Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Blue Lagoon with Buffet Lunch Protaras

Famagusta and the Varosha skyline

The morning cruise first heads north along the coast towards Famagusta, the historic port city of eastern Cyprus. From the deck you see Varosha, Famagusta's former resort district, a long line of high-rise hotels and apartment blocks along a sandy beach that has stood empty and fenced off since 1974.

Many visitors ask how to see Varosha, and a boat trip from Protaras is one of the most comfortable ways to view the skyline from a distance. The host shares some background on the area in a calm, factual way, and the silent towers make an unforgettable contrast with the busy beaches you pass later in the day. Keep your camera ready as the catamaran turns south again.

Swim stop off Derynia

Heading back south, the catamaran drops anchor in the clear water off Derynia, a quiet stretch of coast just north of Protaras. This is the first swim stop of the day, a chance to jump from the deck into the deep blue sea, float in the sunshine and cool off after the sail north.

The water on this coast is famously clear, so you can see the seabed and small fish below you even from the surface. You are welcome to bring your own mask and snorkel. Children love jumping off the catamaran's steps, while others prefer to stay on the trampoline nets at the bow and enjoy the breeze.

Fig Tree Bay and the Protaras coast

The catamaran then follows the shoreline past Fig Tree Bay, the best-known beach in Protaras, named after a fig tree that has grown here for centuries. Its pale sand, shallow turquoise water and small rocky islet just offshore make it one of the most photographed beaches in Cyprus.

From the sea you get a different view of the resort, with its coves, hotels and low cliffs stretching south. Your host points out the landmarks, from the small seaside chapels to the start of the rocky Cape Greco coast. This calm leg of the cruise is a good time to relax in the shade, enjoy the sail and watch the coastline drift by.

Cape Greco and its sea caves

Cape Greco is the south-eastern tip of Cyprus and a protected national forest park, known for its high limestone cliffs, natural arches and sea caves. The catamaran passes close to the famous caves below the cliffs, where the water glows in shades of turquoise and sapphire, and near Kamara tou Koraka, the natural rock arch often called the Love Bridge.

Seeing the Cape Greco sea caves from a boat is the best way to understand their size, since many can only be reached from the water. This is one of the most scenic sections of any Cape Greco catamaran trip, so make sure you are on deck with your camera as the catamaran slows down along the cliffs.

The Blue Lagoon

The highlight of the day is the Blue Lagoon on the Cape Greco coast, a sheltered inlet where the sea turns an extraordinary turquoise over pale sand and rocks. It is reachable only by boat or a rough coastal path, so arriving by catamaran is by far the easiest way to swim here.

The catamaran anchors for a long swim stop, with time to swim, snorkel over the rocks or simply float in the calm, clear water. The buffet lunch is usually served around this part of the cruise, with seasonal dishes, fresh fruit and dessert, alongside soft drinks and water. Many guests say this stop alone makes the Blue Lagoon catamaran cruise worth it.