Protaras: Turtle Cove & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Swim Stops

Summary

Swim clear waters meet sea turtles at Green Bay then Blue Lagoon by boat

You’ll board in Protaras, cruise past fishing boats and chapels, then swim in crystal-clear spots like Green Bay and Blue Lagoon—maybe spotting turtles along the way. Expect laughter on deck, stories from your local guide, and time to soak up sun or shade as you drift along Cyprus’ coast.

What’s the experience like?

“Is that really a turtle?” someone whispered as we leaned over the rail, squinting into Green Bay’s glassy water. Our guide, Andreas, just grinned — he’d seen this before. I was still dripping from my first swim (the salt left my skin tight and prickly), but I didn’t care. The boat had left Protaras Pier about an hour earlier, passing little fishing boats bobbing near Pernera’s tiny chapel — whitewashed and blue like a postcard, but with this faint smell of incense if you got close enough. Locals waved from the dock. I tried to wave back without dropping my towel.

The first stop was Fig Tree Bay, which honestly looked even more golden than in the photos. There’s something about hearing Greek chatter mixed with splashes and gulls overhead that made it feel less like a tourist spot and more like… well, summer. Andreas pointed out the lone fig tree (it’s not much to look at but he said it’s been there longer than any of us). We drifted past limestone cliffs and then anchored at Green Bay for snorkeling — the water was cold at first but so clear you could see your own shadow on the sand below. That’s where we spotted the turtle — slow, ancient-looking, not bothered by us at all.

Konnos Bay came next: thirty minutes to float or just lie back on deck watching sunlight flicker on the waves. No diving here (too many turtles nesting), which felt fair enough. Someone dropped their goggles and a kid fished them out with a net — everyone cheered for no reason except maybe just being happy to be there. The air smelled faintly of sunscreen and pine drifting from Cape Greco’s forested edge. After that we passed Agioi Anargyroi chapel perched above a cave; Andreas told us couples come here for weddings because “the saints are good luck.” He winked like he knew something we didn’t.

The last swim was in the Blue Lagoon — honestly, I didn’t want to get out. You could jump off either deck (I chickened out after seeing Li do a cannonball; she laughed when I hesitated). The water was almost too clear; it felt like floating in nothing at all. Heading back toward Protaras with wet hair and salt on my lips, I kept thinking about that quiet moment watching the turtle glide under us — slow and unbothered by everything above.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour to beaches and snorkeling spots

• Depart from Protaras Pier
• Pass Pernera Fishing Shelter and chapel
• View Pernera coastal area
• Pass Fig Tree Bay and historic sites
• Pass Green Bay snorkeling spot
• Swim and snorkel at Konnos Bay
• Pass Cape Greco National Park and natural bridge
• Visit Agioi Anargyroi chapel cliffside
• Swim and dive at Blue Lagoon

Top questions

Where does the Turtle Cove & Blue Lagoon cruise start?

The tour departs from Protaras Pier on Cyprus’ eastern coast.

Are swimming stops included during this day trip?

Yes, there are swim stops at Konnos Bay and Blue Lagoon during the cruise.

Can you snorkel with turtles on this tour?

You can snorkel at Green Bay where sea turtles are often seen.

Is diving allowed during the cruise?

Diving is allowed at Blue Lagoon but not at Konnos Bay due to turtle nesting areas.

Are restrooms available onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board the boat.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

No lunch is included; only swim stops and light amenities are provided.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can join using a pram or stroller.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to Protaras Pier?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Protaras Pier.

What’s included

Your day includes swimming stops at both Konnos Bay and Blue Lagoon (with diving allowed in the latter), life jackets for safety, WiFi onboard for sharing those turtle sightings instantly, multilingual brochures you can borrow (and hopefully remember to return), plus all fees and taxes covered so you don’t have to think about it mid-journey—restroom access too if you need it between swims.