Protaras Blue Lagoon Cruise: Honest 2024 Review
Picture this, like the warm Mediterranean breeze, the radiant sun on your skin, and the hypnotic, crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. That image, arguably, is exactly what draws people to Protaras, Cyprus. And what better way to experience all that, really, than on a boat trip? A really big draw for tourists, like yourself maybe, is the ‘Protaras Luxury Blue Lagoon Cruise,’ with its promises of lavish comfort and stunning sights. But, is it actually worth your cash? I had to discover this, really, so I could give you the lowdown on my experiences with this specific cruise. So let’s take a look at what this tour promises and, importantly, what you really get. We are going to look at everything you need to know so you can decide whether you want to jump onboard this year! Let’s go!
What to Expect From the Blue Lagoon Cruise
The cruise, so I found out, often is billed as a ‘luxury’ experience. You might just think that it means you should expect a certain level of comfort and elegance. It’s almost always a three-hour tour, featuring two swim stops in, obviously, the famed Blue Lagoon and another picturesque spot. Very often, operators like to point out things such as complimentary drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear. These really are there to try and draw you in with the promise of convenience and value, you know? I find that one of the big selling points for cruises is that they visit locations pretty much inaccessible by land. This can give you the feeling, possibly, that you’re experiencing something exclusive. These are all really exciting things, really. But what did I actually experience?
My Personal Experience on the Cruise
Alright, so here is my personal account, very raw. Firstly, let’s look at the boat. “Luxury” is, maybe, a bit of a stretch. It’s probably closer to a standard tour boat, you know? I found there were comfy spots to sit and plenty of shade. That’s definitely important during those hot Cyprus summers. When it comes to those drinks they offer, do not expect champagne, okay? You get things like juice, water, and pretty basic local wine. It’s all okay, right, and does the job. In my opinion though, this does not exactly shout luxury! I found that the staff were great. Very friendly, happy to help and tell you a few bits about the area. It turns out they definitely were trying their hardest to make sure everyone had a super time. The atmosphere onboard, on my trip, felt very, very upbeat, you know? It was full of other holidaymakers who were also keen for some swimming and relaxing.
The Swim Stops: Blue Lagoon and Beyond
So, obviously, the swim stops were the highlight. I had to check them out and tell you exactly what I thought! The Blue Lagoon is as amazing as you see in the photos, really. I was absolutely blown away! The water really is unbelievably clear and that really striking turquoise color that everybody bangs on about, you know? Swimming there, to be honest, felt really magical, a little like you were in some kinda dream! The second stop was at a smaller, similarly beautiful bay. It certainly felt a little more secluded. What I loved about this was I could enjoy the peace of things, away from any of the crowds. The provided snorkeling gear, I will say, was pretty basic, so arguably don’t expect too much from that. I actually took my own so I could enjoy things more fully.
The Route: Sights Along the Coastline
The route of the cruise itself, actually, is pretty spectacular. The boat really cruises along the Protaras coastline. This then gives you really stunning views of the beaches, rock formations, and sea caves, you know? Famously, you cruise past Fig Tree Bay, Konnos Bay, and then all those cool spots at Cape Greco. I think that a brilliant thing about seeing these sights from the water is that you get a really new, almost different perspective, like your seeing an entire world you have not yet seen, really! The crew always make sure to point out any landmarks. It’s almost like they’re your own private tour guide. It was quite fun, in fact, soaking in the knowledge about the areas you’re sailing past, very, very informative indeed!
Who Is This Cruise For?
The cruise is awesome for a few different folks, really. If you want a laid-back way to see the coastline and enjoy some swimming, you might just love it! It’s also cool for families because the swim stops are very safe and loads of fun for children. If you want a romantic getaway then, maybe, look somewhere else. It has great views but luxury it ain’t. A lot of people seem to go for it, and in my opinion it delivers a solid experience, for sure, for a fair price. However, those wanting real “luxury” probably need to reassess what they should expect, right? It really doesn’t have the same amenities and intimate service as a private yacht tour.
Potential Downsides
Alright, let’s cover some of the things I maybe didn’t like as much! So first of all: overcrowding, you know? During peak season the boat will definitely feel a bit crowded. The luxury vibe, I find, can be hurt by the shear amount of bodies. Very much depends on what you expect really, I think. Like I mentioned earlier, I would call the beverages basic. Very simple! Those expecting super high end stuff might find themselves disappointed with the quality. One small thing to note is that, at each stop, the time is slightly limited. Arguably you have enough time for a swim but it can feel a tad rushed if you wish to just chill in the water.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Cruise
- Get there early, so you get a brilliant spot on the boat.
- Bring your own snorkeling gear to enjoy yourself more, you know?
- Take a waterproof camera to get awesome underwater shots!
- Keep sun protection at the ready – that sun is extra hot out at sea.
- Take some cash for any on board extras, or just for the tips, you know?
Comparing Other Options
Protaras offers up tons of different boat tours to the Blue Lagoon. In some respects this can make deciding so complicated. Some of the alternative, I discovered, can include smaller boats, party boats, or cruises that last longer and have lunch included. The “luxury” cruise arguably wins because it’s reasonably priced and hits all the main sightseeing spots in a nice amount of time. Before settling, that said, think about what would improve the tour. Do you wish to dance? Do you want it intimate? You can then see how well this specific trip matches up.
Is The Protaras Luxury Blue Lagoon Cruise Worth It?
To give you the quick answer: Yeah, kind of, for the correct person. Okay, it isn’t the absolute height of luxury, but this cruise gives you amazing views of the Protaras coastline. Not only that but it takes you to really pretty swimming spots. It is often worth considering this tour for a super pleasant, very straightforward, day out. In particular, this might suit first-timers to Cyprus, or for anyone seeking something they know is probably going to be ‘alright’. Just maybe adjust your expectations about how much “luxury” to really expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yeah, in many respects it really is. It is nice and safe, and with straightforward swimming, so arguably they’ll love it. It’s a safe and really exciting day out for any little people.
Are there toilet facilities onboard?
Definitely, right? It offers really standard basic bathrooms. Try not to expect luxury in here too!
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Well, policies on this, so I discovered, do often vary, yet it’s generally fine to bring stuff, so it’s almost worth checking with the operator ahead of time to know for sure, if that helps you.
Is there shade on the boat?
Yeah there is. All boats will have loads of cover for anyone desperate to get out of the sunshine for a while.
What should I wear?
Well just stick to swimwear, sunscreen, and potentially some kind of cover up. It gets hot out there, you know?
