Catamaran Crystal Sea Cruise from Protaras

Discover the Crystal Sea: A Detailed Review of the Protaras Catamaran Cruise

Cruising along Cyprus’s east coast on a catamaran sounds like a dream, and from what we’ve gathered, the Catamaran Crystal Sea Cruise from Protaras truly offers an enjoyable way to soak up the sun, sea, and scenery. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 50 reviews, this tour is a popular choice for visitors seeking a relaxed, scenic day on the water. It offers a full five-hour experience packed with swimming, delicious food, and lively drinks, making it a great value at around $75 per person.

What really caught our attention is how many travelers appreciate the friendly crew, well-organized itinerary, and the opportunity to unwind in comfort. The open bar and buffet lunch stand out as highlights—especially since many reviewers mention the quality and variety of drinks and food. However, not everyone had perfect experiences; some noted issues with overcrowding and the limited shade on board, which can be a consideration if you’re sensitive to the sun or prefer a more tranquil atmosphere. This cruise seems well-suited for those who love a lively, scenic, and social day out with plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends who are keen on experiencing Cyprus’s coastline from the water, enjoying some downtime with good food and drinks, and capturing some memorable photos. If you’re after a peaceful, private boat ride, or a very quiet day, it might not be the best fit, but for many, it hits the sweet spot of fun, comfort, and value.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal views and scenic stops create a memorable backdrop.
• Inclusive amenities, including an open bar and buffet lunch, add value.
• Multiple swim stops allow plenty of time for snorkeling and relaxing in the sea.
• Friendly crew and smooth organization ensure a hassle-free experience.
• Some overcrowding and limited shade are potential downsides worth noting.
• Favorable reviews highlight excellent food and drinks, making the day more enjoyable.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Booking Process and What to Expect

Booking the Catamaran Crystal Sea Cruise is straightforward, with most travelers booking around 12 days in advance, which is wise given its popularity. The tour departs at 9:00 am from the East Coast Cruises meeting point in Famagusta, with pickup options available from select hotels or a central location in Protaras. This flexibility makes it convenient, especially if you’re staying in the area and prefer door-to-door service.

Once onboard, the atmosphere is typically lively but relaxed. The crew — often praised as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable — are on hand to answer questions about the landscape, wildlife, and ecosystem, which adds an educational touch to what is mostly a leisure trip.

Itinerary Breakdown: What Makes Each Stop Special

Green Bay Beach and Konnos Bay: These are the main scenic highlights, with the journey offering panoramic views of the coastline dotted with rocky outcrops, lush greenery, and clear waters. Several reviews highlight the beauty of the coastline and the ease of capturing great photos. The Blue Lagoon at Cape Greco is a standout, famed for its crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling.

Swim and Snorkel Opportunities: The cruise makes three swim stops, giving you ample time to splash around, float, or explore underwater life. Many travelers mention the well-organized swim stops that include paddleboards and swim aids, making the experience accessible for all levels of swimmers. The reviews speak of “lovely swim periods” and the chance to see sea turtles in the clear waters, which adds an exciting element for wildlife enthusiasts.

Lunch and Drinks: The buffet lunch is described as delicious, with a good variety of seasonal fruit and generous servings. Many reviewers appreciated the quality of the food, calling it “plentiful” and “tasty,” which is impressive for a boat tour. The open bar garners particularly high praise — with many noting the wide selection of cocktails and beverages, including some remarking on the brilliant wine selection. Multiple reviews mention the friendly, helpful staff who keep the drinks flowing and the atmosphere lively.

The Good, The Not-So-Good, and The Surprising

What we love: The ease of organization, the friendly crew, and the beautiful scenery. Several reviews mention how smooth the entire process is, from booking to return. The quality of the food and drinks is a standout, turning what could be a simple cruise into a genuinely enjoyable culinary experience. There’s also mention of free Wi-Fi onboard, a thoughtful touch for those wanting to share their adventures instantly.

Potential drawbacks: Overcrowding appears to be a common concern, especially during peak season. Some reviewers, like Kelly B and Vivien K, felt that the boat was overpacked and lacked shade, making it uncomfortable in the heat. If you’re prone to sunburn or looking for a more tranquil, less populated experience, this is something to consider. The fact that some reviewers felt the itinerary was overly focused on the Blue Lagoon and missed other scenic spots might be frustrating if your priority is exploring multiple locations.

Surprising insights: Several guests commented on the friendly, humorous crew, with some reviews noting “funny crews” and “great team” that made the day lively and memorable. Others appreciated the informative commentary from the captain and crew about the island’s natural environment.

Practical Details: Timing, Group Size, and Value

The cruise’s duration of approximately five hours strikes a good balance, allowing enough time for swimming, eating, and relaxing without feeling rushed. The maximum group size is capped at 100 travelers, which helps keep the atmosphere lively but not overly crowded.

At $75.47 per person, the value is quite attractive considering the included buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, swim stops, and free Wi-Fi. When you factor in the quality of food and the scenic stops, many see this as good value for a full day on the water.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise suits travelers looking for a fun, social day out that combines sightseeing, swimming, and lounging. It’s perfect for those who enjoy good food and drinks, and don’t mind sharing the space with other guests. If you’re traveling with family or friends and seek a lively atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to take photos and cool off in the sea, this is a strong choice.

However, if you prefer a quiet, secluded experience or are sensitive to overcrowding and sun exposure, you might want to consider other options or prepare accordingly with sun protection and perhaps an early start to avoid the worst of the crowds.

The Sum Up: Why This Cruise Might Be Your Best Bet

This full-day catamaran tour offers a well-rounded experience—from stunning coastline views and refreshing swim stops to hearty food and an open bar that keeps spirits high. The crew’s friendliness, combined with the convenient pickup options, make it a hassle-free way to enjoy Cyprus’s waters.

It’s particularly suitable for families, groups of friends, or couples wanting a lively, social day at sea. The quality of the food and drinks, along with the beautiful scenery and fun atmosphere, make it more than just a boat trip — it’s a memorable holiday highlight.

That said, travelers should be aware of potential overcrowding and limited shade, especially during the busy season. If you’re seeking a peaceful, private cruise, or a more tranquil, less populated experience, you might want to explore other options. But for a fun, social, scenic journey with excellent value, this cruise is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from select hotels or a central meeting point in Protaras, making it easy to start your day without worrying about transportation.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a buffet lunch, unlimited drinks from the open bar, swim stops, free Wi-Fi, and a scenic cruise along the coast.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts approximately five hours, from 9:00 am departure to returning to the meeting point.

Are there any age restrictions or suitability considerations?
Most travelers can participate, but sun protection and a hat are strongly recommended due to limited shade on board.

What is the itinerary?
The cruise visits Green Bay Beach, Konnos Bay, and Cape Greco, with stops for swimming and snorkeling, especially at the Blue Lagoon, renowned for its clear waters.

Can I expect crowded conditions?
Reviews mention some overcrowding, especially during peak times, so arrive early or be prepared for a lively, bustling atmosphere.

Is the food on board good?
Yes, many reviewers praise the buffet lunch as delicious and plentiful, with a good variety of seasonal fruit and beverages.

What is the quality of the drinks?
The open bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and soft drinks, which many guests find excellent and refreshing.

Are there any restrictions or weather considerations?
Yes, the tour is subject to favorable weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How do reviews describe the crew?
Guests consistently mention the crew as friendly, helpful, and engaging, often highlighting the captain’s informative commentary and the crew’s humorous, lively attitude.

Whether you’re seeking a fun-filled day with stunning views, good food, and lively company, or simply want to enjoy a scenic cruise with some swimming and relaxation, the Catamaran Crystal Sea Cruise from Protaras offers a well-balanced, enjoyable experience. Just remember to bring plenty of sun protection and an appetite for both food and fun!