Boat Trips and Snorkelling in Cyprus: Where to Go and What to Know

A day on the water is one of the best ways to see the Cyprus coastline, especially the parts you cannot reach by road. This guide covers the main departure points, the best snorkelling spots and how to choose a safe, licensed operator.

What kinds of boat trips are there?

• Day cruises on larger boats, usually three to six hours, with swim stops and often lunch on board.
• Glass-bottom boats for families and non-swimmers, mostly from Paphos, Larnaca and Ayia Napa harbours.
• Snorkelling and turtle trips on smaller boats, sometimes with a guide in the water.
• Private charters and yachts for groups, from half a day upwards.
• Self-drive boat hire at Latchi and in the resorts, including small boats that do not need a licence.
• Sunset cruises in summer from the bigger resorts.

Where do boat trips leave from?

Latchi (Paphos district): the Blue Lagoon and Akamas coast

Latchi harbour, west of Polis Chrysochous, is the main base for trips along the north coast of the Akamas Peninsula to the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered turquoise bay with clear, shallow water ideal for snorkelling. Going by sea is the easiest way to reach this coast: much of the Akamas is accessible only on rough forest tracks, hire-car agreements usually exclude unpaved roads, and some tracks have been closed to vehicles. Read more in our Akamas and Avakas Gorge guide and our Latchi area guide.

Ayia Napa and Protaras: Cape Greco

Boats leave Ayia Napa harbour and the Protaras coast to cruise past the limestone cliffs and sea caves of Cape Greco National Forest Park, often stopping at the Cape Greco "Blue Lagoon" (not to be confused with the Akamas one) and quieter coves. Visit Cyprus notes that some caves on the cape are best reached by boat. See our Cape Greco guide.

Paphos harbour

Next to Paphos Castle, the harbour has glass-bottom boats and coastal cruises with swim stops. It is an easy option if you are staying in Kato Paphos.

Larnaca

Cruises and glass-bottom boats leave from the Larnaca seafront and marina area for trips around the bay; some include the area above the Zenobia wreck. Divers can read our Zenobia diving guide.

Limassol

Limassol Marina and the old port are the bases for yacht charters, private trips and sunset cruises along the Limassol coast.

Where is the best snorkelling?

Visit Cyprus singles out Cape Greco as one of the island's most popular spots for freediving and swimming with turtles, with shallow reefs for beginners.

When is the best time to go?

Trips run mainly from May to October, and water is warmest from July to October. Many smaller operators reduce or stop sailings in winter. In summer, the sea is usually calmest in the morning; the wind often picks up in the afternoon, which can make the open coast choppy and cancel snorkelling stops.

How to book a safe boat trip

1. Use a licensed operator. Visit Cyprus points to Safe Watersports, a non-profit that works with the Cyprus Port and Marine Police and lists licensed water sports services.
2. Check what is included. Snorkel gear, life jackets, lunch, drinks and transfers vary between trips.
3. Ask about the route and stops. Confirm the trip actually stops for swimming and how long you get.
4. Listen to the safety briefing. For self-drive boats, the operator should explain the boat, the area you may use and what to do in an emergency.
5. Check the age rules. You must be 18 or over to drive a jet ski or speed boat.

Prices vary widely by operator, boat and season; compare a few before you book.

Snorkelling safety tips

• Never snorkel alone, and keep children within arm's reach.
• Use a bright surface buoy away from lifeguarded beaches, so boats can see you.
• Stay out of boat lanes and swimming-zone buoys marking jet ski and boat corridors.
• Do not touch or feed marine life, including turtles, and do not stand on rocks covered in sea life.
• Protect yourself from the sun: a rash vest protects your back and shoulders, which burn quickly while snorkelling.
• Do not jump from cliffs. The Forestry Department fenced off part of the Cape Greco sea caves in 2026 because the rock was unstable, and there have been serious injuries there.
• Emergencies: call 112.

What to do next

• Find a beach with lifeguards in our Blue Flag beaches guide.
• Combine a boat trip with a walk on the Akamas trails.
• Browse more outdoor ideas in our guide to outdoor sports in Cyprus.