Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay Boat Cruise with 2 Swim Stops Protaras

Varosha and the Famagusta coast

Leaving Protaras, the boat heads north for about twenty minutes to the coast of Famagusta, where the tall hotels of Varosha line a deserted beach. Once the busiest resort quarter in Cyprus, Varosha was abandoned in 1974, when the island was divided, and for decades it stood fenced off and empty, one of the most striking sights on the whole Mediterranean coast.

The cruise passes by slowly so you can take in the scale of the empty buildings and hear how the events of 1974 changed the island. It is an unusual sight for a family cruise and many guests find it one of the most memorable moments of the day. The commentary is given on board in English, Greek and Arabic, and other languages are available in writing through the cruise app.

Fig Tree Bay

Heading back south, the boat follows the shoreline of Protaras past Fig Tree Bay, the resort's most famous beach. Its fine sand slopes gently into clear, shallow water, and a small rocky islet just offshore gives the bay its unmistakable outline. The name comes from a fig tree that has grown here for centuries and still shades part of the beach.

From the deck you get a wide view of the bay and the low hills behind Protaras, a good moment for photos before the boat continues towards Cape Greco. If you are staying nearby and want a beach day on another date, Fig Tree Bay is easy to reach on foot from most hotels in central Protaras, with sunbeds, cafés and calm water that suits children.

Cape Greco cliffs, Agioi Anargyroi and the Love Bridge

South of Protaras the coast rises into the cliffs of Cape Greco National Forest Park, the south-eastern tip of the island. Here the boat passes the white chapel of Agioi Anargyroi, perched above a cave chapel on the cliff edge, and the Love Bridge, a natural limestone arch shaped by the sea, as well as the small Sancta Maria shrine set into the rocks.

These are some of the most photographed views in eastern Cyprus, and from the water you see the sea caves beneath the cliffs that are invisible from the land. The crew points out each landmark as the boat cruises along, so keep your camera ready. A Cape Greco boat trip is also the easiest way to appreciate how wild this protected headland is, with no buildings at all along the shore.

Blue Lagoon

The first swim stop is the Blue Lagoon on the Cape Greco coast near Ayia Napa, where shallow water over pale rock creates a dazzling turquoise colour. The boat moors for about forty-five minutes, so there is plenty of time to swim, snorkel along the rocks and enjoy the view of the cliffs from the water.

When conditions allow, the inflatable slide adds extra fun for children and adults, although its use depends on the wind and sea and is not guaranteed. Water and your welcome soft drink or juice are included, and snacks and extra drinks can be bought on board. Is the Blue Lagoon worth visiting? On a calm summer day, with water this clear, few swims in Cyprus compare.

Turtle Bay (Green Bay)

On the way back the boat stops for about forty-five minutes at Turtle Bay, also known as Green Bay, a small sheltered cove near Protaras with calm, clear and shallow water. Sea turtles come here to feed on seagrass, and with a little luck you may see one surfacing to breathe or gliding slowly below the boat.

Swim and snorkel quietly, keep a respectful distance and remember that touching marine life is not allowed. Turtle sightings depend on nature and cannot be guaranteed, but the bay is beautiful in any case and perfect for a relaxed final swim. Afterwards the boat cruises back along the Protaras coast to the pier, and guests with transfers are driven back to their pickup points.