Protaras: Adults Presidents Cruise with Slide, BBQ & 1 Drink

Cruise on a former presidential yacht. This adults-only trip out of Protaras mixes big-sea views with real Cyprus history, then gives you time to swim in the Blue Lagoon. You also get BBQ lunch plus one included drink, all on board the St Georgios.

What I like most is how the crew keeps the vibe friendly and unforced, and how the water time feels built for actually getting in the sea, not just taking photos. One thing to plan around is that the slide and turtle sightings depend on conditions, so they are never guaranteed.

The boat itself, St Georgios 1, adds a layer of charm. It was once the private yacht of Cyprus statesman Glafcos Clerides, and the original fittings and captain-style details make the cruise feel like you stepped into a story. You’ll cruise past landmark sights along the Protaras coast, then focus on the Blue Lagoon and Green Bay for swimming.

Key points to know before you go

• A St Georgios 1, with period details and a presidential past: you get a classic-feeling yacht, not a generic speedboat.
• Varosha and Famagusta history on deck: the ghost town story is explained while you’re sailing.
• Blue Lagoon swimming time with slide access when conditions allow: fun if the sea cooperates.
• Lunch is real food, freshly cooked on board: BBQ chicken, chips, couscous, salad, tzatziki.
• Turtles are a possible bonus, not a promise: watch for Green Sea Turtles, especially around Turtle Bay.
• Adult-only and crew-led, with a relaxed pace: the tone stays light even when the history gets heavy.

A former presidential yacht turns Protaras into a real day out

I love how this cruise starts with “vacation mode.” You board St Georgios 1 at the end of Protaras Pier, and from the moment you’re aboard, the boat feels special. Think polished rails, classic fittings, and captain-style instruments you can spot while you settle in. It’s also an adults-only experience, which changes the whole tone. No kids running around, no school-trip energy.

On board, you’ll find a few different spots for different moods. There’s a Relax Deck where the sea view feels wide and cinematic, and an air-conditioned lounge with picture windows if the sun gets punchy. The Captain’s Table, once a place for conversation, becomes more of a focal point during the cruise. You’re basically set up to do two things at once: enjoy the ride and listen in when the guide talks.

A practical note: boarding takes about 15 steps, and the toilets are only accessible by stairs. If you’re fine with stairs but hate tight timing at the pier, plan to arrive a little early and take it slow.

Varosha and the ghost town story, explained while you sail

The history is not a random add-on here. The cruise passes through the Famagusta District area and brings you close enough to understand why Varosha is such a loaded name in Cyprus. Varosha is often described as a ghost town, and the story centers on how Cyprus has been divided, and how that division has played out in real places.

What makes this portion work is timing and tone. You’re cruising with the sea right there, the boat is still fun and social, and then the guide connects the geography to the political story. Even if you’ve read headlines before, you’ll likely come away with a clearer sense of where the lines are, why the town is stuck in that pause, and how reconciliation is part of the narrative.

Also, because St Georgios 1 is tied to Glafcos Clerides, you’ll hear how hospitality and dialogue were major themes of his life. It doesn’t turn into a lecture. It feels more like context, given while you’re looking at the coast and landmarks.

Protaras coastline highlights: Fig Tree Bay, Cape Greco, Lovers Bridge

After the history focus, you get the classic route feel, the part that makes Protaras worth leaving your hotel for. The cruise slides along the coastline so you can see the “Cyprus postcard” spots from the water, which is different from seeing them from the road.

This is the kind of sightseeing that’s easy on your feet. You don’t have to navigate buses or walk steep paths. You just stay on the boat and watch the scenery change.

You’ll pass or get views of:

• Fig Tree Bay, with that golden curve that photographers obsess over
• Cape Greco cliffs, where the coastline looks carved and dramatic
• Agioi Anargyri Chapel, the whitewashed landmark that shows up from the sea like a marker
• Lovers Bridge, a recognizable structure that you’ll see in context, not in isolation

I like this format for three reasons. First, it saves energy. Second, sea-level angles make the coast look different. Third, it sets you up for the water portion with clear visuals about where you are.

One caution: the cruise itinerary can shift due to sea conditions. So if you’re the type who loves strict hour-by-hour plans, keep expectations flexible. That flexibility helps you enjoy the day instead of feeling cheated when the sea changes the plan.

The Blue Lagoon stop, with slide fun and real swim time

This is the headline stop for most people, and for good reason. You anchor in the Blue Lagoon area in turquoise water that looks almost unreal. This is the part where the cruise becomes active, not passive.

You can swim from the platform, and the slide can be used when wind and sea conditions allow it. That matters. It’s not a “guaranteed feature,” so if the slide is a must for your group, go in with a Plan A and a Plan B. If conditions are rough or windy, you’ll still get water time, but you might not get the slide.

Snorkeling is also part of the plan, and you may see small fish close to the surface. The best approach is simple: don’t fight the water. Put your feet in, let your eyes adjust, and then check out the fish calmly. It’s one of those spots where you feel the quality of the water fast.

If you’re sensitive to cold, consider timing and season. One set of comments noted the water and weather felt chilly when they went. So if you’re visiting outside peak summer, bring a light layer for before and after your swim, and dry off quickly when you’re back on board.

Green Bay and Turtle Bay: marine life viewing without touching

After Blue Lagoon, you get another swim and snorkeling break at Green Bay, with marine life viewing built into the stop. Green Bay is the kind of location where you can spend time floating, looking for movement, and taking in the underwater life at your own pace.

Then there’s the turtle element, often associated with Turtle Bay. Turtle sightings are a big reason people book this cruise, but they are not guaranteed. What you can control is your readiness. When you’re in the water, keep your head up and your eyes open, because turtles can show up quickly, surface next to the boat, then disappear.

The rules here are clear: don’t touch marine life. It’s safer for you and better for the animals. If you bring your own snorkeling mask, this is a good moment to use it, since you’ll have time to look around.

Also, you’ll want to protect against sun while you’re waiting to get back in. Sunscreen and a towel are a must. Bring cash too, because the bar exists and extras are handled on board.

BBQ lunch plus one included drink: why the value is strong

The food is one of the most praised parts of the whole experience. The cruise includes a freshly cooked onboard meal with BBQ chicken, homemade chips, Cyprus couscous, pasta, crisp salad, and garlicky tzatziki. It’s not just a snack. It’s a full lunch spread designed to hit after swimming.

Vegetarian options are also available from the selection onboard, so you’re not stuck with an empty plate if you don’t eat meat.

Timing is generally part of the smooth flow, but keep a heads-up mindset. Some people noted that lunch felt a bit early or that the sequence moved quickly once the swims were done. If you hate being rushed, don’t assume you’ll spend unlimited time at each stop. That said, the overall pace is one of the reasons this cruise works for a 3-hour window.

Drinks help make the package feel complete. You get one glass of wine, beer, soda, or juice included, and you’ll have access to water as well. After that, the bar is there if you want more, but bar drinks and snacks are not included in the price.

If you want the “good price, no stress” effect, this package delivers because it bundles: transport pickup if you selected it, guide time, onboard Wi-Fi, lunch, and one drink. At around $47 per person for a 3-hour, adults-only yacht cruise, that’s a solid value when you compare it to paying separately for boat time, food, and drinks.

Crew energy, music, and where to sit on St Georgios 1

The crew is a big part of why the day feels friendly. Multiple mentions highlight how welcoming, helpful, and caring the team is. Names that show up include Eslam and Hassan, plus Carlos for bar service in one instance, and Lee for help on board.

You’ll also likely notice the crew uses humor and upbeat hosting, which keeps the mood light during the history segments. There’s also music played during the cruise, so the atmosphere feels like a social outing, not a stiff tour.

Seating is another practical detail. Most people find there’s enough space that it does not feel overcrowded. One comment praised that everyone had a table and their own seat, which makes the day feel calm rather than chaotic.

One caution comes from a very specific issue: if you sit near the BBQ area toward the back when lunch starts, you might get hit by smoke for a short period until the boat leaves. If you have respiratory sensitivities or just hate smoke smells, I’d choose seats toward the front when possible. It’s a small decision that can make the difference between enjoying lunch and feeling irritated.

Timing, weather, and what to pack for a smooth water day

This is a short cruise, around 3 hours total. That’s a plus if you want the water views and swims without burning most of your day. It also means there’s less downtime. You’ll spend the bulk of the trip in motion and then at swim stops.

Weather matters more here than on a land tour. The slide depends on wind and sea conditions, and the schedule might adjust if the water is rough. The best mindset is to enjoy the sea day as it happens, rather than insisting on a perfect script.

What to bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

What not to bring:

• Food and drinks (the cruise includes lunch and at least one included drink)
• Drones
• Smoking indoors

Don’t forget basic water-day comfort too. Wear swimwear you can manage easily, and think about how you’ll handle stairs both when boarding and using the toilet.

Is it worth booking? Who this cruise fits best

I’d book this cruise if you want a 3-hour adults-only boat day that checks a lot of boxes at once: great water, real snorkeling time, BBQ lunch, and a guide who adds meaningful context about Varosha and Cyprus’s divided story. The strong staff reputation and the fact that the boat feels clean and well run also make it an easy yes for couples and friend groups.

You might skip it if:

• You need wheelchair-friendly access, since the cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and the toilet access involves stairs.
• You are very strict about guaranteed slide use or guaranteed turtle sightings. Both are condition dependent.

If you’re choosing between a casual swim tour and a history-light cruise, this one is more balanced than most. You get the scenic Protaras coastline plus a history thread that gives the geography a reason to matter.

FAQ

Where do I meet the cruise in Protaras?

You’ll meet at the end of Protaras Pier at the boat called St Georgios. The latest you can board is 9:45 AM.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise runs for about 3 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

It depends on the option you select. Pickup and drop-off are included if you choose that option.

What’s included in the price besides the cruise?

Lunch is included, along with 1 glass of wine, beer, soda, or juice, plus water. Onboard Wi-Fi and a guide are also included.

Do I get to use the inflatable slide?

Not always. Slide use depends on wind and sea conditions, so it is not guaranteed.

Are turtle sightings guaranteed?

No. Turtle sightings are not guaranteed, though the cruise often aims for Turtle Bay marine life viewing.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Are toilets easy to access?

Toilets are only accessible by stairs, and boarding involves about 15 steps.

Who can board the cruise?

This is adults-only, and you must be 16+ to board. If you look younger, you may need to show photo ID.