Cape Greco, Blue Lagoon and Protaras Boat Tours

Protaras Boat Tour: Exploring Cape Greco, Blue Lagoon, and Turtle Bay

If you’re considering a boat trip around Protaras, Cyprus, you’re likely looking for a relaxing, scenic experience that combines stunning vistas with a touch of local history. This particular tour offers just that—a roughly two and a half-hour journey past iconic sights like Cape Greco, Blue Lagoon, and Turtle Bay. It’s a popular choice among visitors wanting a taste of Cyprus’s natural beauty without committing to a full-day excursion.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the price point is quite reasonable, coming in around $23 per person, which feels fair for the amount of cruising and swimming time included. Second, the views along the route are genuinely beautiful, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters at Blue Lagoon or Turtles Cove is a real highlight.

However, a couple of considerations are worth noting. The audio commentary can be hard to hear due to unclear speakers, which could impact those hoping to learn more about Cyprus’s history during the trip. Also, with a maximum of 175 travelers, it can get somewhat crowded, especially during peak times.

This tour suits travelers who want a short, scenic trip that mixes sightseeing with swimming opportunities—a solid choice whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or even as part of a family that enjoys water activities. It’s less suited for those seeking a detailed historical or cultural experience or a very quiet, intimate boat ride.

Key Points

• Affordable price provides a good value for a fun, half-day cruise
• Beautiful sights like Cape Greco, Konnos Bay, and Blue Lagoon make for memorable photos
• Swim stops at Blue Lagoon and Turtles Cove are the main attractions, perfect for cooling off
• Limited audio clarity may leave history and commentary a bit lost
• Group size can be large, so expect some crowds
• Weather-dependent; poor conditions could lead to cancellations or rescheduling

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point: Protaras Pier

The trip kicks off from Protaras Pier, a convenient spot near public transportation, making it easy to access. Once aboard the Napa King II, the boat sets sail towards the sea borders of Famagusta. The journey begins with a bit of local history—your guide will explain what happened in Cyprus in 1974. If you’re into history or politics, this adds a meaningful layer to what might otherwise seem just a pretty boat ride.

Famagusta Ghost Town and Sea Views

One of the unique aspects of this tour is the passing view of Famagusta’s ghost town, giving you a glimpse of the abandoned city and its haunting landscape. The guide’s commentary helps fill in the context, although some travelers have mentioned that the speakers aren’t always crystal clear, which can make it hard to catch every detail. Still, the visual impact of seeing the deserted city from the water is quite striking.

Cruising along Cape Greco

Next, the boat makes its way to Cape Greco, a protected national forest park renowned for its dramatic sea caves, cliffs, and stunning vistas. The boat passes by popular spots like Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Bay, and the Lovers Bridge, giving you plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the rugged coastline and turquoise waters. The caves are particularly photogenic—if you’re into landscape pics, you’ll enjoy the views here.

Photo Stop at the Sea Caves

The boat pauses briefly near the caves for about 20 minutes, giving you a chance for some photos and a closer look at the rugged coastline. It’s a quick stop, but enough time for a few shots of the natural formations and the shimmering water.

Blue Lagoon: The Highlight Swim Spot

After passing the caves, the boat anchors at Blue Lagoon for around 30 minutes. This is the tour’s star attraction—a clear, calm bay with inviting waters. It’s the perfect spot to take a dip, float around, and enjoy the scenery. The water here is famously crystal clear, and many travelers find it the highlight of the trip.

Turtle Bay Swim Stop

The boat then moves to Turtle Bay (Turtles Cove), where you can swim for about 15 minutes, weather permitting. If you’re lucky, you might even see some turtles, as the area is known for being a habitat for them. The short stop is ideal for a quick swim and relaxing in the tranquil environment.

What to Expect from the Experience

Comfort and Group Size: With up to 175 travelers, this tour isn’t intimate, but the wide-open deck helps prevent it from feeling overcrowded. The boat itself is comfortable enough, with plenty of space to sit back and soak in the views.

Guidance and Commentary: The captain provides commentary on Cyprus’s history and sights along the way. While most travelers appreciate the knowledge shared, some have noted that the speakers aren’t always clear, which might detract if you’re eager to learn every detail. Still, the visuals and scenic stops compensate for this shortcoming.

Swimming and Water Activities: The swim stops are the main draw for many. The waters at Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay are calm and inviting—ideal for floating and cooling off. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater, as the water clarity is quite good.

Cost and Value: At just over $23 per person, this tour is a budget-friendly way to see some of Cyprus’s most beautiful coastal spots without breaking the bank. Considering the stops at Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay, plus the scenic cruise, it offers good value, especially for those who prefer a shorter outing.

The Real Traveler Perspectives

From the reviews available, we see the trip described as “short and wonderful,” emphasizing the swimming with turtles and the stunning scenery. One review mentioned that the trip was enjoyable but noted that the audio clarity could be improved. Despite this, most participants seem satisfied, especially with the opportunity to relax and take in the views.

The 2.5-hour duration strikes a balance—long enough to enjoy a good cruise and swim without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. For travelers wanting a quick but memorable taste of Cyprus’s coast, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat tour is ideal for travelers who want a cost-effective, scenic outing that combines a bit of local history with plenty of chances to swim and relax. It’s perfect if you prefer a shorter, straightforward experience that doesn’t require a full day or extensive planning.

If you love water-based activities and are keen to see Blue Lagoon and Turtles Cove, you’ll find this trip rewarding. However, if you’re after a deeply educational or quiet, less crowded experience, you might want to consider other options. Still, for a fun, breezy escape that captures the essence of Cyprus’s coast, it’s a solid pick.

FAQs

How long is the boat tour?
The entire experience lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops and cruising time.

What are the main stops on this trip?
You’ll see Famagusta’s ghost town from the sea, cruise past Cape Greco, stop at Blue Lagoon for swimming, and visit Turtle Bay for a quick swim with the possibility of seeing turtles.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the itinerary is family-friendly and involves swimming, the group size can be large, and the experience is primarily outdoors. It’s best for families comfortable with boat trips and water activities.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Snorkeling gear isn’t provided, but you might find it helpful to bring your own if you want to explore underwater. The water clarity is good, making it enjoyable for snorkelers.

What about the weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. Poor weather conditions can lead to cancellations, and a full refund or rescheduling will be offered.

How do I book?
You can book directly through the provider, Protaras boat Napa King II, or via booking platforms like Viator.

In all, this boat trip offers a straightforward, scenic cruise with swim stops that showcase some of Cyprus’s most beautiful coastal spots. It’s a great option if you’re after a relaxed, affordable way to enjoy the sea, with enough highlights to make it memorable.