Ayia Napa & Protaras: Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch

Summary

Cyprus east coast by boat blue waters caves lunch swim stops

You’ll cruise Cyprus’ east coast from Ayia Napa to Protaras with stops for swimming at Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove (maybe spot turtles if you’re lucky), plus lunch served onboard while passing Famagusta’s ghost town. Expect easygoing company, salty air, local stories from your guide, and time to just float or jump in.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that line of white?” Andreas asked, pointing ahead as the Aphrodite II left Ayia Napa harbor. “That’s where the water turns clear as glass.” He grinned like he’d seen it a thousand times but still loved it. The morning sun was already warm, and I could smell sunscreen and coffee from someone’s flask nearby. We drifted past the sea caves — kids shouting every time someone jumped off a rock (I’d never do it, but watching was enough for me). The cliffs looked almost soft from the distance, all light and shadow and those weird little birds skimming the surface. I tried to get a photo but my phone nearly slipped out of my hands — salt spray everywhere.

Cape Greco came up fast, all jagged edges and blue on blue. Our guide Li pointed out Lovers Bridge — Kamara tou Koraka — and told us how locals used to sneak out here at night before the path washed away. Someone asked about the tiny chapel above the cave; Li shrugged, said there’s always a story in Cyprus. By then we’d reached Blue Lagoon. The water really is that color — not exaggerating — and colder than you think when you first jump in. There was this moment underwater where everything went quiet except for bubbles and I could hear my own heartbeat (weirdly peaceful). Back on deck, people compared notes about turtles at Turtle Cove; I didn’t spot any but saw flashes of silver fish darting around my toes.

Lunch was downstairs while we cruised past Famagusta’s ghost town. Roast chicken, salad, bread — nothing fancy but honestly hit the spot after swimming (there was vegan stuff too). Someone at our table started talking about 1974 and what happened in Famagusta; even with laughter in the background, there was this hush for a minute as we looked out at those empty buildings on shore. After that it got louder again — music upstairs, kids running around with wet hair plastered to their faces. On the way back to Ayia Napa harbor we stopped once more for a swim; I just lay on one of those sun-mats letting everything dry in the wind. Still think about that feeling sometimes when I’m stuck behind my desk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Relaxing cruise along Cyprus coast

• Board at Ayia Napa harbour
• Cruise along beachfront
• Photo stop at Sea Caves
• View Palace Caves of Cape Greco
• Cruise by Cape Greco terrain
• Swim at Blue Lagoon
• Photo stop at Lover's Bridge
• View Ayioi Anargyroi Chapel
• View Protaras coast and Green Bay
• Lunch served in lounge
• Swim stop at Turtle Cove
• Return cruise to Ayia Napa harbour

Top questions

What time does the Blue Lagoon cruise from Ayia Napa start?

Boarding is between 8:45-9:30 am, with departure at 9:45 am from Ayia Napa harbour.

Is lunch included on this Cyprus boat trip?

Yes, a roast lunch is included onboard with vegetarian/vegan options available.

Are there swim stops during the cruise?

Yes, you can swim at Blue Lagoon and Konnos Bay (Turtle Cove), plus a final swim stop before returning.

Can you see turtles during this day trip?

You might spot turtles while swimming at Turtle Cove if you’re lucky.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for guests during swim stops.

Is there WiFi onboard the Aphrodite II cruise?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard during your cruise along Cyprus’ east coast.

Are drinks or food available for purchase?

The boat has a bar where drinks can be purchased; lunch is included in your ticket.

Is this cruise suitable for children or families?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can ride in prams or strollers and there’s a baby changing station onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes morning boarding at Ayia Napa harbour, gentle cruising along Cyprus’ coastline with stops for swimming at Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove (snorkeling gear provided), plenty of photo opportunities of sea caves and famous landmarks like Lovers Bridge and Famagusta’s ghost town, plus a freshly prepared lunch served onboard before returning in the afternoon.