Cape Greco, Blue Lagoon and Protaras Boat Tours

If you’re looking for a way to see some of Cyprus’s most iconic sights without the fuss of land-based tours, the Cape Greco, Blue Lagoon, and Protaras Boat Tours offer a relaxed, scenic, and reasonably priced option. This roughly 2.5-hour boat trip departs from Protaras jetty and cruises along the coast, offering views of Famagusta’s ghost town, sea caves, and the chance to swim in crystal waters.

What I particularly like about this tour is how it combines a bit of history with natural beauty, all wrapped in a short, manageable trip. The guide’s narration, especially as they explain Cyprus’s history from 1974 at the Famagusta border, adds an informative touch that makes the trip more meaningful. Plus, the stops at Blue Lagoon and Turtles Cove are highlights – the former for its stunning, clear waters, and the latter for the possibility of swimming with turtles, a rare treat.

One potential downside to keep in mind is that the boat’s speakers might not be the clearest, as noted in reviews, which could make hearing the guide difficult at times. The 30-minute Blue Lagoon stop is perfect for snorkeling and relaxing in warm waters, but if you’re eager for more time to explore, you might find the half-hour limit a bit brief. Also, weather plays a role; the tour is weather dependent, so if the skies turn uncooperative, your trip could be canceled or rescheduled.

Key points / Takeaways

• Balanced mix of history and nature makes this a well-rounded experience for many travelers.
• Swim with turtles at Turtles Cove, a highlight for animal lovers and water enthusiasts.
• Visiting Blue Lagoon offers accessible, crystal-clear waters perfect for a quick dip.
• Informative guide provides historical insights, especially about Cyprus in 1974.
• Passes by scenic spots like Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Bay, and the sea caves for memorable photo opportunities.
• Reasonably priced at around $23, providing good value for a scenic boat cruise with multiple stops.

Entering the Scenic Waters of Cyprus

This boat tour is a fantastic way to see some of Cyprus’s most famous coastal sights without the hassle of driving or extensive planning. Starting from Protaras pier, you’ll cruise along the coastline, passing landmarks like Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay, which are both picture-perfect and often featured in travel brochures. The boat’s captain and onboard guide will share stories about the area and Cyprus’s history, notably explaining what happened in Famagusta in 1974 — a poignant moment that adds depth to the trip.

The boat is spacious enough for comfort, with a mobile ticket making check-in easy. The overall group size caps at around 175 travelers, so it’s lively but not overcrowded. For those who enjoy a relaxed pace, the 2.5-hour duration is just right—long enough to enjoy multiple stops but short enough to keep it light and fun.

The Itinerary in Detail

Famagusta Ghost Town & Border View

Your journey begins with a cruise past Famagusta’s ghost town, an eerie and fascinating sight. The guide on board explains the background of the abandoned city from 1974, giving travelers a chance to connect with Cyprus’s complex history. Watching this from the water offers a perspective that land-based tours might miss, emphasizing the grandeur and tragedy of the area.

Cape Greco and Sea Caves

Next, the boat sails toward Cape Greco, a natural park known for its dramatic sea caves. You’ll pass by the Lovers Bridge, a famous rock formation, and Chapel Agioi Anargiri, adding a touch of local charm. The caves are a photographer’s paradise, with rugged cliffs and crevices perfect for capturing memorable shots. The guide provides insights into the geological formations, making each photo opportunity more meaningful.

Blue Lagoon – The Crystal Stop

The Blue Lagoon stop is a highlight, celebrated for its stunning, transparent waters. You’ll have about 30 minutes to swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the boat, soaking in the scenery. The waters here are often described as “crystal-clear,” and the setting feels like a natural swimming pool. The admission to Blue Lagoon is free, making this stop especially good value.

Turtles Cove – A Unique Opportunity

A short cruise takes you to Turtles Cove, where you might have the chance to swim alongside loggerhead turtles. The stop lasts around 15 minutes, weather permitting, but the thrill of sharing water with these gentle creatures is well worth it. The review from Ibrahim notes that “swimming with the turtles” was a particular highlight, a rare moment for many travelers.

Final Return

After the swim at Turtles Cove, the boat raises anchor and heads back to Protaras pier, giving you a chance to reflect on the day’s sights. The entire experience is relaxed, with plenty of time to take photos or chat with fellow travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a short, scenic escape from land-based sightseeing. It’s ideal if you enjoy being on the water, swimming, and taking in coastal views without spending the entire day. Families, solo travelers, and groups of friends will find it manageable and enjoyable.

It’s particularly good for those interested in local history and natural beauty in a casual setting. The price point makes it accessible, especially considering the stops at Blue Lagoon and Turtles Cove, which are often regarded as memorable experiences.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring swimwear, towel, and sunscreen — the stops are perfect for a quick dip.
• If you want to hear more from the guide, consider bringing waterproof earphones or earbuds; the onboard speakers might not be the clearest.
• Book in advance if you’re visiting during peak season, as the tour can fill up.
• Check the weather forecast before booking; poor weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling.
• Arrive a little early at Protaras jetty for smooth boarding and to get a good spot.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For those seeking a beautiful, lighthearted boat trip that combines history, nature, and fun swimming stops, this tour delivers solid value at around $23. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy scenic views with minimal hassle and a relaxed pace. The stops at Blue Lagoon and Turtles Cove stand out as memorable highlights, offering both visual splendor and unique wildlife encounters.

The knowledgeable guide and well-planned route make this a worthwhile experience for casual sightseers and water lovers alike. Keep in mind the brief stops and potential for weather cancellations, but overall, it’s a charming way to see a different side of Cyprus’s coast.

If you’re after a quick, affordable taste of Cyprus’s natural beauty—without the over-complication—this boat tour hits the spot. Just come prepared, and you’ll likely leave with plenty of photos and stories to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat tour?
The entire trip lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including stops.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from Protaras Pier and returns to the same location.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket costs about $23.15 per person and covers the boat ride, stops at Blue Lagoon and Turtles Cove, and the viewing of sea caves. The Blue Lagoon stop is free, and the tour includes a guide providing commentary.

Can I swim at each stop?
Yes, you can swim at Blue Lagoon for about 30 minutes and at Turtles Cove for around 15 minutes, weather permitting.

Is there food or drinks on board?
The provided information doesn’t specify food or drinks; it’s mainly a sightseeing and swimming trip.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children should be comfortable swimming and expected to follow safety instructions during swim stops.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and possibly waterproof earphones if you want to hear the guide better.

Is it weather dependent?
Yes, poor weather could lead to cancellation or rescheduling, so check the forecast before booking.

How do I book the tour?
You can book online through Viator or directly contact the provider at +35799637185 or via email.

This boat trip offers a taste of Cyprus’s coast that balances scenic beauty, a touch of history, and the thrill of swimming with marine life—all at a pocket-friendly price. It’s a gentle adventure that you’ll likely remember fondly, especially if you enjoy being on the water and exploring natural spots.