The Best Boat Rentals in Cyprus

For simple self-drive motorboats around Protaras or Ayia Napa, plan on roughly €400–€600 per day, often with basic safety gear and a short orientation included; fuel may be extra. Mid-size captained motorboats commonly run about €900–€1,900 per day depending on size, while catamarans and small yachts typically start around €1,400–€3,000 per day, with larger luxury yachts from about €4,000–€6,000+ in peak months. Public sightseeing cruises are far less, often €20–€70 per person and can include soft drinks, fruit, or snorkel gear. Always check each listing to see whether fuel, crew, and snacks are included or add-ons. (nautal.com, oceans-evasion.com, dolphinboatsafari.com, captainmarkocruises.com)

You’ll find fast motorboats for coastal cruising, RIBs for zipping into sea caves and coves, sailing yachts and catamarans for relaxed day charters, plus larger motor yachts and traditional wooden schooners for celebrations and private events. Availability and sizes vary by port, with broad choice around Protaras, Ayia Napa, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Latchi. (nautal.com, oceans-evasion.com)

It depends on the boat. Cyprus classifies “high‑speed” small craft as vessels up to 15 meters capable of 15 knots; residents must hold a High‑Speed Small Craft Operator Licence. Temporary visitors can operate rented high‑speed boats from licensed centers after signing a competency declaration, and many owners offer a thorough briefing. For bareboat yachts, owners typically ask for internationally recognized proof such as an ICC or Day Skipper; otherwise, book with a skipper. (safewatersports.com, rya.org.uk)

If you want a zero‑stress day—especially with a group, tight schedule, or special occasion—choose a captained charter and let the crew handle routing, docking, and local rules. Confident boaters may enjoy self‑drive on smaller boats after the owner’s briefing, but be aware that popular areas like Cape Greco’s sea caves and the Akamas coast can get choppy and busy in the afternoon, making a skipper a smart call if conditions pick up.

The busiest departure points are Limassol Marina and St. Raphael Marina on the south coast; Ayia Napa Harbour and Protaras’s Golden Coast Harbour in the east; Paphos Harbour by the medieval castle in the southwest; Larnaca Marina on the southeast coast; and Latchi Harbour for trips into the Akamas Peninsula and the famed Blue Lagoon. (limassolmarina.com, cyprusmarinas.com.cy, captainmarkocruises.com, loveayianapa.com, thetimes.co.uk, atlantisnpaphoscruises.com)

On the east coast, cruises pass the Ayia Napa and Cape Greco sea caves, Love Bridge, Konnos Bay, and a “Blue Lagoon” with vivid turquoise water. On the west, Latchi trips reach the Akamas nature reserve with its own Blue Lagoon, Fontana Amorosa, and the Baths of Aphrodite. Off Paphos you can view the photogenic Edro III shipwreck from the sea, and near Larnaca divers visit the world‑class Zenobia ferry wreck. (captainmarkocruises.com, dolphinboatsafari.com, akamasbluelagoon.com, en.wikipedia.org, cyprusdiving.org.cy)

Yes—family outings are common. Boats carry life jackets for all passengers and provide a safety briefing before departure; many day boats also stock snorkel gear and soft drinks. If you need infant or child‑size life jackets, tell the owner in advance so they’re set aside for your group. (dolphinboatsafari.com, cruises-ayianapaprotaras.com)

Policies vary by boat. Private charters in Cyprus often allow you to bring snacks, birthday cakes, and beverages, while many public cruises prefer you use the onboard bar and may not permit outside drinks. Glass is discouraged underway, and red wine is frequently restricted to keep decks stain‑free. If you’d like catering, ask the owner—many can arrange platters or a light lunch. (cruises-ayianapaprotaras.com, dolphinboatsafari.com)

Some owners welcome small, well‑behaved dogs with advance approval, while others have a strict no‑pets policy. If you are bringing a pet, confirm before booking and pack a non‑slip mat, water bowl, and a properly fitted pet life jacket for comfort and safety on deck. (samboat.com, americasboatingclub.org)

Captains monitor conditions and will adjust the route or timing to keep your group comfortable; mornings are typically calmer, with breezier afternoons in summer. If the owner or skipper deems conditions unsafe, trips are usually rescheduled or refunded per the listing’s policy; otherwise, standard cancellation terms apply, so review them when you book. (globaliayachting.com, bbb.org)

Absolutely. Cyprus has roomy day boats, catamarans, and yachts set up for celebrations, with sound systems, shaded decks, and swim ladders. Many vessels can host mid‑size to large groups, and owners can arrange food, drinks, and decorations with advance notice to keep planning simple.

Peak season runs from May through October when seas are warm and skies are reliably sunny; water temperatures typically exceed 20°C (68°F) from May into November. July and August are the busiest weeks due to European school holidays, so book early and consider morning departures or weekdays for quieter coves. While U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day aren’t observed locally, the early‑summer Kataklysmos “Festival of the Flood” can make Larnaca’s seafront livelier and busier near the marina. (en.wikipedia.org, thetimes.co.uk)

From Ayia Napa or Protaras on the east, typical routes trace Cape Greco’s cliffs and sea caves with swim stops at Konnos Bay and the Blue Lagoon. From Paphos or Latchi on the west, boats often run along the Akamas Peninsula to the Blue Lagoon and Fontana Amorosa, with views of Lara Bay’s protected turtle beaches and the coastline near Aphrodite’s Baths. Your captain will tailor timings to conditions and your group’s preferences. (captainmarkocruises.com, loveayianapa.com, akamasbluelagoon.com)