Catamaran Ruby Sunset Cruise from Protaras

Sunset looks better from the water. This four-hour catamaran trip pairs Protaras coastline views with swimming, a buffet dinner, fresh fruit, dessert, and an open bar, making it an easy evening plan from Protaras or Ayia Napa. I especially like the included hotel pickup and the fact that dinner is handled on board. The main thing to consider is that the sunset may sit behind hills or rocks rather than over a clear open-sea horizon.

I like the friendly crew and the relaxed mix of swimming, food, drinks, and scenery. One detailed account gives special credit to Scott for keeping the afternoon organized and adding useful information about the area. The trip is less appealing if your main goal is a guaranteed unobstructed sunset photograph, since the exact coastal position and evening conditions can affect the view.

Key points at a glance

• Four hours on the water: The cruise includes coastal sightseeing, swim stops, dinner, drinks, and sunset time.
• Pickup from Protaras and Ayia Napa: Collection begins between 15:00 and 15:45, though you may be assigned a nearby meeting point.
• Possible routes along Cyprus’s east coast: The trip may include Green Bay Beach, Konnos Bay, Cape Greco, the Blue Lagoon, or nearby coastline.
• Dinner and drinks are included: You get a buffet, seasonal fruit, dessert, unlimited drinks, and an open bar.
• Sunset viewing depends on position: Hills and rocks can block part of the sunset, so do not expect an open-water horizon every time.
• Large group setting: The boat can carry up to 100 people, which suits a social cruise more than a quiet private sail.

Setting out from Protaras between 15:00 and 15:45

The afternoon starts with pickup from hotels in Protaras or Ayia Napa, or from designated meeting points within walking distance. Collection runs from 15:00 to 15:45, so you should keep that window free rather than planning a tight beach visit beforehand.

Your exact pickup details are sent by email no later than the day before the cruise. If you book close to departure, call the emergency line to confirm the arrangement. This is especially useful for late bookings, when a nearby meeting point may replace direct hotel pickup.

Private villas are not included in the pickup service. If you are staying in one, expect to make your own way to a designated location or to the East Coast Cruises meeting point at 2329+2C2, Famagusta, Cyprus. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so check your return plan before boarding.

This kind of transport service adds real value. A taxi to the marina, dinner afterward, and drinks can quickly push up the cost of an evening out. Here, the main pieces are bundled together. The trade-off is less control over timing, since the pickup window and group departure set the rhythm of your afternoon.

Green Bay and the Protaras coast from the deck

The listed cruise area includes Green Bay Beach, the Protaras coastline, Konnos Bay, Cape Greco, and the Blue Lagoon. The exact route can depend on conditions and availability, so think of these as possible coastal highlights rather than a fixed promise that every location will receive equal time.

Green Bay Beach is a natural early focus for the cruise. It gives you a chance to see the coast from the water before the evening meal and sunset portion begins. The boat also makes swim stops, so bring your swimsuit and keep it easy to reach rather than buried under your dinner clothes.

Konnos Bay and Cape Greco offer some of the most appealing scenery in this part of Cyprus. From the catamaran, you get a broad view of the shore instead of the usual beach-level angle. The Blue Lagoon option adds another strong reason to bring a phone or camera, although the route is not guaranteed in every departure.

I like that the trip does not treat the boat as only a moving restaurant. The swim stops break up the four-hour schedule, while the coast gives you something to watch when you are not in the water. Still, this is a shared cruise, not a private charter. With a maximum of 100 people, the deck may feel social and lively rather than peaceful and secluded.

Swimming before the evening meal

The included swim stops are one of the best practical features for a warm Cyprus afternoon. You can take a dip from the boat and then return to a ready-made meal, instead of rushing back to your hotel to change before dinner.

The tour information does not specify the number of swim stops, their exact duration, or whether swimming is possible at every departure. Weather and sea conditions matter, and the captain may adjust the plan. I would treat swimming as an important possibility, not a guaranteed long beach session.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, a cover-up, and a dry place for your phone. The details do not state that towels or snorkeling equipment are supplied, so do not count on those items being available. Free WiFi is included, but the most worthwhile use of the afternoon is likely to put your phone down for a while and watch the coastline.

This part suits families, couples, and groups of friends who want more than a sightseeing ride. It may be less suitable if you dislike boarding from a boat, prefer firm ground, or want a quiet meal without movement around you.

Buffet dinner, fruit, dessert, and an open bar

Dinner is served on board as a buffet, with seasonal fresh fruit and dessert included. Unlimited drinks and an open bar are also part of the package. That makes the $70.89 price easier to judge, since you are paying for a full evening rather than a short boat transfer.

I see the meal as practical rather than a reason to choose the cruise on its own. The major value comes from combining food, drinks, swimming, transport, and coastal views in one booking. You do not need to reserve a restaurant after the cruise, which is useful during a busy summer stay in Protaras or Ayia Napa.

The supplied details do not describe the menu, drink brands, or special dietary arrangements. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, contact the provider, MTS GLOBE CYPRUS LTD., before departure. Do not assume the buffet will meet a specific requirement without checking.

The timing also works well for an evening meal. You begin in the afternoon, swim while there is still daylight, eat as the cruise continues, and watch the sky change toward sunset. A detailed account praises the generous food and drink service, along with the crew’s friendly manner. That praise fits the overall design of the trip: it is meant to feel easy and social, not formal.

Sunset views, with one important warning

The sunset is the emotional center of the trip, but it is also the part you should judge with realistic expectations. The boat offers a raised deck and open views of the Protaras coast, giving you a better position for photographs than you would have from a crowded beach.

At the same time, the sun may drop behind a hill or rock formation rather than directly into the sea. One account found this disappointing because the view was not an open-water sunset. That does not make the cruise a poor choice, but it changes the promise: you are buying sunset time on a scenic coastal route, not a guaranteed unobstructed sunset line.

Your final view can depend on the route, the boat’s position, and the coastline at that hour. If the photograph matters most, arrive ready to move around the deck and take pictures before the sun reaches the horizon. The best colors may appear across the coast and sky even when the sun itself disappears behind land.

I would also keep expectations modest about the number of sunset photographs you will get. The cruise is a complete four-hour outing with swimming and dinner, not a dedicated photography trip. For most people, that mixture is a strength. For serious sunset photographers, the possible obstruction is a real drawback.

A friendly crew and a social boat atmosphere

The crew receives strong praise for being welcoming and helpful. One account specifically mentions Scott, who kept the operation organized and shared interesting information about the surrounding area. Those small explanations can make the ride feel more connected to Cyprus instead of simply being an open-bar party at sea.

The cruise seems to balance sightseeing and social energy. Music, drinks, a buffet, and a large boat create a party-cruise feel, though the supplied information does not list a formal entertainment program. If you want conversation, swimming, and an easy group evening, that atmosphere should suit you.

If you are looking for a private sailing experience or a quiet romantic boat ride, this may not be your best fit. The maximum group size is 100, and the product is built around shared facilities. Couples can still enjoy the sunset, but they should choose it for the full social evening rather than for privacy.

Free WiFi is included, which is handy for sending a quick photograph or checking transport details. Still, mobile service and WiFi can vary on the water, so save your pickup email and meeting point information before leaving your hotel.

Is $70.89 a fair price?

At $70.89 per person, the cruise sits in the middle of the price range for a half-day boat outing, but the comparison depends on what you would pay separately. The package includes pickup and drop-off, four hours on the boat, a buffet dinner, unlimited drinks, seasonal fruit, dessert, swim stops, and WiFi.

If you would normally pay for a taxi, a restaurant meal, several drinks, and a separate coastal activity, the combined price is reasonable. You also save the effort of choosing a restaurant after returning from the water. That convenience matters during a short holiday, when every evening has limited space.

The price is less convincing if you do not drink, do not plan to eat much, or mainly want a short sunset sail. In that case, a simpler boat trip could offer better value. The group size and uncertain sunset angle also mean you should not pay this price expecting a private or highly tailored outing.

I would judge the value by the whole four-hour package. For a social evening that combines transport, food, swimming, drinks, and coastal scenery, it is a fair buy. For one perfect photograph or a calm private experience, I would look at other options.

Who should book the Ruby Sunset Cruise?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple evening plan from Protaras or Ayia Napa. It is especially well suited to couples, families, and friends who enjoy swimming, shared meals, drinks, and scenic views without arranging each part separately.

It also works well for anyone staying in a hotel and wanting pickup included. You can spend the afternoon on the coast, eat on the way back, and finish near sunset without dealing with a restaurant reservation.

You may want to skip it if your priority is a quiet boat, a guaranteed open-sea sunset, or a private itinerary. The route can change, the group can reach 100 people, and hills or rocks may block the sun at the key moment.

Book at least a few days ahead if possible. The experience is booked about seven days in advance on average, and early planning gives you more time to confirm pickup. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can also lead to a different date or a full refund.

FAQ

How long is the Catamaran Ruby Sunset Cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at the East Coast Cruises meeting point at 2329+2C2, Famagusta, Cyprus, and ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered from hotels or designated meeting points in Protaras and Ayia Napa. Pickup begins between 15:00 and 15:45. Private villas are not included.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes a buffet dinner, seasonal fresh fruit, dessert, unlimited drinks, and an open bar.

Does the cruise include swimming?

Yes. Swim stops are included, although the supplied details do not specify the number or length of stops.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.