Places You Can Visit With Northern Cyprus Boat Tours

Best Destinations for Boat Tours in Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus boat tours are wonderful because they allow visitors to explore places that are difficult to reach by land. There are hidden corners, the waters are blue, and the coastline is stunning.

The stunning beaches, historical structures, and natural beauty of Northern Cyprus can be seen from a completely new perspective when you go on a boat tour. Here's a list of some of the best places to see on a boat tour in Northern Cyprus.

1. Kyrenia Coastline The Kyrenia coastline is one of the most popular boat tour routes in Northern Cyprus. Boats departing from Kyrenia Harbour in Cyprus showcase the stunning coastline, revealing hidden coves, sharp cliffs, and ancient ruins. Girne tours frequently stop at peaceful locations where guests can swim, snorkel, and relax in the sun.

Snorkelling in the crystal-clear blue waters surrounding Kyrenia is a wonderful activity, and many boat tours provide equipment. Additionally, Kyrenia Castle can be seen from the sea, offering a fresh perspective on this ancient site.

Experience: Various boat tour options are available, including sunset tours that offer a wonderful view of the setting sun over the Mediterranean.

2. Alagadi Turtle Beach Located east of Kyrenia, Alagadi Beach is known as a nesting site for sea turtles. This location is a must-see for nature lovers, especially from June to August, when the greenery is at its peak and loggerhead turtles lay their eggs. Visitors are required to respect the natural habitats of the turtles without disturbing them. Ecotourism is the common thread of boat tours to Alagadi Beach.

Highlights: Boat tour companies often collaborate with local conservation organisations to organise guided turtle watching trips, and Alagadi Beach is known for its conservation efforts.

Experience: With the help of professionals, several boat tours offer night trips, including night cruises, to see baby turtles. For those who enjoy nature, this is an event they won't soon forget.

3. Beach Escape and Mare Monte Beach For those who want to relax by the water, Escape Beach and Mare Monte Beach are two popular destinations that can be visited on boat tours. Both beaches, located west of Kyrenia, are famous for their beautiful sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.

While Deniz Monte Beach is quieter and better for swimming and sunbathing, Escape Beach offers a lively atmosphere with beach bars.

Experience: Many trips stop at both beaches, where you can play games, swim, and snorkel. Water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing are also excellent at Escape Beach.

4. Cape Kormakitis Cape Kormakitis, which is mostly accessible by boat, is a striking and isolated location on the northwestern coast of Cyprus. The steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and tranquil waterways make it an ideal destination for travellers seeking unspoiled natural beauty.

The region is perfect for snorkelling thanks to its cliffs and crystal-clear seas, where you can see a variety of marine life, including tiny sea turtles and vibrant fish.

Experience: Boat tours to Cape Kormakitis often include swimming and snorkelling, allowing visitors to enjoy the calm, crystal-clear waters.

5. Famagusta Bay Famagusta Bay is a wonderful place for those who enjoy both history and magnificent beaches. Some boat tours from Kyrenia travel along the coast towards Famagusta. They are passing the ancient ruins of Salamis and the famous ghost town of Varosha.

The landscape of Varosha, an abandoned city that has remained unchanged since 1974, is eerily beautiful. Varosha is inaccessible by sea, but you can observe the abandoned buildings from a boat.

Experience: Longer cruises may include stops at historical sites near Famagusta, such as the ruins of Salamis. These places offer visitors a glimpse of ancient Cyprus from both land and sea.

6. Karpaz Peninsula The Karpaz Peninsula, known as the "panhandle" of Cyprus, is a stunning location with untouched beaches and pristine surroundings. Boat tours to the Karpaz Peninsula are ideal if you're looking for a peaceful and natural getaway.

These tours often include a stop at Golden Beach, one of the island's most stunning and unspoiled beaches. The beach's golden sands are perfect for lounging, and the waters are crystal clear.

Experience: You can witness wild donkeys by taking a boat tour along the coast of the Karpaz Peninsula. The water is so clear that some groups take breaks to snorkel.

7. Aphrodite Beach Named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite Beach is a peaceful place near Kyrenia with breathtaking views. This beach is popular for boat tours due to its tranquilly, stunning views, and being an excellent spot for swimming and snorkelling.

The beach is a great place to spend a peaceful day by the water because it's isolated and surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Experience: A Barbecue at Aphrodite's Beach Named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, Aphrodite's Beach is a peaceful place near Kyrenia with breathtaking views. This beach is popular for boat tours due to its tranquilly, stunning views, and being an excellent spot for swimming and snorkelling.

The beach is a great place to spend a peaceful day by the water because it's isolated and surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Experience: Boat tours often serve a barbecue lunch or Cypriot meze, which adds a delicious element to the journey. This is a great day trip due to its stunning surroundings and local cuisine.

8. Mediterranean Beach and Nature Reserve Located within a protected nature reserve, Mediterranean Beach is known for its unique habitat. Boat tours allow visitors to see the region's diverse wildlife and natural beauty.

Highlights: This beach is ideal for ecotourism as it is protected to ensure the safety of local plant and animal life. Nature lovers will adore its peaceful atmosphere and unspoiled environment.

Experience: Some eco-friendly boat tours in Northern Cyprus include guided discussions about the importance of local marine life and conservation efforts. This increases the educational value of the trip.

9. Cape Greco's Blue Lagoon Although Cape Greco is located in the south, various boat tours are organised from nearby ports or Famagusta to reach this stunning location. The pristine waters of the Blue Lagoon are famous for being perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Highlights: Lagoon, the water is so clear that everything can be seen, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling. This location becomes even more magical with the nearby cliffs and caves.

Experience: Snorkelling equipment is usually provided, allowing you to observe the vibrant fish and interesting rock formations that make up the underwater world.

10. From Lazaretta Island to Kyrenia On the shores of Kyrenia, a deserted small island is called Lazaretta Island. It's a great place to escape the mainland for a bit. Because it's a peaceful place, boat tour groups often stop here for swimming, diving, and snorkelling.

Highlights: The island's crystal-clear waters and underwater caves are why divers love it here. The area is rugged and unspoiled, which adds to its charm.

Experience: Lazaretta Island is a great place for underwater exploration and is frequently visited by boat trips for diving. Due to the abundance of marine life on the neighbouring reefs, diving and snorkelling are primary activities.

11. Cape Andreas Monastery A significant religious site located at the tip of the Karpaz Peninsula is the Monastery of Saint Andreas. It offers magnificent views of the ocean. Although most people drive there, some boat tours go this far, offering guests an alternative perspective on the location.

Highlights: The monastery has long been a beloved pilgrimage site for Greek Orthodox Christians. Its surroundings are stunning, offering views of the sea and the desolate Karpaz.

Experience: This monastery, often included in a longer visit to the Karpaz Peninsula, offers a boat tour that allows you to see the natural and cultural splendour of the region.

Tips for boat tours in Northern Cyprus Length: Boat tours can last from half a day to a full day, depending on the route and stops.

The ideal months for a boat tour are from April to October due to the mild weather and calm seas.

Don't forget to bring your swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, and camera. Snorkelling equipment is provided by many boat tours, but don't hesitate to bring your own.

Dining Options: Many boat tours enhance the experience by offering meals on board, such as barbecues or local appetisers. It's a good idea to double-check the meal arrangements before making a reservation.

While group tours are more affordable and intimate, private rentals offer a more personal experience.

Northern Cyprus has a unique marine environment, historical sites, and a stunning coastline. The island's natural and cultural treasures can be seen on various boat tours.