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

Protaras’s best kind of afternoon is the one that mixes big scenery, real stories, and an adults-only vibe on a proper yacht. This trip on St Georgios 1, once the private yacht of President Glafcos Clerides, turns the coastline into a moving viewpoint, with the Varosha story added in by the guide. What I like most is how friendly the crew is, with staff like Eslam and Hassan showing up in the reviews as the kind of people who keep things smooth.

The other big win is the on-water time: Blue Lagoon swimming plus a slide moment when conditions allow, and often a “wow” encounter with green sea turtles in the right spot. Your consideration is that both the inflatable slide and turtle sightings are not guaranteed, and the boat involves stairs (including steep ones to reach the toilets).

Key things to know before you go

• St Georgios 1 is a historic yacht, tied to Cyprus’s beloved statesman, Clerides, which makes the whole ride feel a bit special.
• Blue Lagoon swim time is the star, with a platform jump and snorkel time in very clear water.
• Varosha and Famagusta District facts are built into the cruise, so you get context, not just photos.
• The onboard BBQ lunch is freshly cooked, and you get one included drink plus water.
• The slide and turtle sightings depend on conditions, so plan for a great swim even if the extras do not happen.

St Georgios 1 and the Clerides connection you can feel

This is not a cattle-car catamaran. You step onto St Georgios 1, a boat with period-style details and an “old-world yacht” feel. The ship’s personality is part of the fun, especially if you like your tours with a little character instead of plastic benches and rushed soundbites.

What makes the Clerides connection matter is the tone it sets. The cruise includes the story of Varosha and the way Cyprus is divided, but the mood stays light on board. It’s the kind of history that helps you understand what you’re seeing across the water, without turning the day into a lecture.

If you’re traveling as a couple or a solo adult, the adults-only setup (16+) also helps. You get a calmer pace, and the crew seems to match that energy, with reviews calling out welcoming, attentive service and good music.

Boarding the yacht at Protaras Pier, what to plan for

Most people keep this part simple by showing up a little early and walking straight to the boat at the end of Protaras Pier. The boat is named St. Georgios, and the latest you can board is 9:45 AM.

Do yourself a favor and think about stairs before you’re in a hurry. Reviews and the tour info both flag about 15 steps to get aboard, and the toilets are accessed by stairs. If you have any mobility limitations, this is not the right fit.

Also note two practical rules that affect your comfort:

• Bring a towel and sunscreen, since you will be in and out of the water.
• Bring cash, because extra bar drinks and snacks are available to purchase.

The half-day route, from Protaras coastline to the Varosha viewpoint

The trip runs about 3 hours, with the day planned as a sequence of cruising, viewpoints, and swim breaks. The exact pickup timing depends on your option, but your core timeline looks like: short sightseeing cruise, a Varosha-area pass, then more scenic cruising, then the main swim at the Blue Lagoon, followed by another swim opportunity and the return to Protaras.

As you cruise out, you are sailing along the Protaras coastline toward some of the famous shoreline landmarks. You may pass places like Fig Tree Bay, Cape Greco cliffs, the whitewashed Agioi Anargyri Chapel, and Lovers Bridge. The vibe is postcard, but the boat makes it feel personal because you’re close enough to hear the guide and still catch every view from the deck.

Quick reality check on time versus distance

A couple of reviews mention that the sightseeing segments can feel short, especially if you expect a closer look at Famagusta itself. The good news is the cruise still gives strong viewpoints, and you spend real time in the water where the day actually shines.

Blue Lagoon swim and the slide moment, when conditions cooperate

This is why most people book. At the Blue Lagoon, the boat anchors in very clear, turquoise water and gives you a dedicated break for swimming and snorkeling. You can jump from the platform, use the slide when wind and sea conditions allow, and float in the sun if you just want an easy reset.

Here’s the key detail to keep your expectations right:

• The slide is dependent on wind and sea conditions, so it can be closed.
• Turtle sightings are not guaranteed.

Even with those caveats, this stop tends to deliver because the water quality is the point. Reviews repeatedly call out swimming in clean, bright water, with darting fish and a “wow” factor the moment you step in.

A useful tip: if you can, aim for the front areas for less noise and fewer smell-related issues. One review mentions BBQ smoke lingering for a bit for people seated toward the back during boarding and the early portion of the day. If you’re sensitive to odors, go front when you first get settled.

Green Bay and turtle time, plus marine life rules

After the Blue Lagoon, the cruise continues with another swim stop at Green Bay. This is another chance to get into the water and look for marine life, again with snorkeling time.

This is where the “final thrill” usually happens for many people, because green sea turtles are often seen around the hull during the return toward Protaras, though sightings can vary. The tone on board when turtles appear tends to be pure delight, and several reviews mention multiple turtle sightings. Still, the responsible approach is to treat it as possible, not promised.

Also pay attention to the marine life rules provided for the trip:

• Do not touch marine life.
• Drones are not allowed.
• No smoking indoors.

If you see turtles, slow down, keep your hands to yourself, and let the moment play out. You’ll get the best photos, and you keep the experience respectful.

The BBQ lunch and your included drink plan

Lunch is one of the most praised parts of this cruise. Expect freshly grilled chicken plus homemade chips, Cyprus couscous, pasta, crisp salad, and garlicky tzatziki. Vegetarian options are available from the selection onboard, so it’s not a “just pick the side salad” situation.

The way the meal is delivered matters. The BBQ is onboard, meaning you’re eating with the sea around you instead of sitting on a timeline in a restaurant. Reviews call out plenty of food, good portions, and food that tastes fresh after swim time.

On the drink side, you get:

• one glass of wine, beer, soda, or juice included per person
• water provided

There’s also a bar onboard where additional drinks and snacks can be purchased. One review even notes a staff member named Carlos as a standout bartender, which is exactly what you want on a cruise: someone who keeps service friendly and quick while you’re moving between swimming and eating.

If you like alcohol, one more practical tip: pace yourself. It’s easy to get sun-warmed, then switch from swimming to BBQ, then to a drink. Plan your energy so the whole 3 hours feels fun, not foggy.

Varosha history without turning the mood sour

A unique part of this cruise is the way it handles Cyprus’s modern story. The guide talks about Varosha, described as a legendary ghost town, and connects it to the longer history that divides Cyprus. The skyline of Famagusta is part of the storytelling, with the cruise passing in view as you head north.

This kind of historical framing is valuable because it helps you understand why this coastline hits differently. You’re not only seeing pretty water and cliffs, you’re also learning how land and politics overlap in real places, in real time.

And the best part is that the guide also keeps it relatable and upbeat. You can have the history and the fun in the same afternoon.

If you want extra reassurance, the staff names in the reviews suggest a consistent style of hosting: Lee is mentioned as especially helpful, while multiple reviewers single out crew members for attention and organization.

Views from the deck, plus Wi-Fi and the adult-only atmosphere

On board, you can spread out. There’s a Relax Deck where the coast unfolds in wide views, plus an air-conditioned lounge area with picture-window sea views. If you want to escape sun glare for a bit, the indoor option matters.

You also get onboard Wi-Fi, which is not something I expect on smaller yacht tours. It’s handy for basic posting or for keeping your plans organized if you’re hopping between beach stops the same day.

The adults-only (16+) setup is another practical bonus. Several reviews mention that the boat doesn’t feel crowded, with people finding seats and table space comfortably. If you’ve ever been stuck on a group cruise where you barely see daylight, this is a quieter-feeling alternative.

Price value: how $47 stacks up for a 3-hour sea day

At about $47 per person for roughly 3 hours, the value hinges on two things: what’s included and how much time you actually spend doing the fun part. Here, you get lunch onboard, water, and one included drink, plus a guided component tied to the Varosha story.

If you compare it to paying separately for a boat trip plus food plus drinks, it’s the bundled approach that makes the math work. And the reviews back up the “worth it” feeling, especially around the BBQ quality and how friendly the crew is.

One more value signal: the cruise includes hotel pickup and drop-off if you choose that option. Protaras has lots of accommodation clusters, and minimizing walking to the pier can be a real time-saver.

The main price caution is expectation management. A few reviews mention the trip can feel relatively short on sightseeing, and one mentions skipping Green Bay due to wind. So the best way to think about the cost is: pay for an easy sea day with multiple swim opportunities, and let the sightseeing be a bonus.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you want:

• an adults-only boat day with a BBQ lunch and one included drink
• real swimming time at the Blue Lagoon
• history explanations that connect to what you see outside the windows
• a relaxed vibe and friendly service, not a party boat

It is not the right fit if:

• you need wheelchair-friendly access or easy movement around stairs (the boarding stairs and toilet access are deal breakers for many)
• you are booking for guaranteed slide use or guaranteed turtle sightings (both are conditional)
• you prefer long, in-depth excursions over a short, efficient route

For families with kids, this won’t work because it’s limited to age 16+. For older teens and adults who want a clean, simple day on the water, it’s a strong choice.

Final decision: should you book Adults Presidents Cruise with Slide, BBQ, and 1 Drink?

I would book this if your ideal Cyprus day looks like swimming in clear water, eating a hot BBQ meal that actually tastes good, and getting a few moments of meaningful history without losing the fun. The strongest reasons are the frequently praised crew hospitality and the consistently liked lunch and swim stops.

I would not book it if you need step-free access, or if your plan depends on the slide and turtles being certain. In that case, you may still get a beautiful day, but you could feel annoyed when conditions change.

If you’re flexible and you want an easy, high-value sea afternoon from Protaras, this cruise is a very sensible pick.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The boat is located at the end of Protaras Pier. The boat name is St. Georgios.

What is the latest time I can board?

The latest you can board is 9:45 AM.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 3 hours.

Is Wi-Fi included?

Yes, onboard Wi-Fi is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included. You also get 1 glass of wine, beer, soda, or juice, plus water. Bar drinks and snacks are available to purchase.

Does the tour guarantee turtle sightings?

No. Turtle sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the inflatable slide included every time?

The slide use depends on wind and sea conditions, so it is not guaranteed.

What languages are spoken on the cruise?

The spoken languages listed for the cruise are English, Greek, and Arabic.

What should I bring, and what should I avoid?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Food and drinks are not allowed on board, and drones and indoor smoking are not allowed.

Who is this cruise suitable for?

This is for adults, age 16+. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.