Cyprus on the Water

Cyprus is an island, and the best way to feel it is from the water. The sea is clear, warm for much of the year and varied in character, from the sheltered coves of the Akamas to the shipwrecks off Larnaca and the sculpture garden under the waves at Ayia Napa. Whether you want a lazy cruise, a snorkel with fish or a serious dive, there is something for most levels. This guide explains the main options, the seasons that suit them and how to choose.Blue Lagoon and Akamas cruises. The classic Cyprus boat day sails from the Paphos area or Latchi along the Akamas peninsula to the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered bay with water in shades of turquoise over white sand. Boats stop for swimming and snorkelling, and many offer a slide, a barbecue lunch or music on board. Larger boats carry many passengers, and smaller ones give a quieter experience. Morning departures are calmer, and the season runs from late spring to early autumn, with fewer departures in winter. Bring a swimsuit, towel and sun cream, and a seasickness remedy if you need one.Sunset and turtle cruises. For a gentler outing, an evening cruise from Paphos harbour combines golden-hour light, drinks on board and a swim stop, and the crew looks out for green and loggerhead turtles. Sightings are never guaranteed, but calm evenings give the best chance. These cruises suit couples and groups of friends, and they are a good way to spend an evening without a long day on the water. Reserve in advance during high season, since evening departures fill up.The Edro III wreck and the sea caves. North of Paphos, the Edro III cargo ship ran aground in a storm in 2011 and lies close to the shore, rusting in the surf. A short boat trip takes you past the wreck and along the limestone cliffs to sea caves and rock arches, with a swimming stop in sheltered water. The trip is dramatic and photogenic, and works best on a calm morning. You will not usually swim at the wreck itself, because of sharp metal and surf, but the crew will find a safe place nearby.Snorkelling. The best snorkelling is in sheltered coves and around rocky points, where fish gather. On boat trips, equipment is usually supplied, but check when you reserve. Beginners should stay close to the boat or the shore, wear a vest if needed and follow the crew’s instructions. Marine life includes sea bream, wrasse, damselfish and the occasional octopus. Protect your back from the sun with a rash vest and use reef-safe sun cream, because the waters off Cyprus are fragile and some areas are protected for turtles and nesting.Discover scuba in Ayia Napa. If you have never dived, the discover scuba session at Green Bay is the easiest way in. After a briefing and practice in shallow water, an instructor takes you down to see the underwater statues placed there as an artificial reef, along with fish that have made the site home. No certification is needed, only reasonable health and the minimum age set by the dive centre. It is a memorable first dive in calm, clear water.Wreck diving off Larnaca. For certified divers, the MS Zenobia is the headline attraction. This car ferry sank in 1980 and lies on her side in about forty metres of water, with trucks still visible on the cargo decks. It is often ranked among the best wreck dives in the world, and visibility is generally excellent. Guided boat dives usually offer two dives with a surface interval, and advanced training is typically required for deeper sections. Plan a no-fly gap after your last dive and check your fitness before you go.Pirate and family cruises. In Ayia Napa and Protaras, themed cruises such as the Black Pearl pirate ship add costumes, music and games, and they are popular with families and groups. These trips are more about fun than scenery, but they still include swimming stops and time to enjoy the coast. Check age policies and whether food is included, and choose a morning or lunchtime departure if children tire early.Choosing by season. From June to September, the sea is at its warmest, and every trip runs frequently. May and October are excellent shoulder months, with warm water and fewer crowds. In winter, many boat trips run less often or are cancelled in rough seas, but diving continues year round with a suitable wetsuit. Whatever the season, keep your plans flexible, because weather decides the schedule, and book your boat trips early in the week so that you have a spare day to reschedule.Safety and good practice. Use lifejackets where offered, stay with your group, protect yourself from the sun and drink plenty of water. Do not touch turtles, corals or marine life, take litter with you and avoid anchoring or swimming near nesting beaches. If you are pregnant, have medical conditions or are unsure about your swimming ability, tell the crew before you board. With sensible preparation, the water becomes the highlight of a Cyprus trip.