Protaras’s boat trip to Famagusta’s Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove offers a refreshing way to see some of Cyprus’s most memorable coastal sights. With a cruise on a sleek 32-meter Napa king boat, you’ll get a chance to relax, swim in crystal-clear waters, and glimpse the colorful life beneath the waves. This experience is popular, with a solid 4.4-star rating from over 200 reviews, and it seems to deliver genuine value for travelers eager for a mix of fun, scenery, and wildlife encounters.
What I particularly like about this trip is the attention to comfort and variety. The boat has both a sun deck for those who want to soak up the rays and an air-conditioned interior for when you need to cool down. Plus, the glass bottom and underwater viewing windows promise a peek into the underwater world without even getting your face wet — a bonus for those who prefer to stay dry or aren’t confident snorkelers. Another highlight is the chance to swim with sea turtles at Cape Greco Lagoon, which many reviewers found magical.
A small caveat worth considering is the limited duration—at just 2.5 hours, this trip feels brief, especially if you’re eager to linger at each stop. Some reviews mention it didn’t go as far as Famagusta city itself or provide extensive sightseeing, but the focus on swimming, wildlife, and the stunning scenery makes up for that. It’s also worth noting that food and drinks are not included, though there’s a bar available for purchases. If you’re wanting a quick, scenic escape with a good chance of spotting turtles, this tour hits the right notes.
Key Points / Takeaways
- Comfortable boat with diverse spaces—a spacious 32-meter vessel with both sun decks and air-conditioned cabins.
- Prime swim locations—Cape Greco Lagoon and Turtle Cove, known for their clear waters and turtle sightings.
- Underwater viewing experience—a glass bottom floor and underwater windows give you a glimpse of the vibrant aquatic life.
- Wildlife encounters—many travelers report swimming with turtles and feeding them, making it a highlight.
- Authentic reviews praise guides and crew—notably Captain Kypros and Captain Antonakis, who make the experience friendly and professional.
- Limited tour duration—at 2.5 hours, it’s a quick trip, so plan your expectations accordingly.
- Food and beverages—available for purchase on board, but not included, so bring cash or cards.
- Accessibility and practicality—the boat is wheelchair accessible, and the trip departs twice daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
- Wildlife ethics concern—some reviews mention the turtles are kept in tanks on the boat, raising questions about animal welfare.
Exploring the Highlights of the Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove Boat Trip
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A Well-Designed Itinerary with Wide Appeal
Starting at Protaras Pier, the cruise takes you along the scenic coast to Cape Greco, a natural reserve famous for its sea caves and stunning cliffs. The boat then makes two key stops: one at Cape Greco Lagoon, known for its clear waters and turtle sightings, and a second at Turtle Cove, where you can snorkel or swim alongside these gentle creatures.
The trip’s duration is just under three hours, but it packs in enough activity and scenery to make it feel well-paced. The stops allow plenty of time to swim, take photos, or simply float and soak up the Mediterranean sun. One reviewer, Kaz, mentioned that the cruise is exactly as advertised, with easy online booking, QR codes, and straightforward check-in, which adds to the overall ease of planning.
What to Expect at Each Stop
The first stop at Cape Greco Lagoon immerses you in an almost surreal setting. The water’s striking blue hue is mesmerizing, and many travelers have remarked on how peaceful and beautiful it is to swim here. Snorkel gear is recommended if you want to explore beneath the surface. Several reviews from those who swam with turtles describe it as an “amazing” experience, with some even allowed to bring their own snorkel gear.
The underwater viewing windows inside the boat add an extra dimension. You can relax inside and gaze at schools of fish and the occasional turtle without needing to get wet. Some reviews point out that the glass bottom could be cleaner, but the overall experience remains impressive.
The second stop, Turtle Cove, is especially revered for its turtle sightings. Visitors have loved the chance to swim with these creatures and even feed them, as some reviews highlight. One traveller, Lydia, said, “We swam with turtles! Was even allowed to bring own snorkel on to use,” emphasizing how friendly and accessible the experience was.
Scenic Views and Wildlife: Making the Most of the Journey
As the boat cruises between stops, you’ll get a chance to enjoy views of Konnos Bay and the famous sea caves. The captain often points out landmarks, and many reviewers appreciated the knowledgeable guides. Some, like Mason, enjoyed additional perks such as free ice cream and beer, which made the journey even more enjoyable.
Photos from the boat show Famagusta’s skyline off in the distance, providing a unique perspective of the city from the sea. While some reviews mention that the trip doesn’t extend as far as Famagusta itself, the sea views and coastlines more than compensate for the somewhat limited reach.
Food, Beverage, and Practical Details
The bar on board offers soft drinks, beers, cocktails, snacks, and ice-cream, but these are paid extras. It’s wise to bring some cash if you want refreshments. The trip does not include meals, but the onboard bar and the relaxed pace mean you can enjoy a cold drink while watching the scenery.
Departure times are 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, giving some flexibility depending on your schedule. The trip’s short duration makes it suitable for a morning or early afternoon activity, especially if you’re planning a day packed with other sights.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This boat trip really suits travelers looking for a quick but authentic maritime adventure. It’s ideal if you want to see the coast from the water, swim in famous spots, and have a good chance of spotting turtles. Families, solo travelers, or couples will find the pace comfortable, especially as the boat is wheelchair accessible. If you’re seeking a relaxed, scenic outing with wildlife encounters, this tour offers excellent value.
However, if you’re hoping to explore Famagusta’s city or coastline in depth, this trip might feel limited. Also, animal welfare concerns have been raised by some reviews regarding the turtles kept in tanks on the boat. If this is a concern for you, it’s worth considering, though many still find the sighting and swimming experience worth it.
Final Thoughts on Value and Experience
The Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove boat trip from Protaras offers a solid mix of comfort, scenery, and wildlife encounters for a reasonable price. You’ll love the chance to relax on a roomy boat, swim in crystal waters, and possibly tick off a turtle sighting during your holiday. The guides and crew seem genuinely friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience even more enjoyable.
While the trip is on the shorter side and doesn’t venture deep into Famagusta, it delivers a memorable snapshot of Cyprus’s coastal beauty. The underwater views and the chance to swim with turtles are real highlights that many travelers cherish and rave about.
This experience is best suited for those who want a simple, well-organized boat trip with a focus on swimming and wildlife. It’s a good choice for families or couples looking for a low-key, authentic taste of the sea with the added thrill of spotting turtles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs to enjoy the trip.
What are the departure times? The boat departs from Protaras pier twice daily, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Are food and drinks included? No, food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase on board at the bar.
How long does the trip last? The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, so plan your day accordingly.
Can I bring my own snorkeling gear? Yes, you are allowed to bring your own snorkel gear, which many reviewers have found useful for swimming with turtles.
Do I need to bring anything special? Swimsuits, towels, sun protection, and possibly waterproof camera gear are recommended to make the most of your time in the water.
Are there wildlife ethics concerns? Some reviews mention that turtles are kept in tanks onboard in small tanks with minimal water, raising animal welfare questions. Consider this if animal welfare is important to you.
Is this trip suitable for children? Yes, many reviews mention families enjoying the experience, though supervision and care should be taken during swimming and snorkeling.
Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some flexibility if your plans change.
In the end, if you’re looking for an easy, scenic, wildlife-rich boat ride with comfortable amenities and great views, this trip checks those boxes. It’s a straightforward way to experience Cyprus’s stunning coast, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos, relaxing swims, and wildlife encounters.