From Protaras: Catamaran Cruise to Blue Lagoon

If you’re planning a trip to Cyprus, a catamaran cruise to Blue Lagoon from Protaras is one of those experiences that seems to pop up in many travel plans. It’s easy to see why—beautiful scenery, multiple swimming stops, and a relaxing vibe make it a popular choice for visitors. We’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who’ve enjoyed this trip, so we can give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What we love most about this cruise is how it combines stunning coastal views with the chance to actually get in the water at several beautiful spots. The delicious lunch and open bar are also definite highlights, making it a great way to indulge without worry. But no experience is perfect; the main consideration might be the size of the group on board, which can impact your comfort and swimming options.

This tour suits people looking for a laid-back day at sea—whether you’re into swimming, sightseeing, or just relaxing with good food and drinks. If you’re after an immersive cultural or beach-heavy experience, it may not provide enough time at each spot, but for those who want a mix of scenic cruising and fun in the water, it’s a solid pick.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastal views and a trip along the eastern coastline of Cyprus
• Multiple swim stops at crystal-clear waters, including the famous Blue Lagoon
• Sightseeing highlights like the Sea Caves at Cape Greco and the ghost town of Varosha
• Excellent value with lunch and drinks included in the price
• Comfortable boat experience with options for sunbathing and snorkeling
• Experienced crew praised for their friendliness and professionalism

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Catamaran Cruise Experience

Setting Sail from Protaras

We love the relaxed vibe of starting your day with hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes the whole trip hassle-free. The transportation is included from major hotels or designated meeting points, making it easy to join without worrying about logistics. Just keep in mind that pickups are not available from all hotels—specifically, the Cavo Maris Hotel and accommodations within walking distance of Green Bay aren’t included.

Once on board, you’ll notice the Mediterraneo III, a spacious catamaran designed for comfort and fun. With enough room for everyone, the boat isn’t cramped, and you can choose to lounge at the front for the best sunbathing spot (a top tip from several reviews).

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The voyage starts by heading towards Famagusta, where you’ll get a glimpse of the infamous Varosha ghost town. It’s a surreal sight—abandoned buildings frozen in time—that offers a fascinating photo opportunity. Passengers often find this part quite interesting, especially if they’re into unusual sights.

From there, the boat moves along the coastline, passing Fig Tree Bay. The views here are a highlight, with turquoise waters and rocky formations that make for perfect photo moments.

The main attraction, though, is Cape Greco and Blue Lagoon. This area is renowned for its striking natural beauty, with the lagoon’s calm, clear waters perfect for swimming. Passengers rave about the swims, which typically include three or four stops, giving plenty of time to cool off, snorkel, or simply relax on the boat. One traveler pointed out that the crew even has snorkeling goggles available, which adds to the fun underwater exploration.

The Swimming Experience

The crystal-clear waters are what draw most people. The reviews consistently mention how refreshing and inviting the water is—ideal for a relaxing swim. Several travelers noted they saw turtles and fish, thanks to the good visibility. The crew is attentive, offering floatation devices, paddle boards, and water snorkel gear.

Importantly, the boat’s safety instructions keep everyone close to the vessel, which might restrict some from swimming close to the caves or rocks, especially for those who want a more adventurous experience. If you’re hoping to get closer to the caves or explore underwater more extensively, you should be prepared for some restrictions based on safety protocols.

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Food and Drinks: A Highlight

The lunch buffet is highly praised for its quality and variety. You might find traditional Mediterranean fare, with fresh salads, bread, chicken, rice, and mezze, along with seasonal fruit and desserts. Many reviews mention how tasty and plentiful the food is, which is a relief given the price point.

The open bar is a real treat, offering a selection of cocktails, soft drinks, and water. Several travelers highlight that the drinks are of good quality, with some saying the cocktails are “very good.” The fact that beverages are unlimited makes this trip feel more like a mini holiday indulgence.

The Crew: Friendly and Professional

One thing that comes up repeatedly in reviews is how helpful and friendly the crew is. They’re attentive during swimming stops, keep the vibe fun with music, and handle the food and drink service smoothly. Several reviews mention their staff as being professional, cheerful, and knowledgeable, which really adds to the overall experience.

Duration and Group Size

The cruise lasts about 4 to 5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity. The boat is large enough to comfortably accommodate the group, but some reviews point out that it can get slightly crowded, especially on busy days. If you prefer more space, try to get a spot at the front or earlier in the day.

Practicalities and Considerations

• What to bring? Sunscreen, sunhat, swimwear, towels, and sunglasses are essential. Pack light but be ready for a day in the sun.
• Are there any restrictions? Pets are not allowed, and the cruise can be affected by weather, so the itinerary might change accordingly.
• Snorkeling gear is welcome on board, so bring your own if you have it, or use what’s provided.

Cost vs. Value

The cruise includes hotel pickup, a buffet lunch, and an open bar—these add up to a pretty good deal. Given the stunning scenery, multiple swimming opportunities, and the quality of the food and drinks, most reviewers feel they received excellent value for money.

What’s Not So Great?

Some criticisms include the size of the group on board, which can sometimes limit swimming or lounging space. Also, the loud music, while fun for many, might be too much if you prefer a quieter experience. One reviewer pointed out that the safety instructions meant guests couldn’t swim as close to the caves or rocks as they might like, which could be a downside for adventurous swimmers.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This experience is ideal if you’re after a relaxing, scenic day on the water with plenty of opportunities to swim and take photos. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy good food and drinks, and don’t mind sharing the boat with a larger group. It’s particularly good for travelers looking for a value-packed outing that combines sightseeing with fun water activities.

If you’re traveling with children, the calm waters and leisurely pace make it manageable, but always consider your kids’ swimming ability and overall comfort with boat trips. For adventure seekers wanting to explore caves or snorkel extensively near rocks, the safety instructions and boat regulations might feel a little restrictive.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from all major hotels or designated meeting points in Ayia Napa or Protaras. However, it’s not available from Cavo Maris Hotel or accommodations within walking distance of Green Bay.

How long does the trip last?
The cruise runs for about 4 to 5 hours, offering enough time for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, swimwear, towels, and sunglasses. If you want to snorkel, you can bring your own gear.

Can I bring my own snorkeling equipment?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own snorkel gear to enhance your underwater experience.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup, a buffet lunch, an open bar, and access to swimming gear and paddle boards.

Is the experience suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the calm waters and relatively relaxed pace make it suitable for travelers with children who are comfortable in the water.

Are there any safety restrictions?
Yes, guests are instructed to stay close to the boat during swimming, which might limit options for approaching caves or rocks closely.

Can I cancel this booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

The Protaras Catamaran Cruise to Blue Lagoon offers a delightful mix of scenic views, refreshing swims, and good food, all delivered by a friendly crew. It’s a particularly strong choice if you’re after a laid-back day in the water, with plenty of opportunities to relax, snorkel, and snap photos.

While it may not satisfy those craving a more adventurous or intimate experience, it’s definitely a worthwhile outing for anyone wanting to enjoy Cyprus’s beautiful coastline without fuss. The value for money, especially with all-inclusive food and drinks, makes it a trip that many travelers say is worth every penny.

If you’re okay with being part of a larger group and enjoy a social, relaxed atmosphere, this cruise could be just what you need for a memorable day at sea. Just be sure to bring your sun protection and prepare for some fantastic views and even better swimming spots.

Happy sailing!

You can check availability for your dates here: