4-Hour Cruise from Protaras: Varoshia, Blue Lagoon & Pirate Caves

Four hours on the water, five swimming stops, one cooked meal and the story behind a ghost town

A 4-hour shared boat cruise from Protaras along the Famagusta coastline, with stops for swimming at Varoshia, Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Bay and Blue Lagoon, plus visits to Agioi Anargyroi Church and Pirate Caves. The boat carries a live English-speaking guide who shares the history of the Turkish-occupied town as you approach it, and serves a traditional Cypriot buffet with wine and soft drinks onboard. Pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

4-hour shared cruise tour highlights

• Depart from Golden Coast
• View ghost town of Varoshia
• Swim near Varoshia
• Pass Protaras beachfront
• Stop and swim at Konnos Bay
• Enjoy refreshing fruits
• See Agioi Anargyroi Church
• Explore Pirate Caves
• Admire Love Bridge rock formation
• Swim in Blue Lagoon
• Enjoy onboard buffet meal and dessert

The experience

The boat departs from the Golden Coast toward Famagusta, heading first to Varoshia: the walled-off ghost town frozen since 1974. You get as close as the restricted zone allows, swim in the water offshore, and hear the guide explain what happened to the town while you float there. It's the kind of history lesson that sticks because you're standing in front of it.

From there the route traces the Protaras coastline past Fig Tree Bay and into Konnos Bay, where you stop again to swim or simply sit on deck. Refreshing fruits come out during this break. The boat then passes the Agioi Anargyroi Church, a small chapel perched on a cliff with its own sea cave, and you'll see the Pirate Caves: the actual hideouts where smugglers and pirates once anchored. The Love Bridge, a natural rock arch, comes next, and the final swim happens in the Blue Lagoon, where the water is so clear you can see the bottom.

Lunch is a traditional Cypriot buffet served hot onboard, with multiple sides, soft drinks, water, and a choice of red or white wine or zivania (the local grape spirit). The whole cruise runs 4 hours, though travel time to and from the boat is added to that. A live guide in English narrates the stops and handles the route, so you're not navigating or timing anything yourself.

What’s included

• Traditional Cypriot buffet with multiple side options.
• soft drinks and water.
• red wine, white wine, or zivania (local grape spirit, 18+ only).
• homemade Cypriot dessert.
• live English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 May 2027

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 150

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Larnaca Napa Sea Cruises

Is this one for you?Choose this shared boat if you want to swim at multiple bays and see Varoshia's ghost town in one outing, rather than piecing together separate stops on your own.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Varoshia and why is it a ghost town?

Varoshia is a walled-off town in the Famagusta district that has been closed since 1974 and is now under Turkish occupation. The guide explains its history while you swim in the water just offshore, as close as the restricted zone permits.

How many times do we stop to swim on this cruise?

There are five swimming stops: at Varoshia, Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Bay, the Love Bridge area, and the Blue Lagoon. You can swim at each one or stay on deck if you prefer.

What's included in the onboard meal?

A traditional Cypriot buffet with multiple side options, soft drinks, water, and a choice of red wine, white wine, or zivania (the local grape pomace spirit, available to those 18 and older). Homemade Cypriot dessert is also served.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, pickup is included in the tour price.

What are the Pirate Caves?

The Pirate Caves are hidden sea caves in the Protaras area that once served as refuge for pirates and smugglers. You pass them by boat during the cruise.