Swimming with Sea Turtles in Protaras — What to Expect on Our Turtle Safari

By Snow — Manager & Instructor at Green Bay Watersports & Wake Academy

OK so let me set the scene for you.

You're on a small speedboat, sun on your face, crystal clear water underneath you, and somewhere down there — just a few metres below the surface — a wild sea turtle is going about its day. You slip into the water, put your face under, and there it is. Just gliding. Completely unbothered. Absolutely magnificent.

That's the turtle safari. And honestly? It never gets old. Not for our guests, and not for us either.

So What Actually Happens?

We keep it simple, which is part of why it works so well.

You meet us at Green Bay — our little hidden cove between Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay in Protaras. We jump on our speedboat and head out to one of our favourite spots in the area. These are places we've learned over years of being on this water every single day — spots where turtles like to hang out, feed, and just generally be turtles.

Once we're anchored, you have around 30 minutes in the water to snorkel around and hopefully have your moment. The whole trip from start to finish is about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how the day goes. We keep groups small — maximum 9 people per trip — so it stays personal and relaxed rather than feeling like a crowded tour bus on water.

Will We Actually See Turtles?

This is the question everyone asks, and we're always honest about it: we can't guarantee it. They're wild animals. They don't check our booking calendar.

But — and this is a big but — we've been incredibly lucky lately. Our team knows these waters better than most, and the chances of a sighting are genuinely excellent right now. We're talking the kind of odds where people are more surprised when they don't see one than when they do.

Cyprus is actually one of the best places in the Mediterranean to encounter sea turtles. The waters around Protaras are clean, warm and full of the sea grass turtles love to feed on. We're not just taking you out and hoping for the best. We know where to look.

What Should You Bring?

Here's your quick checklist:

Definitely bring:

• A towel

• Sun cream (apply before you leave the house — trust us)

• A waterproof phone case or camera if you want to capture the moment underwater

• Swimwear you can actually swim in and feel comfortable

  
  

Optional but handy:

• Your own snorkel mask and fins if you have them — fins especially make a difference for keeping up with a turtle without exhausting yourself

  
  

Don't have snorkel gear? No problem at all. You can rent a full set from us — mask, snorkel and fins — for just €10 per person (normally €15), and you can use it for up to 4 hours. So if you want to keep snorkeling around the cove after the safari, go for it.

A Few Things Worth Knowing

No touching, no feeding — ever. Sea turtles in Cyprus are a protected species and their wellbeing always comes first. We're guests in their world, not the other way around. We observe quietly, keep a respectful distance, and make sure we leave no impact. Our guests always respect this — it's part of what makes the experience feel special rather than exploitative.

It's suitable for kids. Families are some of our favourite groups on the turtle safari. Basic swimming ability is all you need. Our team will be with you the whole time and the boat is right there if anyone needs a rest. Lifejackets are of course provided.

The water is warm. From late spring through to November, the Mediterranean around Protaras is genuinely comfortable to swim in. No wetsuit needed.

How Much Does It Cost?

The turtle safari is €35 per person, speedboat included. Snorkel gear rental is an extra €10 if you need it.

For what you get — a private-feeling experience on a small boat, in one of the most beautiful stretches of sea in Cyprus, with the genuine chance of swimming alongside a wild sea turtle — it's one of the best value experiences on the island. We might be biased, but our reviews tend to agree.

How to Book

Head to our Turtle Safari page to book your spot directly. Spaces fill up fast in summer so the earlier the better — especially if you're travelling with a group or have specific dates in mind.

And if you have any questions at all before booking, just drop us a message. We're real people, we reply quickly, and we genuinely love talking about turtles.

See you on the water. 🐢

Green Bay Watersports & Wake Academy — hidden cove between Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay, Protaras, Cyprus. greenbaywake.com