Catamaran Adults Exclusive Cruise from Protaras

Famagusta’s abandoned quarter looks most haunting from the water, and this cruise gives you that unusual view before turning south along the Protaras coast. You get a relaxed day at sea, with swimming stops, a buffet lunch, and an adults-only setting rather than a family boat packed with small children.

I like the open bar and table service, which make this feel more like a floating lunch outing than a basic sightseeing boat. I also like the generous deck space and the crew’s attentive style, with Captain Mohammed, Katarina, Alex, Janet, and other crew members singled out for warm service.

The main consideration is the price: at $106.93 per person, this is not a cheap transfer with a quick swim. You are paying for food, alcohol, hotel pickup, champagne, and a quieter adults-only atmosphere, so it makes the most sense if you plan to enjoy the whole package.

At a glance

• Famagusta from the sea: See the ghost town coastline from offshore, a memorable way to view one of Cyprus’s most unusual sights.
• Several swim stops: Expect scheduled time in clear water around Green Bay, Blue Lagoon, Konnos Bay, or Cape Greko, depending on conditions and the day’s route.
• Adults only from age 18: The setting suits couples and adult friends looking for a calm half-day on the water.
• Food and drinks included: Buffet lunch, fresh seasonal fruit, sweets, alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic options, and unlimited beverages are covered.
• Pickup is available: Collection generally runs from 8:00 to 8:45 am, with the cruise beginning at 9:00 am.
• A spacious catamaran: The boat can carry up to 70 people, although the feel may be much more open on quieter dates.

Setting out from Protaras at 9:00 am

The day begins at the East Coast Cruises meeting point, with the boat scheduled to leave at 9:00 am. Hotel pickup is offered from designated locations, usually between 8:00 and 8:45 am. If you are staying in a private villa or other private accommodation, pickup is not available, and you may be assigned a nearby meeting point within walking distance.

That early start is useful in Cyprus. The sea is often at its most inviting in the morning, and you have enough time for the cruise, swim stops, lunch, and the return journey without feeling rushed. Your pickup details are sent by email no later than the day before, so check them carefully rather than assuming the boat collects directly outside your hotel.

The cruise is offered in English, and the crew provides information about places along the coast as you pass them. This is not a formal history tour, but it adds context to the views, especially when you reach Famagusta.

The catamaran experience and atmosphere

The adults-only rule is one of the clearest reasons to choose this boat. The minimum age is 18, which generally creates a quieter mood suited to couples, adult friends, and anyone who wants a long lunch and swim without a family-focused program.

The boat itself is described as clean, spacious, and well maintained. You can move around to find a sunny place, sit in the shade, eat lunch, or watch the coast from the sides. The maximum group size is 70, though the number aboard can be much lower. On one quieter sailing, only 14 people were aboard, while another account described roughly 70 people on a boat designed for more. That means the atmosphere can vary by date.

I would not book this expecting complete solitude. It is still a shared excursion, and busy departures will feel social. But the catamaran layout gives you more room than a narrow excursion boat, and the adults-only policy helps keep the tone relaxed.

The service is a major part of the experience. Crew members regularly check whether you need another drink, and table service means you do not have to keep walking to the bar. Katarina is praised for keeping glasses topped up, while Captain Mohammed and the wider crew receive credit for friendly, attentive care. Alex and Janet are also named for their warm approach on board.

That level of service matters on a five-hour cruise. A boat trip can feel long if you are left to fend for yourself, but here the crew helps the day feel easy. You can settle into your seat and let the food and drinks come to you.

Green Bay and the first swim

The route begins around Green Bay, where the cruise spends about an hour before heading toward the Famagusta area. Green Bay is a practical first stop because it combines coastal views with an early chance to get into the water.

The water around this part of the coast is known for its clear appearance, and the scheduled swim gives you time to cool off rather than simply stare at the sea from the deck. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes, since changing can be less convenient once the boat is moving.

Swimming is weather dependent. The captain may adjust the route or stop locations because of wind, waves, or other sea conditions. That flexibility is sensible, but it also means the exact order and number of stops can change. Some accounts describe three swim stops, while others recall four, so treat the listed bays as likely areas rather than a fixed promise of every stop.

If you prefer to stay dry, you can use this time for photographs or simply enjoy the view. Sun protection is essential. Cyprus sun can be strong even when the breeze on the boat makes it feel mild, so pack a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and enough cover for your shoulders.

Seeing Famagusta’s ghost town from offshore

After Green Bay, the catamaran heads toward Famagusta’s ghost town. The abandoned district, often called Varosha, is viewed from the sea rather than visited on foot. That limitation is part of the point: the coastline gives you a striking but distant look at a place that cannot be explored as an ordinary sightseeing stop.

From the boat, the view unfolds slowly. You have time to take photographs and listen to the crew’s explanation of what you are seeing. The sea-level perspective also gives the area a different feel from a road viewpoint or a land-based lookout.

I consider this the most distinctive sightseeing element of the cruise. The swim stops and food are enjoyable, but many boat outings around Cyprus offer similar water time. Famagusta gives this one a stronger sense of place.

Do not expect an extensive guided history lesson. The experience is built around relaxing at sea, with historical information added along the way. If you want a detailed account of the island’s political history, you will need a separate tour or museum visit.

Fig Tree Bay and the Protaras coastline

The catamaran then cruises along the Protaras coast, including the well-known Fig Tree Bay. From the water, you see the resort coastline from a calmer angle, with the curve of the bay and the surrounding shore forming a natural backdrop for photographs.

Fig Tree Bay is one of the spots where the boat works best as a sightseeing platform. You are not dealing with beach traffic, umbrellas, or the effort of finding a good place on shore. Instead, you can watch the coast from the deck while enjoying a drink.

This section is not a long land visit. The value comes from the changing views and the chance to see familiar beach areas from offshore. If your main goal is to spend hours on a beach, this is not a substitute for a beach day. If you want to connect several coastal sights in one relaxed outing, it fits well.

Blue Lagoon, Konnos Bay, or Cape Greko

The longer water stop lasts about two hours and may take place around the Blue Lagoon, Konnos Bay, or Cape Greko. These are the part of the day built for swimming, floating, sunbathing, and enjoying the sea at an unhurried pace.

The Blue Lagoon is especially appealing if you want clear water and a classic Cyprus boat-day setting. Konnos Bay and Cape Greko offer their own attractive coastal views, and the final choice depends on sea and environmental conditions.

You should bring your own snorkel equipment if snorkeling is important to you, because the tour promises swim stops and snorkeling opportunities but does not list equipment rental or provision. The water may look inviting, yet conditions can vary, and the captain’s decision about where to stop takes priority.

Two hours in this part of the route gives you more than a quick photo stop. You can swim, return to the boat for a drink, and get back in the water if conditions allow. The schedule also gives non-swimmers plenty of time to relax on deck without feeling that the group is constantly moving.

Some people hope to see turtles or other marine life. A turtle sighting is not guaranteed, so I would treat any wildlife encounter as a bonus, not as a reason to book.

Buffet lunch, champagne, and the open bar

The food package is one of the strongest parts of the value. Lunch includes a buffet, seasonal fresh fruit, and sweets. The meal is plentiful enough to make the cruise feel like a full daytime outing rather than a snack stop between swims.

The bar is open throughout the cruise, with unlimited drinks and alcoholic beverages included. You can also order non-alcoholic cocktails, which is useful if you want the festive feel without drinking alcohol. A glass of champagne is offered when you board, giving the morning a celebratory start.

I like that drinks are not limited to one serving or a narrow menu. Reports describe a broad selection, quick service, and crew members checking on tables often. Still, the value depends on your habits. If you do not drink and would rather spend the day swimming than eating a full lunch, $106.93 may feel high.

For couples or adult friends who will use the buffet, drinks, swim time, and transport, the price becomes easier to justify. Comparable boat outings may charge separately for meals, drinks, or hotel transfers. Here, those costs are bundled together, which makes budgeting simple.

Timing, transport, and practical comfort

The listed cruise lasts about five hours, beginning at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point. With pickup from 8:00 to 8:45 am, you should set aside most of the day, especially if your hotel is outside the immediate Protaras area. One account describes returning around 3:00 pm, though the exact timing depends on transfers and sea conditions.

Pickup is available from designated hotels and meeting points, but not from private villas or private accommodations. The assigned collection point may be within walking distance, so read the email instructions carefully and allow extra time in the morning.

Free WiFi is included, though the best reason to put your phone away is the scenery. Use it for photos, but protect your phone around the swim stops. A waterproof pouch is a sensible extra, even though it is not listed as part of the package.

The boat has plenty of room for sitting, eating, moving around, and sunbathing. Hats and sun protection are strongly recommended. If you are sensitive to sun, choose shade when possible and remember that the breeze can hide how quickly you are burning.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this cruise if you want a slow, social day on the water rather than a fast sightseeing circuit. It suits couples who want a relaxed atmosphere, adult friends looking for a shared outing, and anyone who values included drinks and food.

It is also a good fit if you want several different elements in one booking: coastal views, a little local history, swimming, snorkeling time, lunch, and transportation. You do not need to plan separate taxis, restaurants, or beach stops.

I would think twice if you dislike group outings, do not drink, or want a detailed guided history experience. The route can change with conditions, the boat may be fairly full on popular dates, and the adults-only setting does not mean the cruise is private.

The 4.6 rating from 48 ratings, along with a 90 percent recommendation rate, matches the main strengths of the experience: service, space, food, drinks, and a pleasant pace. The most repeated praise centers on the crew’s attention and the boat’s clean, comfortable feel.

Cancellation and booking details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

The cruise depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of bookings. If poor weather or insufficient bookings causes cancellation, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. Routes may also be adjusted on the day for safety and comfort.

Should you book the Protaras adults-only catamaran?

Book it if you want a polished, all-inclusive boat day with strong crew service, several swim opportunities, and views of Famagusta from the sea. The $106.93 price is fair when you will make good use of the buffet, open bar, champagne, hotel pickup, and long time aboard.

I would especially recommend it for a couple’s day out or an adult group that wants to relax rather than rush between sights. Choose another activity if your priority is a private boat, a detailed historical tour, or a low-cost swim trip. For the right audience, this is less about checking off one landmark and more about enjoying a comfortable day along the Cyprus coast.

FAQ

What is included in the cruise price?

The price includes buffet lunch, seasonal fresh fruit, sweets, unlimited drinks, alcoholic beverages, a glass of champagne, free WiFi, swim stops, and pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points or hotels.

What time does the cruise begin?

The cruise starts at 9:00 am. Pickup generally begins between 8:00 and 8:45 am, depending on your hotel or assigned meeting point.

Is the cruise adults only?

Yes. The minimum age is 18.

Where does the cruise go?

The route includes Green Bay, a sea view of Famagusta’s ghost town, the Protaras coastline and Fig Tree Bay, plus a stop around the Blue Lagoon, Konnos Bay, or Cape Greko.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours. Pickup and return transfers can make the overall outing longer.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route and stops may be adjusted because of environmental or sea conditions, with safety and comfort taking priority.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of bookings may also result in a different date or a full refund.