REVIEW · PROTARAS
Protaras: St Georgios Presidential Cruise BBQ & 1 drink. 16+
Book on Viator →Operated by St Georgios Boat · Bookable on Viator
Saltwater, sunshine, and BBQ on a boat.
This 3-hour St Georgios Presidential Cruise in Protaras pairs crystal-clear swimming around the Cape Greco caves with a no-fuss onboard BBQ lunch and 1 free cocktail or beer (18+). Two things I really like are how the day stays relaxed and paced for actual sea time, and how the stops focus on what you can see and do from the water.
One thing to consider: you’ll be boarding with steps from the pier and there are steps down to the washroom, so it’s not the easiest option for anyone with mobility limits. Weather also matters for sailing days.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You Should Know
- Protaras Pier Logistics and What 3 Hours Actually Feels Like
- Blue Lagoon Route: The Swim Stop That Makes People Go
- Cape Greco Sea Caves From the Water, Not on Foot
- Agioi Anargyroi Chapel: A Tiny Stop With Big Atmosphere
- Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay: Coast Views With Zero Effort
- Onboard BBQ Lunch, WiFi, and the Included Drink Deal
- Snorkeling Equipment and Turtle Chances in the Clear Water
- Who This Cruise Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)
- Should You Book This St Georgios Presidential Cruise BBQ & 1 Drink (16+)?
- FAQ
- What’s included in the BBQ lunch?
- Is a drink included?
- How long is the cruise?
- What time does the tour start?
- Is pickup available?
- Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- Is WiFi available on board?
- Do the stops require paid admission?
- Are there stairs involved on the boat?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key Highlights You Should Know
- Blue Lagoon swim time in famously clear water, with snorkeling equipment provided
- Sea caves and famous formations around Cape Greco, including Shark Mouth cave and Lovers Bridge
- Agioi Anargyroi Chapel at Cyprus’s most easterly point, with a cave-under-church you can reach right from the boat
- Cape Greco pirate-smuggling cave scenery, viewed from the water (no walking required)
- BBQ lunch plus Cypriot flavors, with vegetarian options available on the menu
- Not-too-big group size (max 46), plus WiFi and onboard music for downtime between stops
Protaras Pier Logistics and What 3 Hours Actually Feels Like
This is a morning cruise, starting at 10:15 am and finishing back at the same meeting point in Protaras (Protaras Pier, Pier 23C2+JJX). The overall duration is about 3 hours, and the vibe is built for short travel legs plus time in the water.
Pickup is offered through centralized points. The practical tip here: show up 5 minutes early and plan for possible waiting (up to about 15 minutes) if the bus runs late. Transfer timing can vary a lot depending on where you’re picked up (anywhere from 5 to 75 minutes), so it’s smart to travel light and keep your schedule flexible.
Boarding happens from the pier with steps, and there are also steps down to the washroom. Once you’re on the boat, it’s comfortable enough for a half-day outing, but plan your movement accordingly.
Blue Lagoon Route: The Swim Stop That Makes People Go
The cruising route is designed to bring you into the fun zone fast: the boat sails into the Blue Lagoon area, with views along the way of sea caves near the Cape Greco national park region. Expect the kind of scenery where you can point and name formations like Shark Mouth cave and Lovers Bridge—and then actually jump in.
There’s a dedicated time for a refreshing dip in the Blue Lagoon’s clear water. Snorkeling gear is included, along with life jackets (used as flotation aids). That means you’re not stuck figuring out equipment at the last second, and even if you’re not a strong swimmer, the setup keeps the experience simpler.
A quick reality check: water clarity is a big part of why this works. If visibility is lower due to conditions, you’ll still get a great swim break, but your results will vary. When the sea is behaving, this is where the cruise earns its reputation.
Cape Greco Sea Caves From the Water, Not on Foot
If you like scenery without a long walk, you’ll appreciate how this cruise is paced. After the first swim, you’ll head toward a viewing point at the border to the occupied zone. You don’t need context homework to enjoy it—you just get a look out from the water toward a charged part of Cyprus’s geography.
Then the cruise leans hard into the Cape Greco theme: natural caves, coastal rock shapes, and pirate-era lore. From the boat you’ll see cave areas that were reportedly used by pirites to smuggle contraband onto the island. The cool part is how this stays visual. No hiking. No scrambling over rocks. Just look, listen to the commentary, and soak up the coast.
You’ll also get classic Protaras coastline viewing from the sea, including passes by places like Fig Tree Bay for a coastline view from water level.
Agioi Anargyroi Chapel: A Tiny Stop With Big Atmosphere
One of the most interesting moments on the route is the Agioi Anargyroi Chapel. This is described as Cyprus’s most easterly point, and it’s also notable for the cave underneath it being the original worship spot.
What makes this stop feel special is that you’re not just looking from a distance. The plan is to go right into the rocks so you can touch the rock formations from the front of the boat. That turns it from a quick photo stop into something more physical and memorable—like you’re actually in the setting, not watching it from a safe distance.
Admission for this stop is free, so you’re not juggling extra costs once you’re on board.
Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay: Coast Views With Zero Effort
Between the bigger story stops, you get a couple of “slow down and look” moments.
Fig Tree Bay Beach is mostly about the view as the boat sails past. You’ll get a proper look at the coastline character—without committing to a beach day. If you’re staying in Protaras and want the water scenery but not another long transfer, this is a smart add-on.
Later, you’ll see Konnos Bay from the sea. The point here is the contrast: you’re on open water for the view, then you’re back to that National Park setting where sandy bays and clear water are the theme. There’s no walking plan described—just cruising and viewing, which keeps the day comfortable.
Onboard BBQ Lunch, WiFi, and the Included Drink Deal
This cruise is one of the better values in this style of outing because food is handled for you. Lunch is freshly prepared on board with BBQ chicken plus sides like fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri (Cypriot couscous), pasta, and salad. Vegetarian options are available within the menu, which matters if your group has dietary preferences.
You also get an included alcoholic drink: 1 free cocktail or beer. The age rule is clear: alcoholic beverages are only available for 18 and up. The rest of the time, you can enjoy the cruise with non-alcoholic options, plus the general onboard atmosphere.
Comfort details help too:
- WiFi on board (nice for messaging or map checks)
- Restroom on board
- Life jackets and snorkeling equipment
- Great music is specifically mentioned in positive feedback, which helps the mood during sailing between stops
One small rule that’s worth noting: you’re kindly asked not to bring drinks on board.
Snorkeling Equipment and Turtle Chances in the Clear Water
Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can go from lounging to exploring without renting gear. The cruise includes swim time (and multiple water breaks along the journey), which is where your odds improve for seeing marine life.
In particular, some experiences include swimming with turtles in incredibly clear blue water. I wouldn’t plan your entire expectation around a guaranteed sighting, but the pattern is strong enough that it’s smart to be ready—mask on, fins nearby, and a calm pace in the water. Clear water plus a turtle-friendly setting is a good combo.
If you want the best results, keep your movements steady and give yourself a little time at each swim stop rather than rushing in and out.
Who This Cruise Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)
This is a great fit if you want:
- A short, scenic boat outing from Protaras
- Swimming time plus snorkeling gear, without a complicated itinerary
- A relaxing onboard meal (BBQ lunch) instead of finding food in town
- A group size capped at 46, so you’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder
It may be less ideal if:
- You’re dealing with mobility limits because boarding and the washroom involve steps
- You strongly dislike weather-driven uncertainty, since sailing requires good conditions
- You’re under 16 (there’s an age requirement for the tour, and ID checks can happen if someone appears under that threshold)
If you’re traveling as a couple, a group of friends, or even solo and you like low-stress days, this one usually lands well.
Should You Book This St Georgios Presidential Cruise BBQ & 1 Drink (16+)?
I’d book it if you want your Cyprus day to feel simple: get picked up or meet at the pier, cruise the Blue Lagoon and Cape Greco sea-cave area, swim and snorkel with provided gear, then eat a proper onboard BBQ with a drink included. For the price—about $48.27 per person for a half-day with food, equipment, and a drink—this is the kind of value that works best when you actually use what’s included (the water time and included lunch).
Skip it if you prefer land-based exploring, long walking stops, or step-free access. And if you’re visiting at a time when sea conditions often wobble, keep a flexible plan in your back pocket.
If your goal is clear-water swimming plus coastal cave views without the hassle, this cruise is an easy yes.
FAQ
What’s included in the BBQ lunch?
Lunch on board includes BBQ chicken, fried chipped potatoes, pourgouri (Cypriot couscous), pasta, and salad. Vegetarian options are available.
Is a drink included?
Yes. You get 1 free cocktail or beer. Alcoholic beverages are only available to travelers age 18 and up.
How long is the cruise?
The duration is approximately 3 hours.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 10:15 am.
Is pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered using centralized pick up points. You should be at the pick up point 5 minutes before the scheduled time and be prepared to wait up to about 15 minutes if the bus is running late.
Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?
No. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with life jackets as flotation aids.
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at Protaras Pier (Pier 23C2+JJX). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
Is WiFi available on board?
Yes. WiFi on board is included.
Do the stops require paid admission?
The chapel stop (Agioi Anargyroi Chapel) is described as free. No other paid admissions are listed for the viewing stops.
Are there stairs involved on the boat?
Yes. There are steps to access the boat from the pier, and there are also steps down to the washroom.
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.
