From Protaras: Catamaran Cruise to Blue Lagoon

The best part of this cruise is the mix of sights and swim stops. You look toward the ghost town of Varosha, pass Fig Tree Bay and Cape Greco’s sea caves, then spend time in clear Mediterranean water at the Blue Lagoon and other bays. It feels like a full half-day at sea, not just a short boat ride.

I like the open bar and buffet lunch, since the $69 price covers more than the sailing itself. I also like the easy access to the water, with swim stops, fresh-water showers, flotation gear, and, on some departures, paddle boards or snorkeling equipment.

The main thing to consider is capacity. The catamaran is large and usually gives you room to move, but it can feel crowded when demand is high. Music may also be loud enough to make conversation difficult, and swimming near rocks or caves can be limited for safety.

Key points to know before you book

• Varosha gives the cruise a memorable historical viewpoint, with the abandoned resort town seen from the sea near Famagusta.
• Blue Lagoon is only one part of the route, which also includes Derynia Bay, Fig Tree Bay, and Cape Greco.
• Two or more swim stops are common, with some departures making three stops, depending on sea conditions.
• Lunch, seasonal fruit, dessert, and an open bar are included in the $69 price.
• The front sun loungers are the most sought-after seats, so arrive early if you want one.
• Bring a mask if you want to look below the surface, since equipment availability can vary.

Why this Protaras catamaran cruise works so well

This is a good choice if you want several classic Cyprus sights in one outing without arranging transport, meals, and drinks separately. The cruise lasts about four to five hours, so it fits neatly into a holiday day while still giving you enough time to settle into the boat.

The route is not built around one single attraction. Instead, it strings together views of the eastern coast, a look toward Varosha, a buffet meal, and repeated chances to swim. That variety matters. If the water is too cool at one stop, the next part may be a scenic sailing stretch. If the coast becomes busy, you still have the boat, food, and bar to enjoy.

The catamaran Mediterraneo III is a large boat with sunbathing areas, seating, a bar, toilets, and access points for getting into the water. The size brings comfort, though it also means this is not a private sailing trip. You are joining a popular shared cruise, and the atmosphere can shift from quiet to lively depending on the number of people on board.

I would describe the mood as relaxed rather than a full party cruise. Music is part of the experience, and some departures play it loudly. That suits you if you want a holiday soundtrack with your cocktail. If you hope to talk quietly with your family for most of the trip, choose a seat away from the speakers.

Pickup from Ayia Napa and Protaras

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, or from an assigned meeting point. Collection generally starts around 3:00 PM, with September and October departures starting around 2:00 PM. Check the exact time when booking because the pickup schedule can vary.

The pickup area has one important exception. Transport is not available from Cavo Maris Hotel or accommodation within walking distance of Green Bay. You may be directed to an assigned meeting point instead.

Transport has varied in style. Some departures have used a double-decker bus or an open-top bus, while others use a regular coach. The open-top option can be fun and gives you an unusual start to the day, but hot weather makes air conditioning useful. One departure also had trouble with the return coach, so the transfer is practical rather than a major part of the experience.

Arrive ready for the sea, not just the bus. Wear swimwear under your clothes, bring a towel, and keep sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses handy. You may also want a dry bag or small waterproof pouch for valuables, though one is not listed as included.

Sailing toward Varosha and Derynia Bay

The cruise first heads toward Famagusta, where you can view Varosha from the water. Once a major holiday resort, Varosha is now known for its abandoned hotels and empty beachfront, closed off since the division of Cyprus. Seeing it from a boat gives you a clear coastal view without turning the cruise into a formal history tour.

The host speaks English and provides the main commentary and guidance. The exact level of narration may vary, so do not book this as a lecture about Cyprus. The appeal is the combination of scenery and context: you see a striking, restricted part of the island while enjoying the open water.

The first swim opportunity is at Derynia Bay. This is a useful early break after the outward sailing, especially if you have come mainly for swimming. The water is generally the star of the stop, and the boat provides a simple way to get in without hauling your things across a beach.

Safety comes first around the coast. You may be asked to remain close to the boat, particularly when other boats are nearby. That can limit your ability to swim toward rocks, sea caves, or turtle areas. It is a fair trade-off for a supervised group outing, but it means you should not expect a free-ranging snorkeling trip.

Fig Tree Bay and the eastern coastline

As the catamaran continues along the coast, it passes Fig Tree Bay. This is one of the best-known beaches near Protaras, famous for its clear water and small offshore islet. From the boat, you get a different view than you would from the beach, with the coastline opening out around you.

This part of the cruise is valuable even if you do not swim at every stop. You can sit in the shade or on a sun lounger, watch the coast change, and enjoy a drink without having to repack a beach bag. It is also a good chance to take photographs, although glare can be strong in the middle of the day.

The front of the boat is popular for sunbathing. Early boarding improves your chances of finding one of the padded lounge spots, especially during busy summer sailings. Those seats give you a wide view and a pleasant place to stretch out, but they offer less shade and more direct sun. Bring your hat and apply sunscreen often.

The boat can be comfortable, but do not mistake size for unlimited personal space. One outing was described as slightly too full, while others had plenty of room. If you value quiet seating or a front lounger, arriving early matters more than the exact date.

Cape Greco sea caves and Blue Lagoon

Cape Greco is the visual high point of the route. The coast becomes more rugged, with pale rock, small inlets, and sea caves shaped by the water. You pass the famous caves by boat, so you see their openings and cliffs from the sea rather than walking down to them.

The Blue Lagoon stop is built around swimming and lunch. The water is clear enough to make a mask worthwhile, especially on a calm day. You might see fish, and turtles are possible in the wider area, but no sighting is guaranteed. Some departures have seen turtles and even dolphins, while others have not.

Bring your own snorkeling mask if exploring underwater is important to you. Snorkels, goggles, and other equipment have been available on some outings, but the most reliable advice is to pack your own mask. The cruise is not sold as a dedicated snorkeling expedition, and safety rules may keep you away from the rocks and caves.

The swimming access is one of the strongest practical features. You do not need to find a beach, carry an umbrella, or walk over hot stones. You use the boat’s access points, then climb back aboard when you are ready. Life jackets and flotation items are available, and some trips have offered paddle boards or canoes.

A fresh-water shower lets you rinse off salt before lunch or the next sailing stretch. If you have long hair, this is especially useful. Bring a towel because the supplied information does not include one.

Buffet lunch, cocktails, and the open bar

The food is served as a buffet and includes seasonal fresh fruit and dessert. The meal has included dishes such as chicken, rice, salads, bread, and mezze. It is not a restaurant tasting menu, but it is more substantial than a snack and gives you a proper break during the cruise.

Vegetarian choices have been available, and the crew has helped explain what is suitable for special diets. If you have an allergy or strict dietary need, tell the crew early. The information provided does not promise a separate allergy-safe menu, so you should not rely on the buffet without asking.

The open bar is a major part of the value. You can choose from water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails, with some bartenders also preparing drinks that are not printed on the main menu. Non-alcoholic choices are included too, which helps families and anyone who wants to alternate drinks in the sun.

A word of caution: an open bar on a sunny boat can catch up with you quickly. Drink water, eat before swimming, and remember that the boat may still be moving when you decide it is time for another cocktail.

Food is served at a practical time, often around a swim stop. That arrangement works well because you can swim first, rinse with fresh water, then eat without rushing back to shore. The meal and drinks also mean you do not need to carry a packed lunch.

Timing, weather, and what can change

The cruise is advertised as four to five hours, but the exact order and number of stops depend on weather and sea conditions. The operator can change the program if the water becomes rough or conditions near the coast are unsafe.

This matters most if you have your heart set on one particular stop. You may see Varosha but spend less time at a swim point, or you may get three swim stops rather than two. Treat the route as a flexible coastal outing, not a fixed timetable.

The boat offers the possibility of an afternoon or sunset-style experience, depending on the date and departure. Late departures can bring softer light over Cape Greco, but September and October pickup times are earlier. Check the day’s schedule before planning dinner afterward.

Sea conditions also affect comfort. A catamaran is stable compared with a smaller boat, but it can still move with the waves. If you are prone to seasickness, sit in the more central area, watch the horizon, and avoid drinking alcohol before you know how the motion affects you.

Is the $69 price good value?

At $69 per person, this is strong value if you plan to use the inclusions. Hotel pickup, a four to five hour cruise, lunch, seasonal fruit, dessert, and an open bar would cost more if arranged separately. You also get several coastal viewpoints and at least two chances to swim.

The value is less convincing if you only want a short boat ride or a quiet private sail. This is a shared catamaran with music, scheduled stops, and a buffet. It suits people who want a sociable day on the water rather than total privacy.

The food is generally described as good and plentiful, though expectations should stay sensible. Think well-organized buffet rather than fine dining. The drinks selection is a stronger selling point, especially for anyone who enjoys cocktails but does not want to keep paying for each one.

The high rating of 4.6 from 534 bookings reflects a consistent pattern: the crew, swim stops, drinks, scenery, and overall value are the main strengths. The less consistent points are crowding, music volume, and the quality of the return transfer. Those are worth keeping in mind when comparing this with a smaller boat.

Who should book the Mediterraneo III cruise?

You should book this if you want:

• A simple half-day plan from Protaras or Ayia Napa
• Several scenic points along the eastern Cyprus coast
• Easy swimming from a large, stable catamaran
• Lunch and drinks included in one upfront price
• A relaxed social atmosphere rather than a formal sightseeing tour
• A chance to see Varosha from the sea
• A family-friendly outing with non-alcoholic drinks and flotation gear

You may prefer another boat trip if you want private sailing, a quiet atmosphere, serious snorkeling, or a beach day. The crew may restrict swimming near rocks, and the route can change with the sea. The cruise gives you a broad taste of the coast, not a long stay at one secluded cove.

Should you book this Protaras Blue Lagoon cruise?

I would book it for a first visit to the Protaras and Cape Greco coast, especially if you value convenience. The combination of Varosha, sea caves, Blue Lagoon, repeated swims, lunch, and an open bar is hard to match at $69.

Arrive early if you want a front lounger, bring your own mask if underwater sights matter, and pack a towel, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If you can accept a shared boat, possible loud music, and a flexible route, this is a well-priced way to spend an afternoon at sea.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the Protaras area, with pickup available from major hotels in Protaras or Ayia Napa, or from an assigned meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from major hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras. Pickup is not available from Cavo Maris Hotel or accommodation within walking distance of Green Bay.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately four to five hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the catamaran cruise, an English-speaking host, hotel pickup and drop-off where available, buffet lunch, seasonal fruit, dessert, and an open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

How many swimming stops are included?

The planned route includes swimming at Derynia Bay and the Blue Lagoon, with another swim stop along the way. Some departures have included three swimming stops. The exact program can change with weather and sea conditions.

Can I bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own snorkeling equipment. Equipment such as goggles, snorkels, flotation items, and paddle boards may be available on board, but bringing your own mask is the safest choice if snorkeling is important to you.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Pets are not allowed on the cruise.