San Antonio Ruby Sunset Cruise from Protaras

Sunset cruises feel special, fast. This 4-hour Ruby Sunset Cruise from Protaras is built for easy fun, with hotel pickup and drop-off plus a couple of prime coastal stops where you can actually get in the water. I especially liked the buffet meal on board and the unlimited open bar, which made the whole afternoon feel like a floating party (in a good way). One thing to consider is the background setup on deck, since the onboard speaker can be a bit underpowered if you were hoping for louder music.

If you want a smooth plan, this one is pretty straightforward: you start at 4:00 pm, ride along the Famagusta side of the coast, then head back to the meeting point when the sun starts to fade. The group stays small, with a maximum of 49 people, and you’ll get an email with pickup details at the latest 1 day before. Quick heads up, pickup is not available from private holiday villas, and there’s no pickup from Cavo Maris hotel due to walking distance to the starting point.

Key points before you go

• Hotel pickup and drop-off make the timing simple, even if you’re staying in Protaras or the nearby area
• Unlimited open bar plus a lunch buffet keeps the day flowing without needing extra planning
• Green Bay Beach stop includes sea views of Famagusta and Derynia Bay, plus a seaside look at Varosha
• Blue Lagoon stop (Konnos Bay or Cape Greco) gives you real swim time with noodles provided
• WiFi on board and a small group size (49 max) help the cruise feel comfortable
• Floaties may be available, which is great if you just want a little extra confidence in the water

Sunset timing, pickup, and what your 4 hours include

This is a late-afternoon cruise that starts at 4:00 pm, designed to put you on the water during the sweet spot between heat and full night. Expect roughly 4 hours total, and plan on being ready on time for pickup or for the meeting point in walking distance assignments.

What I like about the timing is that it works whether you’re doing a beach day earlier or just want something different for dinner plans. You’ll travel along the coast, then slow down for two main stops where you get to see sights from the sea and choose how much time you want in the water.

Pickup is included, but it’s not universal. If you’re in a private holiday villa, you should plan to meet at the start point instead. Also note the Cavo Maris hotel pickup limitation due to walking distance, so it’s smart to confirm your exact pickup eligibility when the details email arrives.

On board: buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and WiFi comfort

The heart of the experience is food and drinks made effortless. You’ll get a lunch buffet on board, along with seasonal fresh fruit and dessert, which is a nice mix for a cruise where you’re not likely to want to hunt for dinner afterward. The open bar is unlimited, so you can pace your evening however you like, whether that’s a couple of drinks with the sunset or a more relaxed approach.

I also appreciate that the cruise provides WiFi on board. You might not use it nonstop, but it helps if you want to check directions, share a few photos, or just keep your plan organized while you’re out at sea.

Water safety and fun get attention too. Swimming noodles are provided, and you may find floaties available, which can make the swim stops feel more welcoming even if you’re not the strongest swimmer. That matters because these stops are the main reason to choose a cruise like this instead of staying on a shore.

One small consideration from the vibe on deck: the speaker near the top deck can be a bit too quiet for people who expect louder music. If you’re there for ambience, it can still work, but if you’re really music-driven, keep expectations realistic.

Green Bay Beach stop: views of Famagusta, Derynia Bay, and Varosha from the sea

Your first stop is at Green Bay Beach, and the time here is about 1 hour. This is the “look first, swim later” moment, because you get the sea-level perspective while the ship moves toward views of Famagusta and Derynia Bay.

The big draw is the Varosha viewpoint from the seaside. Varosha is often talked about because of its ghost-town status, and seeing it from the water adds a different kind of context than looking at it from shore. Even if you’re not a history person, it’s the kind of sight that makes you pause and take in the coastline differently.

The route also gives you a layered coastline feel. Green Bay is in the Protaras orbit, and the stop lines up with a famous beach area in that region, so you get that “Cyprus postcard” moment without it feeling like a rushed bus stop.

What to consider: with only 1 hour, you’ll want to decide quickly whether you want to linger on land or jump in. If your priority is photos and the Varosha sea view, keep your time for the swim short. If your priority is swimming, don’t treat the land portion as a full beach break.

Blue Lagoon stop at Konnos Bay or Cape Greco: your 2-hour swim and buffet moment

The second stop is the main event for water time. You’ll have about 2 hours around the Blue Lagoon area, and the exact spot can be Konnos Bay or Cape Greco. Either way, you’re going to be in the clear-water zone people come to Cyprus for.

This is where the cruise becomes truly active. You’ll get time to swim, and the boat provides swimming noodles so you can be in the water without needing to pack your own gear. If you like extra flotation, floaties may also be available, which is a simple comfort for families or anyone who wants an easy confidence boost.

You also eat here, with the buffet meal tied into the stop time, so you’re not stuck eating right after boarding. It’s a smart rhythm: swim, relax, eat, then settle back as the light shifts toward sunset.

One practical thought: two hours sounds long until you’re actually in the water. If you’re planning to do a full cycle of swim, photos, and eating, go in with a plan so you don’t end up rushing at the end. Bring a cover-up or a dry towel if you have space, because getting back on deck after swimming can get chilly depending on wind.

The scenery route: Protaras to the Famagusta coast, without the car stress

Part of the appeal here is that you’re watching the coast instead of driving it. This cruise gives you a moving viewpoint of the Protaras and Pernera area, then carries you into the Famagusta side atmosphere as you approach the sight stops. If you’ve already driven around on your trip, you’ll likely enjoy how the boat turns “transport time” into scenery time.

It also helps that the cruise stays organized. You start and finish back at the meeting point, and you don’t need to navigate transport changes, parking, or timing. That kind of simplicity is why day trips like this work for many visitors, especially if you’re trying to fit it in around beach time and dinner reservations.

Value for $71.04: why the inclusions matter

At $71.04 per person, the price isn’t just about being on a boat. What you’re paying for is the whole package: unlimited open bar, a lunch buffet, seasonal fruit, dessert, WiFi on board, swimming noodles, swim stops, and hotel pickup plus drop-off.

That combination changes the math. If you were to do a similar day on your own, you’d likely end up paying for transportation to multiple areas, entry fees or arranged transfers, plus meals and drinks at whatever prices you find nearby. Here, the biggest costs are rolled into one set price, and the day stays predictable.

Also, the group size matters for value. With a maximum of 49 people, it feels social enough for energy but not so packed that you’re constantly bumping around for space. If you like a cruise that still feels manageable, that cap is part of the bargain.

If you’re the kind of traveler who uses open bar for a full “cruise evening,” this price can feel even more worth it. If you only have a drink or two, it’s still a decent deal because lunch, fruit, dessert, and the swim stops are included regardless.

Booking timing tip: since this cruise is often reserved about 52 days in advance, I’d plan ahead if you’re traveling in peak weeks. Early booking gives you more date options and can reduce last-minute availability stress.

Practical tips to make your sunset cruise better

Here’s how to turn a good afternoon into a smooth one.

First, dress for layers. You’re on the water at 4:00 pm, and sea wind can change fast. Bring a light layer you’re comfortable wearing on deck after swimming.

Second, protect your swim plan. Use sunscreen before you get in, not after. Bring a small towel or at least keep one in your bag if you have it, because going from water to deck usually means you’ll want something quick.

Third, manage your deck time. If you want the best sunset views, you’ll likely want to pick your side and stay where you can see the horizon without constantly moving around.

Fourth, ask the crew about floaties or noodle options if you need extra help. The cruise provides swimming noodles, and floaties can be available, but crew can guide you on what’s easiest for your comfort level.

Finally, keep expectations honest about onboard entertainment. The speaker can be a bit low-volume, so treat it as background atmosphere rather than a club sound system.

Is this the right cruise for you?

This is a strong match if you want a half-day with real variety: food, drinks, and two different coastal moments. It’s also a good option if you’re celebrating something, because you get an easy group setting, a fun onboard vibe, and a sunset finish without needing to plan a restaurant.

It’s also a smart fit for people who like water time but don’t want to figure out beach access, transport, or changing plans on their own. The swim stops are built into the schedule, with noodles provided.

If you’re traveling with someone who hates being on boats, this might not be the best choice. You’re on the water for several hours, and you should expect salt air, some wind, and a moving environment. Also, if you’re expecting a long beach day, the timing is tighter, especially at Green Bay Beach.

Should you book the San Antonio Ruby Sunset Cruise from Protaras?

If you want an easy, inclusive sunset plan in Cyprus, I’d book this. The value is in the mix: pickup included, a real lunch buffet on board, unlimited open bar, and swim stops that make the day feel more than just scenic cruising. Add the Varosha sea views and the Blue Lagoon swim time, and you get a memorable shoreline story without the hassle of managing multiple stops on your own.

I’d only hesitate if your top priority is loud music and big entertainment. The onboard speaker can be underwhelming, and the experience is more about food, views, and swimming than big production shows.

In short: book it if you want a relaxed, enjoyable late-afternoon cruise that turns sunset into something you can eat, drink, and swim around.

FAQ

What time does the Ruby Sunset Cruise start?

The cruise starts at 4:00 pm. Pickup details are sent by email at the latest 1 day before the excursion.

How long does the cruise last?

The duration is about 4 hours. There are swim and sightseeing stops along the way, including a 1-hour first stop and a 2-hour Blue Lagoon stop.

Is lunch and drinks included?

Yes. You get a lunch buffet on board, plus seasonal fresh fruit and dessert. You also have unlimited drinks from the open bar.

Where are the swimming stops during the cruise?

You’ll stop first around Green Bay Beach, then move to the Blue Lagoon area, which is listed as either Konnos Bay or Cape Greco. There are swim stops at these points, with swimming noodles provided.

Is hotel pickup available, and where is pickup not offered?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Pickup is not available from private accommodations including holiday villas, and there is no pickup from Cavo Maris hotel due to walking distance to the starting point.

What happens if the weather is bad or you need to cancel?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.