Cyprus is an island. 648km of coastline, water that turns improbable shades of blue, sea caves accessible only by boat, and a sailing tradition that goes back to the Bronze Age. Boat hire in Cyprus is one of the most popular ways to explore the island – and with 90 sea and water operators listed in our directory covering every district and every type of experience, there’s an option for every budget, group size, and level of experience.
This guide covers everything: yacht charters, self-drive boat hire, fishing trips, sailing lessons, group cruises, watersports, and diving – with the best operators from our directory for each.
Yacht and boat charter
A private yacht or boat charter is the most flexible way to experience the Cypriot coast. You set the itinerary – sea caves, hidden coves, open water swimming, sundowner routes – and the captain handles everything else. Most charters include snorkelling equipment, food and drink options, and stops at the best spots along the coast.
Ayia Napa and east coast
The east coast has the highest concentration of charter operators on the island, centred around Ayia Napa harbour. The coastline here – sea caves, Cape Greco, hidden bays – is spectacular from the water and best explored by boat.
- Captain Vasilis Boat Charters – Ayia Napa. Luxury yacht charter along the Ayia Napa coastline. Private groups, couples, sundowner cruises. Book well ahead in peak season.
- DanEri Yachts – Ayia Napa. Private yacht hire and guided sea excursions. Flexible itineraries including sea caves and Cape Greco.
- Crystal Waves Yachts Charter Cyprus – Ayia Napa. Luxury yacht rentals, day charters and sunset packages for private groups.
- Azure Yacht Club – Ayia Napa. Yacht club and charter operation on the east coast.
- Ocean Queen – Ayia Napa. Boat hire and private charters from Ayia Napa harbour.
Paphos and the west coast – Blue Lagoon and Akamas
The west coast offers the most dramatic scenery on the island – the Blue Lagoon, the Akamas Peninsula (a UNESCO-listed national park), and the sea caves along the Latchi coastline. Most west coast charters depart from Paphos harbour or Latchi port in Polis Chrysochous.
- Atlantis Boat Latchi – Polis Chrysochous. Boat hire and guided tours along the Akamas coastline from Latchi. One of the best operators for Blue Lagoon day trips.
- Mediterranean One – Blue Lagoon Boat Trips – Paphos. Scheduled and private Blue Lagoon cruises with glass-bottom viewing sections.
- Blue Lagoon Latchi Alkion Glass Bottom Boat – Polis Chrysochous. Glass-bottom boat trips to the Blue Lagoon and Akamas sea caves.
- Paphos Sea Cruises – Paphos. Cruises along the Paphos coastline with stops for swimming and snorkelling.
- Trident Latchi Boat Hire & Rentals – Polis Chrysochous. Boat hire from Latchi port for self-drive exploration of the Akamas coast.
Larnaca
- KOURSAROS Sailing Yacht – Larnaca. Sailing lessons, charter cruises, fishing trips, and private boat parties. Run by experienced local sailors.
- Panormitis Sailing Yacht – Larnaca. Sailing yacht charter and cruises from Larnaca marina.
- Deep Blue Yacht – Larnaca. Yacht charter and sea experiences from Larnaca.
Limassol
- Relax Cruises – Limassol. Coastal cruises and private charters from Limassol marina.
- Sea Passion Yachting – Limassol. Yacht charter and fishing trips from Limassol.
- Diamantides Yachting – Limassol. Yacht and boat hire, sales, and charter from Limassol.
- Yacht Rental Cyprus – Limassol. Yacht rental and charter experiences from the Limassol coast.
Self-drive boat hire
Self-drive boat hire – no skipper required – is one of the most liberating ways to explore the Cypriot coast. You pick up a small motorboat, get a brief safety briefing, and head out at your own pace. Ideal for couples and small groups who want freedom over a structured tour. Most operators supply maps of the best nearby coves and caves.
Rafaelos Boat Hire – Latchi port, Polis Chrysochous. Self-drive boats from Latchi into the Blue Lagoon and Akamas coastline. No skipper needed – one of the best-value sea experiences on the island. The Blue Lagoon is 20 minutes from Latchi by motorboat.
Trident Latchi Boat Hire & Rentals – Polis Chrysochous. Self-drive boat hire from Latchi with flexible hourly and half-day rates.
Group cruises and party boats
Ayia Napa and Paralimni have a well-established group cruise scene – organised boat parties with music, food, and stops for swimming along the coast. These aren’t for everyone, but for groups looking for a social sea experience they deliver exactly what’s promised.
- Dolphin Boat Safari – Ayia Napa. Established sea tour operator with guided excursions along the Ayia Napa coastline.
- Aphrodite Cruises – Paralimni. Scheduled group cruises and private charter options from the east coast.
- Cornelia Luxury Cruiser – Paralimni. Luxury group cruiser for private events and group bookings.
- Medusa Cruises – Paralimni. Boat trips and cruises from Protaras and Ayia Napa.
Fishing charters
Cyprus has excellent sport fishing – tuna, swordfish, mahi-mahi, and amberjack in deeper waters, plus sea bass and bream closer to the coast. Sunrise departures are typical, with charter boats returning by midday. Most operators provide all equipment and will clean and bag your catch. A deeply satisfying way to spend a morning.
- Elias Fishing – Larnaca. Fishing charters from Larnaca with experienced local guides.
- Luxury Time Charters – Ayia Napa. Fishing charters and private boat hire combined. Good for groups wanting both activities in one trip.
- Fishing Mate Cyprus – Paralimni. Dedicated fishing charter operation on the east coast.
- Socrates Fishing Protaras – Paralimni. Fishing trips from Protaras with an experienced local captain.
- Sea Passion Yachting – Limassol. Fishing and yacht charter combination from Limassol.
Diving and snorkelling
Cyprus offers some of the finest diving in the Mediterranean – and one site in particular that draws serious divers from across Europe. The Zenobia, a 178-metre Swedish roll-on/roll-off ferry that sank off Larnaca in 1980, is consistently ranked among the top ten wreck dives in the world. The visibility in Cypriot waters is extraordinary – often 20–30m – and the underwater life is rich along rocky coastal sections.
- Dive-In Larnaca – Larnaca. PADI-certified dive centre. Zenobia wreck dives, guided coastal dives, and courses from beginner to advanced. One of the island’s most reputable dive operations.
- Drive and Dive with Mario – Larnaca. PADI courses, guided dives, and equipment hire. Strong local reputation and experienced guides.
- Viking Divers Scuba Diving Larnaca Cyprus – Larnaca. Zenobia wreck specialist and general dive operation covering Larnaca Bay sites.
- Latchi Watersports Centre – Polis Chrysochous. Diving alongside a full watersports operation on the west coast.
Watersports
From jet skis to parasailing to e-foils, Cyprus has a comprehensive watersports offering across all the main coastal resorts. No booking required for most – show up at the beach and pay on the day. Mornings are less crowded than afternoons.
- FigTreeBay Watersports – Paralimni (Fig Tree Bay). Full range of watersports at one of Cyprus’s most beautiful beaches. Jet skis, parasailing, paddleboarding, banana boats.
- Stavros Water Sports – Paralimni. Family-owned since 1975. One of the most experienced watersports operators on the east coast.
- Wet and Wild Watersports Protaras – Paralimni. Full watersports and boat hire from Protaras.
- Mike’s Watersports – Paphos. Comprehensive watersports operation on the Paphos coast.
- Latchi Watersports Centre – Polis Chrysochous. Full watersports centre on the west coast, including diving.
- MORE Watersports Limassol – Limassol. Watersports and sea activities from the Limassol coastline.
- Watersports at LORDOS BEACH – Larnaca. Beachside watersports operation in Larnaca.
- XS & Stephanos Watersports – Paralimni. Comprehensive watersports centre in the Protaras area.
- Big D’s Wake and Ski Club – Larnaca. Wakeboarding and water skiing specialists.
- JetBoards and efoils by Awake – Larnaca. The cutting edge of watersports – electric foil boards and jetboards for a genuinely futuristic sea experience.
Sailing lessons
For those who want to learn to sail rather than just charter, Cyprus has a small but quality sailing school scene. The Larnaca Marina is the main base for sailing instruction, with calm bay conditions ideal for beginners.
- KOURSAROS Sailing Yacht – Larnaca. Sailing lessons alongside charter and fishing trips. Good option for those who want to learn before chartering independently.
- Island Sails – Nicosia (operating from Larnaca). Sailing school and yacht charter operation.
- Horizon Yachting – Nicosia/Larnaca. Sailing instruction and yacht charter.
Practical information
Best time to get on the water
The sea season runs from May through November. June, September, and October are the best months – warm water, good conditions, and manageable crowds. July and August are excellent for swimming but popular operators fill up fast. Book yacht charters and guided trips at least two weeks ahead in peak season. Winter sailing (December–March) is possible and the sea is uncrowded, but water temperatures drop to 17–18°C.
Which coast for which experience?
| Experience | Best base |
|---|---|
| Sea caves and dramatic coastline | Ayia Napa / Cape Greco |
| Blue Lagoon and Akamas | Latchi / Polis Chrysochous |
| Zenobia wreck diving | Larnaca |
| Watersports (broadest choice) | Paralimni / Fig Tree Bay |
| Sailing lessons | Larnaca marina |
| Fishing charters | Larnaca or Paralimni |
| Luxury yacht charter | Ayia Napa or Limassol |
Sea conditions
Cyprus generally has calm, protected waters – particularly on the south and east coasts. The west coast (Paphos and Latchi) is more exposed and can have stronger winds, particularly in spring and autumn. Most operators will advise if conditions aren’t suitable on your chosen date and will reschedule or refund. Always check sea conditions before heading out on a self-drive rental.
Browse all sea and water experiences
- All 90 Sea & Water listings →
- Things to do near Nissi Beach →
- Best time to visit Cyprus →
- Search by district →
Availability and pricing vary by operator and season. Always book directly with the operator to confirm dates and conditions before travelling.
