REVIEW · PROTARAS
Protaras: St Georgios Presidential Cruise BBQ & 1 drink. 16+
Book on Viator →Operated by St Georgios Boat · Bookable on Viator
A boat trip in Cyprus with real swim time. This Protaras cruise takes you through Blue Lagoon waters and Cape Greco sea caves, plus you get onboard BBQ lunch and snorkeling gear. I especially like how the route mixes postcard views with short, focused stops you can actually enjoy without sprinting around.
The one thing to plan for: the boat has steps at the pier and steps down to the washroom, so it may be awkward if you have mobility limits. Also, this is listed as 16+, and they may ask for ID if someone looks under 16.
In This Review
- Quick Hits: St Georgios Cruise BBQ in a Nutshell
- A 3-Hour Cruise That Feels Relaxed, Not Rushed
- Pickup and Getting to Protaras Pier (Without Stress)
- Sailing the Blue Lagoon and Cape Greco Sea Caves
- Swim Time With Clear Water and an Animal Bonus
- Cape Greco National Forest Park Views From the Water
- Agioi Anargyroi Chapel: Cyprus’s Easterly Landmark
- Viewing the Occupied Zone From a Boat Point
- Fig Tree Bay Pass-By: Coastline Views Without the Hassle
- Konnos Bay: A Sea View of Sand and Clear Water
- Food and Drink: BBQ Lunch That’s Actually Included
- The On-Board Vibe: Friendly Crew, Music, and Commentary
- Boat Size, Comfort, and Why It Matters
- Things to Consider Before You Go
- Value Check: Does $48.27 Make Sense?
- Should You Book the St Georgios Presidential Cruise BBQ?
- FAQ
- Is this cruise only for people 16 and up?
- What’s included with the BBQ lunch?
- Do I get snorkeling gear with the tour?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- Is there a restroom on board?
- Where is the meeting point?
- Do they offer pickup?
- How long is the cruise?
- What happens if weather is bad?
- Can I cancel and get my money back?
Quick Hits: St Georgios Cruise BBQ in a Nutshell

- Blue Lagoon swim stop with crystal-clear water and time to cool off
- Sea-cave sightseeing around Cape Greco, including places described as Shark Mouth cave and Lovers Bridge
- Snorkeling equipment included, plus an easy onboard setup for a short swim
- BBQ lunch on board with vegetarian option (chicken, chips, pourgouri, pasta, salad)
- One drink included (1 free cocktail or beer) for those 18 and up
- Small group feel (max 46), with lots of deck space noted in feedback
A 3-Hour Cruise That Feels Relaxed, Not Rushed

This is a morning cruise out of Protaras designed for an easy few hours on the water. You’re looking at about 3 hours total, starting at 10:15 am. The pace is simple: sail, look at scenery, then get a refreshing dip, then repeat with a few more viewpoint and coast stops.
What makes it appealing is the balance. You get classic coastal highlights—Blue Lagoon, Cape Greco viewpoints, and well-known bays—without needing to plan a full day. If your Cyprus time is tight, this is a solid way to see a lot of coastline in one outing.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Protaras
Pickup and Getting to Protaras Pier (Without Stress)
Your meeting point is Protaras Pier (listed as Protaras Pier, 23C2+JJX, along the seaside promenade). The operator offers centralized pickup. They ask you to arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled time and be ready to wait up to 15 minutes if the bus runs late.
Transfer timing can vary from 5 to 75 minutes depending on where you’re staying, and you should check your ticket for your exact pickup time. If something feels off, you can message or call the WhatsApp number provided by the operator.
Practical tip: if you’re staying outside the main cluster, give yourself buffer time. Long pickup windows can be normal with centralized routes.
Sailing the Blue Lagoon and Cape Greco Sea Caves

The cruise begins with a scenic sail into the Blue Lagoon area, with views of sea caves near the Cape Greco National Park region, including references to Shark Mouth cave and Lovers Bridge. Even if you only have a short time in Cyprus, this section is the “wow” factor.
You’ll also get a stop for a refreshing dip in the Blue Lagoon’s clear waters. Since snorkeling equipment is included, you can choose how you spend that time: a simple swim, snorkeling at the edge, or just floating and taking in the water color.
One more helpful detail: the boat provides life jackets as flotation aids, which helps you feel more comfortable if you’re not a confident swimmer. It’s not a substitute for common sense, but it adds peace of mind.
Swim Time With Clear Water and an Animal Bonus

One of the most praised moments in feedback is swimming with turtles in very clear blue water. The itinerary you’re given includes a Blue Lagoon dip, and snorkeling gear is included—so it makes sense that people often have memorable moments during the water time.
What you should expect realistically: you’re not booking a guaranteed wildlife encounter. But the route and the clear-water stops make it a strong chance. If turtles are on your Cyprus wish list, this is the kind of cruise that gives you the right conditions to see them.
Cape Greco National Forest Park Views From the Water

After the initial highlights, you continue cruising with more Cape Greco coast scenery. At one point, you’ll view Cape Greco National Forest Park from the boat, including natural caves that were once used by pirates to smuggle contraband onto the island.
Even when you’re not going ashore, these “from the sea” viewings matter. Caves and coastlines can look flat from land, but from the water you usually get better angles, plus you’re moving slowly enough for photos and a proper look.
A few more Protaras tours and experiences worth a look
Agioi Anargyroi Chapel: Cyprus’s Easterly Landmark

One of the most meaningful stops is Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, described as the Church of Agioi Anargyroi, Cyprus’s most easterly point. It’s also tied to a cave underneath the chapel, listed as the original place of worship.
Here’s what’s practical about this stop: you don’t just stare from a distance. The plan is to go right into the rocks where you can touch the stone from the front of the boat. That adds a hands-on element you don’t always get on sea cruises.
Admission is listed as free for this stop.
Viewing the Occupied Zone From a Boat Point

The itinerary also includes a move to a viewing point at the border to the occupied zone. This is a “look from the sea” moment rather than a walk-on stop.
I like cruises that handle this kind of content carefully because it keeps it factual and visual. You get the perspective without turning it into a long, complicated itinerary. Just be prepared for the topic to be sensitive and the discussion (if included) to be straightforward.
Fig Tree Bay Pass-By: Coastline Views Without the Hassle

Next, the cruise sails past Fig Tree Bay Beach for a view of the coastline. This is not a long stay on land. It’s more about getting the visual payoff while you’re already on the boat and the day is moving along.
For some people, that’s perfect. If you’re trying to keep logistics simple—swim, eat, relax—pass-by viewpoint segments help you avoid the time cost of stepping off and back on.
Konnos Bay: A Sea View of Sand and Clear Water
Later, you’ll get a view from the sea of Konnos Bay, described as the start of the national park area. It’s noted for its sandy beach and crystal-clear waters.
This is one of those last-coast passes that helps you feel like you’ve covered more of the coastline in a short time. It also gives you a chance to stay on deck, cool down mentally, and take photos before heading back.
Food and Drink: BBQ Lunch That’s Actually Included
This is one of the biggest reasons the cruise scores well. Lunch is served onboard and is freshly prepared, with the menu listed as:
- BBQ chicken
- fried chipped potatoes
- pourgouri (Cypriot cous cous)
- pasta
- salad
A vegetarian option is available within the menu.
You’ll also have a drink built in: 1 free cocktail or beer included, but alcohol is only available to travelers 18 and up.
A small note that matters: they ask you not to bring drinks on board. That keeps things simpler for the crew and helps the onboard service run smoothly.
Also included: WiFi on board and a restroom. So you can handle that quick check-in or messaging without feeling stuck.
The On-Board Vibe: Friendly Crew, Music, and Commentary
From the feedback, the crew vibe is a big deal. People consistently point to friendly, helpful staff, plus great music onboard. There’s also mention of informative captain commentary, including a bit of context tied to the region.
One detailed example from feedback describes seeing Famagusta in the distance and hearing about the 1974 events related to the resort being stormed. While that’s not listed as a formal itinerary stop on paper, it gives you a sense that the captain’s narration can add texture beyond the geography.
The practical takeaway: this kind of commentary is most enjoyable when you’re not rushing. Since the cruise is only about 3 hours, you get enough time to settle in and listen.
Boat Size, Comfort, and Why It Matters
This cruise caps at 46 travelers. That smaller limit can make a visible difference. In feedback, people describe it as not crowded, with space to move and shady areas on deck.
That comfort matters because your best moments happen during the stops: leaning into the view, shifting to shade, grabbing a snack, then getting in the water. If you’re packed in, it’s harder to enjoy the day.
Things to Consider Before You Go
A few details are worth weighing:
- Age policy: this is 16+. If someone looks under 16, they’ll ask for photo ID (passport, driving licence, or country ID card).
- Access steps: there are steps to access the boat from the pier, and steps down to the washroom. If you’re traveling with someone who has trouble with steps, this is a real consideration.
- Weather matters: the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- Bring only what fits: snorkeling gear is included, and onboard lunch and drink are included. You just need to show up ready to swim.
Value Check: Does $48.27 Make Sense?
At about $48.27 per person, you’re paying for a guided sea route plus several “real” inclusions:
- onboard BBQ lunch with vegetarian option
- snorkeling equipment
- life jackets
- restroom and WiFi
- 1 drink (cocktail or beer), plus the trip duration and viewpoints
When I look at value for cruises, I focus on what you’d otherwise pay for yourself: a boat, a guided route, and a meal with drinks. This package covers the big costs, and the itinerary is built around two things that travel time usually can’t buy: time in the water and coastline views without extra transfers.
If your top goal is relaxing with a swim, this pricing tends to feel fair.
Should You Book the St Georgios Presidential Cruise BBQ?
If you want a straightforward morning plan from Protaras that mixes Blue Lagoon swimming, Cape Greco sea cave scenery, and an included BBQ lunch, I think you’ll be happy with this. It’s a good fit for couples, families with older kids (since it’s 16+), and anyone who doesn’t want a complicated day schedule.
If you’re sensitive to steps, or if your idea of a trip requires lots of long land excursions, this may feel too “on-the-water” for your style. But if you like boats, views, and short stops that keep the day moving at a chill pace, this cruise checks a lot of boxes.
FAQ
Is this cruise only for people 16 and up?
Yes, it’s listed as 16+. If someone appears to be under 16, the operator may ask for photo ID such as a passport, driving licence, or country ID card.
What’s included with the BBQ lunch?
Lunch is included onboard and is freshly prepared. The menu lists BBQ chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri, pasta, and salad, with a vegetarian option available within the menu.
Do I get snorkeling gear with the tour?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and life jackets are also provided as flotation aids.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
One drink is included: 1 free cocktail or beer. Alcoholic beverages are only available to travelers 18 and up.
Is there a restroom on board?
Yes, there is a restroom on board.
Where is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Protaras Pier (listed as Protaras Pier 23C2+JJX, Παραλιακός πεζόδρομος Πρωταρά – Περνέρα, Cyprus). The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Do they offer pickup?
Yes, pickup is offered with centralized pickup points. You should be at the pickup point 5 minutes before the scheduled time and be prepared to wait up to 15 minutes if the bus is late.
How long is the cruise?
It runs for about 3 hours (approx.).
What happens if weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel and get my money back?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.























