Cyprus Blue Lagoon: Private Self-Drive Boat Hire & Secret Bays

Summary

Self-drive speed boat adventure from Latchi to Blue Lagoon with hidden coves

You’ll drive your own speed boat from Latchi along Cyprus’s wild Akamas coastline, stopping at places like St George’s Island and Blue Lagoon. Swim through sea caves, spot marine life while snorkeling with included gear, and picnic on sandy beaches only boats can reach. Expect laughter, salty hair, and moments of total quiet out on the water.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was a bit nervous when we first got to Latchi Watersports Centre — I mean, they hand you the keys to a speed boat after just a quick lesson (and yes, you only need a car license). Our guide, Andreas, had this easygoing way of explaining things, even when I asked if dolphins ever show up (he just grinned and said, “Sometimes!”). The smell of sunscreen mixed with sea air while we loaded our cool box made it all feel real — like we were about to do something properly fun.

Once we set off along the Akamas coast, it was quieter than I expected. Just the sound of the engine and that salty breeze. We stopped at St George’s Island first — not much more than a rocky bump, but seabirds everywhere and these flashes of silver fish below. My partner tried snorkeling but mostly just floated around laughing at how cold the water felt at first. The main keyword here is freedom: you pick where to anchor, how long to stay, no one rushing you along.

We drifted into Manolis Bay next. I remember Andreas mentioning some wild story about dynamite fishing here (didn’t totally catch all the details), but what stuck with me was how blue the water looked against those pale rocks. There were trumpet fish darting around — they really do change color if you look close enough. We ate sandwiches on Secret Beach after swimming through this little cave; sand everywhere, but honestly that’s part of it.

The Blue Lagoon itself is busy but worth it — turquoise water so clear you can see your toes hanging over the side. Some local families were picnicking on their boats nearby and waved as we anchored up. We snorkeled until our fingers wrinkled and then just lay in the sun for a while. On the way back past Fontana Amorosa, I spotted these odd shapes underwater — Andreas had said they’re old amphorae stuck in the rocks from shipwrecks or maybe offerings? Hard to tell what’s legend and what’s true out here. I still think about that silence between stops, just us and this big blue stretch of coast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Self-drive boat tour to Akamas bays

• Receive boat tuition and map briefing
• Drive speed boat from Latchi Watersports
• Explore St Georges Island and marine life
• Visit Secret Beach and swim through cave
• Snorkel in Manolis Bay and observe trumpet fish
• Stop at Blue Lagoon for snorkeling
• Visit Fontana Amorosa and see ancient amphora
• Relax at Arnaoutis Beach for picnic
• Return to Latchi harbour

Top questions

Do I need a special license to hire a self-drive boat in Cyprus?

No, just a regular car driving license is required for self-drive boat hire with Latchi Watersports Centre.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Blue Lagoon boat trip?

Yes, all boats come with snorkeling equipment included for your use during the day.

How far is Blue Lagoon from Latchi by boat?

The Blue Lagoon is about 8km from Latchi harbour along the Akamas coastline.

Can children join this private self-drive boat tour?

Yes, there are no age restrictions; infants can sit on an adult's lap and small children can ride in a stroller.

Are there wheelchair accessible options for this boat hire?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for travelers joining this tour.

What should I bring for a day trip to Blue Lagoon from Latchi?

You might want snacks or lunch for your picnic; life jackets and cool box are provided.

Is pickup included for this self-drive boat tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; travelers meet at a starting point in Latchi.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on these boats according to tour info.

What’s included

Your day includes a full safety briefing and map orientation before setting off from Latchi harbour. Each private speed boat comes equipped with life jackets for everyone onboard, snorkeling gear so you can explore underwater at each stop, plus a cool box for any snacks or drinks you bring along—just show up ready for adventure and salty air.