stunning views, all wrapped into a small, friendly package.
FAQ
Is transportation to the pier included?
No, the tour does not include transfer services. You’ll need to organize your own transport to Protaras Pier, but the departure point is clearly marked and easy to find.
How long does the tour last?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, with specific start times depending on availability. It’s advisable to arrive 15 minutes early.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, cash or credit card. If you haven’t brought your own snorkeling gear, don’t worry—the crew provides masks, floats, and life jackets.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with life jackets available for non-swimmers and plenty of time for safe swimming and relaxing. Anna’s ability to explain things to children has been praised by previous travelers.
Are there any restrictions on bringing food or drinks?
Food and drinks are not permitted on board to maintain safety and cleanliness, but the fully stocked bar offers drinks and snacks for purchase.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
This Protaras Family Fun Cruise offers a genuine, relaxing way to enjoy Cyprus’s coastline with friends or family. Small group intimacy, authentic hospitality, and ample swimming time make it a standout option if you’re looking for a memorable day on the water without the crowds.
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