ATV Riding Akamas Peninsula: Drive to Lara Bay Turtles

You operate the vehicle through an unspoiled coastal reserve where endangered sea turtles lay eggs.

ATV riding on Cyprus's Akamas Peninsula takes you from Coral Bay to Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station in a self-driven quad or buggy. You navigate forest roads and coastal terrain, stop to swim and learn about the loggerhead and green turtles that nest here from May through September, and pass archaeological sites including a sixth-century Byzantine settlement at St George. A guide in English, French, Greek or Romanian leads the route and explains the protected area's ecology and history.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Akamas Peninsula and Lara Bay

• Drive off-road vehicle
• Pass Peyia village
• View EDRO III shipwreck
• Pass caves and rock formations
• Visit St George’s archaeological site
• Stop at Lara Bay turtle conservation
• Swim at Lara Bay
• Lunch/snack break near Lara Beach

The experience

The Akamas Peninsula is the last large unspoiled coastal area in Cyprus and one of the Mediterranean's few remaining sea turtle nesting grounds. Both loggerhead and green turtles lay eggs on Lara Bay's protected beaches: the green turtle population in the entire Mediterranean numbers only 325 to 375 nesting females annually, making this reserve critical to the species' survival. You drive your own quad or buggy through the national park to reach it, which means the rough forest roads that would be impassable by car become your route. The operator provides helmets and goggles, and a guide who speaks your language navigates the terrain and explains what you're seeing.

The route passes through Peyia, a village on the steep coastal hills at the southern end of the peninsula, and stops at several landmarks. You'll see the EDRO III, a cargo ship that ran aground in 2011 and now sits abandoned on the rocks: a visible reminder of the area's exposure to heavy seas. The caves and rock formations along the coast took thousands of years to form. Before tourism expanded, Mediterranean monk seals lived in them. At St George, you can visit a sixth-century Byzantine church and catacombs, part of an archaeological site that was likely a port of call for grain ships traveling to Constantinople. Yeronisos Island lies just offshore and shows evidence of three periods of settlement spanning from the Chalcolithic era through the Byzantine period.

At Lara Bay, you stop to swim and spend time at the Turtle Conservation Station. The nests are protected by small enclosures, and from late May through September you can see them. Your guide explains the turtles' life cycle, the threats they face and why this bay matters to their survival. A cafe near the beach offers lunch and drinks if you want them, though food and beverages are not included in the price. The whole experience runs roughly three hours, though the exact duration depends on which vehicle you choose and how the group moves through the stops.

What’s included

• Your choice of quad or buggy vehicle for three hours.
• helmet and goggles.
• guide in English, French, Greek or Romanian.
• access to the Akamas Peninsula national park and Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station.
• swimming time at Lara Bay.

Options for this experience

6 options

QUAD 3HR DRIVERUp to 1 people · Guide in 4 languages · 10:00Single quad

QUAD 3HR DRI/PASSUp to 2 people · Guide in 4 languages · 10:00Double quad

BUGGY 3HR DRIVERUp to 1 people · Guide in 4 languages · 10:00Single buggy

See 3 more options

BUGGY 3HR DRI/PASSUp to 2 people · Guide in 4 languages · 10:00Double buggy

3-seat buggy, 3 hoursUp to 3 people · Guide in 4 languages · 10:003-seat buggy

4-seat buggy, 3 hoursUp to 4 people · Guide in 4 languages · 10:004-seat buggy

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday and SundayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, French, Greek and Romanian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by The Golden Ride Rentals

Is this one for you?Pick the buggy if you're traveling with others and want to share driving duties. Choose the quad for solo exploration of the Akamas Peninsula and national park.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, Greek and Romanian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I drive a quad or buggy if I've never done it before?

A valid driver's license is mandatory, but the operator does not require prior off-road experience. The guide leads the route and the terrain is navigable for drivers of all fitness levels.

What are the sea turtles at Lara Bay, and when can I see them?

Both loggerhead turtles (Caretta-caretta) and the rarer green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nest on Lara Bay's beaches. From late May through September, nests are visible in the water and protected by small enclosures. Outside those months, the beach is still worth visiting but the nests won't be present.

What is the EDRO III wreck I'll pass on the route?

The EDRO III is a cargo ship that ran aground in heavy seas on September 8, 2011, while carrying plasterboard to Rhodes. The crew of nine were rescued, and the ship (which weighs about 2.5 tons and stretches over 80 meters) remains on the rocks as a landmark. You cannot board it as it is unsafe, but you see it from the vehicle.

Can I visit the church and catacombs at St George?

Yes. St George holds a sixth-century Byzantine church and catacombs thought to belong to an earlier version of it. The site is one of the most significant early Byzantine locations in Cyprus and sits next to a small scenic marina with views over the bay.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay extra for?

The quad or buggy rental, helmets, goggles, all fees and taxes, and the guide are included. Lunch, snacks and drinks at the cafe near Lara Beach are not included and cost extra.