Protaras boat cruise: Swim the Blue Lagoon and Konnos Bay

Swim in two bays and glide past Cape Greco's sea caves on a wooden boat

A three-hour cruise from Protaras on the Aerosa, a traditional Greek wooden boat, takes you past the ghost town of Varoshia and historic Famagusta, with two swim stops in the Blue Lagoon and Konnos Bay. The boat carries snorkeling equipment at no extra charge (a refundable deposit applies), and an English-speaking guide shares local stories as you pass Fig Tree Bay, Green Bay, the Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, and the sea caves of Cape Greco. Sunbeds and WiFi are available on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Coastal cruise and swim stops

• Set sail from Protaras on Aerosa boat
• Enjoy welcome drink and local tales
• Pass by Fig Tree Bay
• Pass by Green Bay
• Admire Cape Greco sea caves
• Pass Crow’s Arch rock formation
• See Agioi Anargyroi Chapel
• Swim at Konnos Bay
• Swim in Blue Lagoon

The experience

Protaras sits on Cyprus's eastern coast, and this cruise departs from there aboard the Aerosa, a wooden boat built in the traditional Greek style. The three-hour route hugs the shoreline south toward Cape Greco, passing the haunting silhouette of Varoshia (the walled-off section of Famagusta frozen since 1974), and moving into waters where the limestone cliffs open into caves shaped by centuries of wave action. The crew hands you a welcome drink as you settle in, and the guide begins pointing out landmarks: the white-and-blue Agioi Anargyroi Chapel perched on the cliffs, the golden arc of Fig Tree Bay, the rock formation called Crow's Arch.

Two swim stops anchor the day. The first is Konnos Bay, a sheltered cove known for calm turquoise water and occasional sea turtles. The second is the Blue Lagoon at Cape Greco, where the water clarity makes snorkeling rewarding even in shallow zones. Snorkeling equipment is free to use (you leave a refundable deposit), so you can explore without renting elsewhere. Between swims, the boat idles past Green Bay and the dramatic sea caves, giving you time to photograph or simply watch the rock formations slide past. Sunbeds on deck let you dry off between water time, and WiFi keeps you connected if you need it.

The boat works for families with small children (infants and toddlers can travel in a pram or stroller), and suits any fitness level since swimming is optional and the boat does the moving. Public transport reaches the departure point, so you don't need a rental car to get there.

What’s included

• Welcome drink on arrival.
• snorkeling equipment with refundable deposit.
• two swim stops in Konnos Bay and the Blue Lagoon.
• sunbeds on deck.
• WiFi on board.
• English-speaking guide sharing local history and stories about the coastline, Famagusta, Varoshia, and Cape Greco's landmarks.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 26 May 2027

Book up to1h before

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

GroupUp to 110

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Larnaca Napa Sea Cruises

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to swim and see the coastline from a traditional wooden boat with a guide steering, not a speedboat, not a private charter, and not a self-guided kayak.

Traveler reviews

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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 exactly is the Blue Lagoon and why is it worth the swim stop?

The Blue Lagoon at Cape Greco is a natural sea basin at the base of dramatic limestone cliffs, famous for water so clear that snorkeling reveals the seabed and small fish even in shallow areas. It's one of Cyprus's most photographed coastal spots and the clarity makes it ideal for first-time snorkelers.

Will I see sea turtles on this cruise?

Konnos Bay and Green Bay are known for occasional turtle sightings in their natural habitat, though spotting one is not guaranteed. The calm, sheltered waters of these bays create the conditions where turtles feed, so the chance exists on most departures.

Is snorkeling equipment really included, or do I have to rent it?

Snorkeling gear is free to use on board. You'll leave a refundable deposit to secure it. This means you can snorkel at both swim stops without paying extra or arranging rentals in advance.

How much time do you actually spend swimming versus cruising?

The three-hour total includes cruising time, two separate swim stops, and the time spent passing landmarks. Each swim stop typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes, giving you real time in the water rather than a quick dip.

What is Varoshia, and why does the boat pass it?

Varoshia is the walled-off section of Famagusta, abandoned since 1974, and remains one of the Mediterranean's most striking ghost towns. Passing it by boat is one of the few ways to see it from the water, and the guide explains its history as you cruise past.