One huge inflatable slide changes the whole mood. On the St Georgios II, I love the mix of big views, real swimming time, and an onboard setup that feels more like a day out on a friendly yacht than a rushed tour. You also get two standout experiences: photo stops tied to Cyprus history (including Varosha) plus long, scenic water breaks at places like the Blue Lagoon.

The main thing to keep in mind is that turtles are a bonus, not a promise. The cruise plans time at turtle-focused waters, but you should still go for the swim and scenery first.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• The St Georgios II slide: big, loud fun, with enough staff help that it feels safe
• Varosha and the 1974 divide: short stops with guided context, not a lecture marathon
• Blue Lagoon swim time: mooring for turquoise water, plus snorkeling options
• BBQ Cypriot lunch: baked chicken, chips, couscous, salad, bread, tzatziki, with vegetarian options
• Bar with a free drink: drinks and snacks are extra, but pricing gets solid marks
• Turtle Bay chance: not guaranteed, but you may be lucky if conditions align

Meet the St Georgios II: where the views and slide make the day

This cruise isn’t just a boat ride. It’s a floating beach day with added wow factor. The St Georgios II is described as a beautiful luxury yacht, and the layout supports that. There’s a relax deck where you can watch the coastline roll by and take photos without feeling trapped inside. If the sun or heat is doing its job, there’s also a lounge with air conditioning, which is a lifesaver in midday.

Then there’s the obvious star: the HUGE inflatable slide. People talk about it like it steals the show, and that makes sense. It’s big enough that you notice it the second you board, and once you’re in the water it turns the cruise into something your whole group shares, not just watches.

One spot you’ll want to aim for early is the captain’s table at the front. It’s the kind of place where you end up seeing everything: waves, coastline angles, and the action of loading the slide. If you’re traveling with kids or teens, plan to get there promptly at boarding time so you can claim a comfortable viewing position.

Practical note: boarding involves about 15 steps, and the toilets are only reachable by stairs too. This is why the cruise isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments. Also, seating can be a little tight at busy times. A couple of reviews pointed out that people bringing large bags can hog space. If you want an easy lunch setup and comfortable hang time, show up a bit early, grab your spot, and keep bags from turning into permanent real estate.

Protaras to Famagusta: why Varosha is more than a photo stop

The cruise heads away from Protaras toward the Famagusta District, and that’s where the “tour” part kicks in. There’s a stretch of sightseeing by boat first, then you get photo stops linked to Cyprus’s most emotionally loaded chapter.

You’ll pass through viewpoints connected to Varosha, the ghost town area, with a guided tour and photo stop built in. The cruise frames it around what happened in 1974 and how that history still divides Cyprus. Even though the stop is brief, the guided part matters. It gives you context so the photos aren’t just a cool backdrop; they’re tied to real events and a real geography of separation.

A short scenic stop in the Famagusta area also breaks up the drive-by feeling. You’re not stuck in a bus watching a map. You’re on the water, with movement and perspective, and the guide helps you connect what you see with why it matters.

If you like history but don’t want a long, exhausting day inside, this is a workable format: a taste of the story, then time to reset in the sun.

Cape Greco scenery stops: Agioi Anargyri, Lovers Bridge, and Sancta Maria Shrine

After the Famagusta/Varosha phase, the cruise shifts into coastline mode. You’ll hug the shore, and you’ll see the kind of small landmarks that make people stop mid-conversation to stare at their screens.

Key stops include:

• Fig Tree Bay (passed by en route)
• Agioi Anargyri Church in the Cape Greco National Park area
• Lovers Bridge
• Sancta Maria Shrine

These are the moments that feel tailor-made for Instagram photos, but they also work for regular sightseeing. The boat approach gives you angles most land-based viewpoints don’t, and you’re not walking miles to get the view.

This stretch also matters for pacing. It gives you visual variety between the heavier history stops and the swim stops later. Think of it as your “reset” section: cameras out, music on (if you like that vibe), and time to enjoy the coastline from the water.

Blue Lagoon + the BBQ lunch: the part you’ll actually remember

The heart of the day is the mooring at the Blue Lagoon near Ayia Napa. This is where the itinerary stops being “seeing” and becomes “doing.” You get break time plus time for swimming and snorkeling.

The big win here is that the water is the attraction. The cruise is built around mooring for you to go in, not just pointing at water from a distance. And with an onboard slide, you’re not choosing between relaxing and playing. You can do both.

Lunch happens right after you settle into the water time. The included meal is traditional Cypriot, and it’s not a sad-looking sandwich situation:

• Baked chicken
• Home-made chipped potatoes
• Cyprus cous cous
• Salad
• Bread and tzatziki

There are also practical options for different needs. Vegetarian guests get a vegetarian patty. For kids, the cruise can prepare chicken nuggets—but you need to request that when you’re on board.

I like how the food setup matches the setting. It’s an onboard meal, so you’re eating in a casual, social way. Reviews repeatedly call out that the lunch is better than expected for a boat trip—fresh, generous, and properly filling. If you’ve ever had the experience of paying for a cruise and then getting an afterthought meal, this is the opposite. The included spread is one of the reasons people call the value extreme.

Drinks are a mixed model: you get one complimentary drink of your choice (beer, wine, soda, or juice). After that, the bar stays open and drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Prices get noted as reasonable, and there’s also free WiFi onboard so you can upload photos while you’re still sun-warmed.

One small real-life detail: one review mentioned water wasn’t free and cost 2 EUR for a small room-temperature bottle. So, if you’re a water-sipper, keep a few euros handy.

Green Bay swim stop, then Turtle Bay odds

After Blue Lagoon, the schedule gives you another water chance at Green Bay, with time for swimming and snorkeling again. This matters because the first swim stop can be a warm-up. By the second one, you’re more confident, the light may be different, and you get a fuller sense of what the water conditions and marine life are like that day.

And then comes the turtle storyline. The cruise plans a stop at Turtle Bay on the way back, with the hope of seeing turtles in their natural environment. The honest truth is that sightings are not guaranteed. But the upside is that the cruise is built for the chance anyway—you’re not being marketed a guaranteed wildlife moment, you’re getting a proper water-focused outing where seeing marine life is a real possibility.

How do you boost your odds? Keep the vibe calm once you’re in. Don’t churn the water, don’t crowd a spot, and don’t try to touch anything. The cruise asks you not to touch marine life, and that’s the right rule for both ethics and your own safety.

Snorkeling gear is part of the story too. One detail to plan for: a snorkel deposit of 20 EUR cash is required and refunded when you return the equipment safely. Even if you don’t snorkel, having a life jacket available is reassuring for families; one review specifically mentioned life vests and even pool noodles being provided for free.

Also, if you’re the type who enjoys sharing your day, the free onboard WiFi helps you send photos back to family while the memories are still fresh.

Price and value: why this one feels fair for what you get

At about $47 per person for a 5-hour cruise, the math starts to look good fast—especially because the “included” portion hits a few big-ticket items people usually pay extra for on other boat days.

Here’s what you’re getting that usually costs extra elsewhere:

• a luxury yacht experience rather than a cramped speedboat feel
• multiple sightseeing sections plus real photo time
• two swim-oriented moments (Blue Lagoon and Green Bay, plus turtle-focused waters)
• a true BBQ-style lunch with several components, not just a snack tray
• 1 complimentary drink
• free WiFi

The slide is the other value amplifier. It’s a standout feature that changes the energy on board. You’re not just sitting and watching. You’re participating.

Where costs can pop up: additional drinks/snacks, snorkeling deposit cash, and possibly water depending on what you buy. But compared with cruises where you pay for lunch and drinks separately, this model stays straightforward.

If you’re trying to balance budget with “we did something memorable,” this hits that sweet spot. It’s also long enough to feel like an event, but short enough that you’re not wiped out by evening plans.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a strong match for:

• Families: lots of water time, slide fun, and kid-friendly meal options
• People who want a mix of serious sights (Varosha/1974 context) and pure relaxation (Blue Lagoon and swim stops)
• Groups with mixed ages: teens can be on the slide, adults can claim loungers and enjoy the views
• Birthday travelers: one review mentioned the boat singing happy birthday, which is a fun extra touch when it happens

Who should reconsider:

• Anyone with mobility issues, since boarding and toilets require stairs
• People who hate waiting for scheduled moments. Swim time is scheduled and the boat may adjust the itinerary based on sea conditions, so you need flexibility

Practical tips so your day runs smoothly

A few real-world tips make the difference between a great cruise and a mildly annoying one.

1) Bring your towel and sunscreen

You’re going in the water at least once, often twice. Also, you’ll be in strong sun around the coast.

2) Bring cash for the snorkeling deposit

The cruise uses a 20 EUR cash deposit for snorkeling gear that gets refunded at safe return.

3) Arrive ready to manage steps

Boarding includes about 15 steps, and toilets are stair-only. If you’re traveling with older parents or anyone who’s unsure on stairs, plan extra time and go slowly.

4) Claim your lunch spot early

Seating can get crowded. One review flagged a lack of comfortable eating space tied more to behavior (bags taking space) than the boat’s capacity. Keep bags compact and choose your spot early.

5) Use the slide, but be honest about your comfort

Reviews mention the slide is fun and people felt safe, but it also isn’t designed for everyone’s comfort level. If you’re hesitant, watch once first, then decide.

6) Have patience with turtle odds

If you see turtles up close, it’s a highlight. If you don’t, you still get great swim stops and a proper day on the water.

One more helpful detail from the human side: the vibe onboard is often described as warm and funny, and the operation is run by Panayiotis (owner) with an onboard chef named Ahman mentioned specifically in reviews. When staff are this engaged, the trip feels personal even at group size.

Should you book this Protaras luxury yacht cruise?

Book it if you want one of the best “value-per-hour” days in Cyprus: water time that actually happens, a slide you’ll brag about, and lunch that doesn’t feel like an apology.

You should think twice if your top priority is guaranteed wildlife or an all-day beach lounge with zero movement. Turtles are a chance, and the crew may adjust the route when the sea changes. Also, the stair-based boat setup won’t work for everyone.

If your group includes kids and adults, this is a rare format that satisfies both: serious sights in the morning, then swimming and slide fun for the rest of the day.

FAQ

Where is the boat’s meeting point in Protaras?

The boat is located at the end of Protaras Pier. If you head to the Evelena hotel, you’ll see the boats from there.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 210 minutes, which is about 5 hours.

What’s included in the lunch?

Lunch is included and is traditional Cypriot: baked chicken, home-made chipped potatoes, Cyprus cous cous, salad, bread, and tzatziki. Vegetarian patty and chicken nuggets for kids are available if requested.

Is swimming with turtles guaranteed?

No. The cruise includes a Turtle Bay stop with the hope of seeing turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Do I get any drinks included?

Yes. You get one complimentary drink of your choice (beer, wine, soda, or juice). Additional drinks and snacks are available to purchase at the bar.

Is WiFi available onboard?

Yes. The cruise offers free WiFi so you can share photos during the trip.

Is pickup included, and where does pickup operate from?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the transfer option. Pickup operates from Ayia Napa, Protaras, Pernera, and Kapparis.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Snorkeling time is part of the cruise, and snorkel gear is available, but there is a snorkeling deposit of 20 EUR cash that is refunded when you return the set safely.

Are the toilets easy to access?

There are toilets on board, but access is via stairs. Boarding also involves managing about 15 steps.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to steps required to board and to access toilets.

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