Best Water Sports to Try in Cyprus
Summer in Cyprus can only mean one thing: beach time! Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and about 20 blue-flagged beaches, relaxing in this Mediterranean corner is a favourite activity for many – and we totally get it because we love it too! Tanning and chilling isn’t all that this island has to offer, though. With some of the safest waters in Europe, there are dozens of water sports to try.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or holidaying with your family, there are water activities for all. Check out our suggestions of which activities are best worth trying.
Water Ski
A common and standard water-based sport is water skiing, suitable for all ages and levels. If you’re a complete beginner, your teacher will help you with the basics and encourage you to take that first push and stand in the water from the initial seated position. Getting over that first bit is the most challenging; once you’ve got that covered, you’ll be gliding on Cypriot blue waters in no time. It’s best to attempt this early in the morning or late afternoon when the water is calmer. Prices can vary from €30 to €60 depending on duration.
If you want to take this one notch further, try wakeboarding, which is similar to water skiing but this uses one bigger board for both legs.
Waterskiing at Sunset
Parasailing
Parasailing is a fun and relaxing water activity you can do alone, in pairs or even in a trio. Starting off from the boat, you’re strapped into a parachute that rises as the boat slowly accelerates. By the end, you’re flying sky-high with your feet dangling free, enjoying unique aerial views of the coastline. This is a great activity for families and children, and your guide will best advise you on safety and passenger regulations e.g. height and weight restrictions. Prices can start from €50+.
Banana Ride
Growing up in Cyprus, this is something we all remember doing every summer with our friends. Hanging out at the beach all day and jumping on an inflatable banana for a crazy ride, clinging to it until the boat does a turn and the banana tipped everyone into the sea. Kids and teenagers are the biggest fans of this water game. Remember that the person sitting last gets the bumpiest ride.
Banana rides are of the most fun water activities
Crazy Shark
Similar to the banana ride concept, this adrenaline-filled activity is sometimes also called Crazy UFO. It’s basically a couch-like inflatable tied to a boat that roams the sea causing its passengers to bounce around like fish on land. You can let your driver know if you want to go faster or slower by giving him a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down. Since this is a group activity, the price is shared.
Pedal Boats
A more relaxed water activity and a great way to freely explore Cyprus’ sea is to rent a pedal boat with your friends or family. This might generate less adrenaline than the above water sports, but don’t let this fool you: pedalling out to sea still requires some exercise under the sun, so be sure to take a hat and a sun cream. Most pedal boats have a slide to make a fun, splashy entrance into the water. You can rent for 30 or 60 minute intervals; the cost is around €20 to €30.
Pedal boats with a slide are slightly more expensive
SUP Paddle Board
SUP stands for Stand Up Paddling, and the sport is exactly as it its name suggests. Strapped into a life vest, people stand on a long board and paddle their way through the sea. It’s a relaxing activity if it’s not too windy and the sea not too choppy, yet it relies on balancing your weight equally on each leg. Most tranquil in the afternoon just before the sun sets. This is possibly the cheapest water sport you’ll find, with prices starting from as little as €10 per hour.
Man doing SUP Paddle Board
Kitesurfing
The latest addition to the island’s water sports scene – and one that has taken it by storm – is kitesurfing. Because this sport primarily depends on wind, it is critical to have knowledge about the wind condition for that day. The best place to practice this is in Larnaca, thanks to its windy climate. It even ranks as one of the best spots for kitesurfing in the whole Mediterranean region. Larnaca also has safe, shallow waters with no rocks and no strong currents, making it ideal for this sport, and several competitions take place. The winds are at their peak from May to October, so that is the best time to tackle the sport.
