Summarise this page 6 key points · 1 minute
- Which marinas are there in Cyprus?Berths are in demand, especially in summer.
- Where can you learn to sail in Cyprus?The nautical clubs are the heart of dinghy sailing.
- Where can you take RYA courses in Cyprus?The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) scheme is popular with British and other English-speaking residents because its certificates are widely recognised by charter companies.
- Do you need a licence to sail in Cyprus?Under the 2026 recreational craft law, the skipper of a sailing boat needs a sailing skipper certificate from a school approved by the Cyprus Sailing Federation, a foreign state or federation, or a member of World Sailing.
- How can you charter a yacht in Cyprus?Skippered day sails and sunset trips run from Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Latchi, and are the easiest way to try sailing.
- Racing and the Cyprus Sailing FederationThe Cyprus Sailing Federation (CYSAF), based in Agios Tychonas, Limassol, is the national governing body and a member of World Sailing and EUROSAF.
Quick answer
You can sail in Cyprus all year. To learn, join a nautical club such as the Limassol, Larnaca or Famagusta Nautical Club, which teach dinghy sailing to children and adults, or take RYA courses at a recognised centre such as True North Yachting in Limassol. Yachts are based at Limassol Marina, St Raphael Marina, Larnaca Marina, Ayia Napa Marina and Latchi, where you can also charter a boat with or without a skipper. To skipper a sailing boat yourself you need a recognised sailing skipper certificate.
- The Cyprus Sailing Federation (CYSAF) in Agios Tychonas is the national governing body and publishes the 2026 race calendar.
- Limassol Nautical Club teaches Optimist from age 6, Laser, 420, 470, Laser 16 and windsurfing; academies cost €70–80 a month and an introductory course €90.
- In May 2026 the Famagusta Nautical Club announced its return to the district, with dinghy and offshore lessons at Ayia Napa Marina.
- True North Yachting in Parekklisia, Limassol, is an RYA Recognised Training Centre and ICC test centre.
- Under the 2026 recreational craft law, a skipper of a sailing boat needs a certificate from a school approved by CYSAF, a foreign state or federation, or a World Sailing member.
Yes, you can sail in Cyprus all year round, and it is one of the easiest places in the Mediterranean to learn. Children and adults learn dinghy sailing at the island's nautical clubs, yacht skippers train at RYA centres around Limassol, and you can charter a yacht from marinas on the south and west coasts.
Here is where to keep or charter a boat, who teaches, what the courses cost and which certificate you need to skipper a boat yourself.
Which marinas are there in Cyprus?
From west to east, these are the main bases for sailing yachts in the Republic:
| Marina or harbour | Where | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Latchi harbour | Polis Chrysochous area, Paphos district | Gateway to the Akamas coast; in January 2026 the Cyprus Ports Authority announced plans for 186 more pleasure-boat berths |
| Limassol Marina | Limassol old port | Full-service marina with a residential and shopping district; lists yachts for sale and charter |
| St Raphael Marina | Parekklisia, east of Limassol | 237 berths for boats up to 30 m |
| Larnaca Marina | Larnaca seafront | Long-established public marina, now being redeveloped in phases |
| Ayia Napa Marina | Ayia Napa | Takes yachts up to 110 m and has a dry stack for boats under 10 m; new home of Famagusta Nautical Club activities |
Berths are in demand, especially in summer. Our guide to buying a boat in Cyprus compares published berth prices and insurance rules, and our Limassol Marina area guide describes life by the water.
Map it · Driving route
Cyprus marinas from west to east
- Latchi
- Limassol Marina
- St Raphael Marina
- Larnaca Marina
- Ayia Napa Marina
Opens Google Maps with every stop in order. Opening hours can change, so check before you go.
Where can you learn to sail in Cyprus?
The nautical clubs are the heart of dinghy sailing. They train racing teams, but they also teach beginners, including adults. Visit Cyprus lists the island's clubs.
| Club or school | Where | What it offers | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limassol Nautical Club | Agios Athanasios seafront, Limassol | Optimist, Laser, 420, 470, Laser 16 and windsurfing for children and adults | limassolnauticalclub.com |
| Larnaca Nautical Club | Larnaca–Dhekelia road | Lessons for novices, Optimist and ILCA boat hire, private charters | larnacanauticalclub.com |
| Famagusta Nautical Club | Limassol, and now Ayia Napa Marina | Dinghy and offshore sailing, canoe-kayak and SUP for children and adults | famagustanauticalclub.com |
| True North Yachting | Parekklisia, Limassol | RYA yacht, powerboat and dinghy courses; ICC test centre | truenorth.com.cy |
Limassol Nautical Club
Limassol Nautical Club (on Instagram as @limassolnauticalclub) has the widest published programme:
- Optimist for children aged 6 to 15, the classic first boat.
- Laser academies from age 13, including adults who sail for fitness or racing.
- 420 for ages 13 to 18 (the club says it is the only one in Limassol to teach it) and 470 from 18.
- Laser 16, a stable boat for up to five people, with private lessons at €50 each or €300 for a 10-hour course.
- Windsurfing, for confident swimmers.
Academies cost €70–80 a month, beginners first take a compulsory introductory course of three sessions (€90), and a second child gets 10% off. The club also asks for an athlete health certificate from the Cyprus Sports Organisation (prices as published by the club when we checked in October 2026).
Larnaca Nautical Club
Founded in 1951, Larnaca Nautical Club sits by the hotels on the Larnaca–Dhekelia road. The Larnaka Tourism Board notes that novices can take lessons or book private charters, and that its Optimist and ILCA fleet can be hired. The club hosts international training camps and regattas, so the bay is busy with young racers.
Famagusta Nautical Club and Ayia Napa Marina
Based in Limassol since 1974, the Famagusta Nautical Club announced in May 2026 that it is returning to its home district through a partnership with Ayia Napa Marina and Pedalion Yachting. The plans include dinghy and offshore sailing, canoe-kayak and SUP lessons for children and adults, plus competitive training. Ask the club for the current timetable, as the programme was still being set up when we checked.
Where can you take RYA courses in Cyprus?
The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) scheme is popular with British and other English-speaking residents because its certificates are widely recognised by charter companies.
- True North Yachting, 202 Amathountos Avenue, Parekklisia (Limassol), is an RYA Recognised Training Centre for sail cruising, motor cruising, shorebased theory, powerboat, small-boat sailing and personal watercraft, and is authorised to run ICC assessments.
- Georges Watersports Training Center in Latchi runs RYA Powerboat Levels 1 and 2 and is an ICC test centre.
Check the course dates directly, as yacht courses depend on group size and the season.
Do you need a licence to sail in Cyprus?
Under the 2026 recreational craft law, the skipper of a sailing boat needs a sailing skipper certificate from a school approved by the Cyprus Sailing Federation, a foreign state or federation, or a member of World Sailing. Motor craft need a separate operator licence from the Shipping Deputy Ministry, which also handles registration. The law was being brought in gradually during 2026, so ask the ministry which licence covers a yacht with an auxiliary engine, and whether your foreign certificate is accepted. Our boat-buying guide explains the licence levels.
How can you charter a yacht in Cyprus?
- Skippered day sails and sunset trips run from Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Latchi, and are the easiest way to try sailing.
- Local companies: Pedalion Yachting at Ayia Napa Marina offers yacht rental and private sailing tours, and Limassol Marina lists yachts for charter.
- Booking platforms: SamBoat and Click&Boat list boats around Cyprus, including sailing yachts in Larnaca, with or without a skipper.
- Bareboat: you will need a recognised skipper certificate, so send a copy when you book and ask what else the company requires.
Before you pay, check the insurance, who provides fuel and safety gear, and what happens if the wind is too strong to sail.
Racing and the Cyprus Sailing Federation
The Cyprus Sailing Federation (CYSAF), based in Agios Tychonas, Limassol, is the national governing body and a member of World Sailing and EUROSAF. It publishes the 2026 race calendar, from Optimist rankings to open-sea races, and posts news on Instagram at @cyprus_sailing_federation. Club racing is a good way to crew on other people's boats and meet the sailing community.
What to do next
- Choose your boat: dinghy lessons at a nautical club, or an RYA course for yachts.
- Ask the club which health certificate it needs before the first lesson.
- Book a trial day sail or a skippered charter to see if you enjoy it.
- If you want your own boat, read our boat-buying guide, and for a gentler day on the water see our guide to boat trips and snorkelling in Cyprus.
Plan my trip
Want us to plan your days in Cyprus?
Tell us where you’re going, for how many days and what you love. We’ll send you a plan made for you, with places to see, where to eat and a Google Maps route for each day.
Recommended for this guide
Contains affiliate links
Airalo
Prepaid eSIMs for Cyprus and 200+ countries: be online the moment you land.
Get an eSIM
Moving & settling in
Babbel
Short daily language lessons. Useful for Greek basics and for brushing up before a move.
Try Babbel
Flights & car hire
Discover Cars
Compare car hire from local and international companies at Larnaca and Paphos airports.
Compare car hire
Frequently asked questions
Where can I learn to sail in Cyprus?
The nautical clubs teach dinghy sailing: Limassol Nautical Club, Larnaca Nautical Club and the Famagusta Nautical Club (now also at Ayia Napa Marina). For yacht courses, True North Yachting in Limassol is an RYA Recognised Training Centre.
Can adults learn to sail in Cyprus?
Yes. Limassol Nautical Club runs Laser academies for adults, 420 and 470 lessons and private Laser 16 lessons (€50 a lesson or €300 for a 10-hour course), and Larnaca Nautical Club offers lessons for novices.
Are there RYA sailing courses in Cyprus?
Yes. True North Yachting in Parekklisia, Limassol, is an RYA Recognised Training Centre offering sail cruising, motor cruising, shorebased, powerboat and dinghy courses, and is an ICC test centre. Georges Watersports in Latchi runs RYA Powerboat Levels 1 and 2.
Do I need a licence to sail a yacht in Cyprus?
To skipper a sailing boat you need a sailing skipper certificate from a school approved by the Cyprus Sailing Federation, a foreign state or federation, or a World Sailing member. Motor craft need a separate operator licence, so ask the Shipping Deputy Ministry which applies to a yacht with an engine.
Can I charter a yacht in Cyprus?
Yes. Yachts are chartered from Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Latchi, with or without a skipper, through local companies such as Pedalion Yachting at Ayia Napa Marina or booking platforms such as SamBoat and Click&Boat.
Useful links
- Cyprus Sailing Federation (CYSAF)Race calendar, member clubs and approved schools
- Limassol Nautical Club – sailing lessons
- Larnaca Nautical Club
- Famagusta Nautical Club
- True North Yachting – RYA Training Centre, Limassol
- Pedalion Yachting – Ayia Napa Marina
- Limassol Marina – yachts for sale and charter
- Shipping Deputy Ministry – small craft
Sources (7)
- Visit Cyprus (Deputy Ministry of Tourism) – Sailing
- Limassol Nautical Club – Sailing
- Larnaka Tourism Board – Larnaka is an ideal destination to set sail
- Cyprus Mail – Historic Famagusta nautical club returns to district (May 2026)
- Cyprus Shipping News – Famagusta Nautical Club returns home at Ayia Napa Marina (May 2026)
- MySailingCourse directory – True North Yachting, RYA Recognised Training Centre
- Cyprus Sailing Federation
