Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise from Protaras

Protaras Pier and the glass-bottom boat

Protaras is the family resort of eastern Cyprus, built around a chain of sandy beaches on the Famagusta coast. Protaras Pier, the small harbour at the resort's northern end, is where the excursion boats moor and where this cruise begins at 11:00 or 14:00. Please be on the pier at least 10 minutes early with your booking on your phone; boarding is by a short gangway from the quay.

The boat itself is the attraction before you even leave the harbour: an air-conditioned underwater deck with 23 portholes runs along the hull below the waterline, so children and non-swimmers can watch the seabed, the rocks and the fish during the whole cruise. Above it are the open sun deck, shaded seating, toilets and a kiosk selling drinks and snacks. A glass-bottom boat trip from Protaras is the easiest way to see what is under the water of this coast without snorkelling.

The Varosha viewpoint

The cruise first heads north along the coast to the viewpoint over Famagusta and Varosha. Varosha was the most fashionable beach resort in Cyprus until 1974, when its residents left and the quarter was fenced off; its hotel towers have stood empty along the sand ever since, slowly weathered by the sea air. From the water the contrast between the lively beaches of Protaras and the silent skyline a few kilometres away is striking, and the crew explains the history of the town and the division of the island.

The boat pauses here for photographs and commentary for about 10 minutes before turning south. This is the only historical stop of the cruise, and because access to Varosha on land remains limited, the sea view is the clearest way to understand the size of the abandoned district.

Cape Greco sea caves and Lovers' Bridge

South of Protaras the coast becomes the Cape Greco national forest park, a headland of white limestone cliffs, juniper scrub and some of the clearest water in Cyprus. Centuries of waves have cut sea caves, tunnels and natural arches into the rock; the boat sails slowly past the largest caves, where the water glows blue inside the openings, and close to Lovers' Bridge, the natural rock arch that is the most photographed spot on this coast.

Through the underwater portholes you can see the rock walls dropping into deep blue and the shoals of fish that shelter near the caves, while from the deck you look up at the cliffs and the walking trails of the park. The crew points out the formations and keeps watch for dolphins, which occasionally pass this headland; sightings of dolphins and turtles are never guaranteed.

The Blue Lagoon – swim stop, slides and diving show

The Blue Lagoon in the Cape Greco area is a sheltered cove with a sandy seabed that turns the water a brilliant turquoise, and it is the first and longest swim stop of the cruise. The boat anchors, the swimming steps are lowered, and you can swim, use the two large water slides from the upper deck or the small children's slide, or jump from the diving platform. Life jackets are available for anyone who wants one, and the crew supervises the slides.

The crew's diving show, with jumps and dives from the top of the boat, takes place here and is a favourite with children. Those who prefer to stay dry can watch the swimmers and the fish from the underwater deck or from the shaded seating. Snorkelling gear is not provided, so bring your own mask if you want to look at the rocks at the edge of the cove.

Turtle Cove, Konnos Bay and Fig Tree Bay

The second swim stop is at Turtle Cove, a quiet inlet with seagrass meadows where green sea turtles come to feed; swimmers and snorkellers often see one grazing on the seabed, and the underwater deck gives everyone on board a chance to spot a turtle passing beneath the boat. The crew explains how to keep a respectful distance from these protected animals.

On the way back the boat cruises past Konnos Bay, a horseshoe cove backed by pine-covered slopes at the edge of Cape Greco, and Fig Tree Bay, the best-known beach in Protaras with its small offshore islet and shallow sandy water. The cruise returns to Protaras Pier about three hours after departure, with music on the final stretch and the whole coast of the resort laid out beside you.