Cyprus: Self-Drive Speedboat to Blue Lagoon & Sea Caves

Summary

Latchi to Blue Lagoon by private speedboat with caves and secret bays

You’ll drive your own speedboat from Latchi along Cyprus’s wild Akamas coast with a full safety briefing and map. Swim at Secret Beach, snorkel Manolis Bay’s blue shallows, and anchor in Blue Lagoon’s famous turquoise water before cruising past ancient amphora at Fontana Amorosa. It’s freedom, laughter, salt air — and you’re behind the wheel.

What’s the experience like?

I’d never driven a boat before, but apparently in Cyprus you just need a car license — so there we were at Latchi harbour, squinting into the sunlight while Andreas from Latchi Watersports handed us a map and pointed out the best spots. He showed us how to work the throttle (which honestly felt more like a lawnmower than I expected) and made sure we knew how to anchor without looking like total idiots. The engine’s hum was louder than I thought it’d be at first, but once we got moving past the marina and out toward Akamas, it was just wind and salt on my face. I kept glancing back at my friend who looked half terrified, half delighted — which pretty much summed up how I felt too.

The water changed color every time we rounded another rocky bend — sometimes that deep blue that almost looks fake, then suddenly turquoise so clear you could spot fish darting around even from above. We stopped near Manolis Bay because Andreas had said something about trumpet fish there (he called them “the chameleons of the sea,” which sounded poetic until I tried to spot one). Snorkeling over white sand felt oddly soft underfoot, and when I surfaced I caught this faint smell of wild thyme drifting down from the cliffs. Lunch was just sandwiches from our cool box on Secret Beach — not glamorous but somehow perfect with our feet in the sand. There was this tiny cave nearby; echoey inside, cold air brushing past as we laughed about who would swim through first.

Honestly, nothing really prepared me for pulling into the Blue Lagoon itself. Even with other boats around it didn’t feel crowded — maybe because everyone seemed quietly stunned by how clear everything looked underwater. We floated for ages, barely talking. At one point a family waved from another boat; their little kid tossed us a grape (missed by a mile). Later we drifted past Fontana Amorosa where you can see these old amphora shapes stuck in the rocks below — Andreas had joked they were “ancient rubbish,” but seeing them there made me weirdly thoughtful about all the people who’d been here before us. The sun started dipping lower as we turned back toward Latchi, hair salty and skin tight from hours outside. I still think about that light on the water sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Self-drive speedboat tour Akamas coast

• Receive boat tuition and map briefing
• Drive speedboat from Latchi Watersports Centre
• Explore St Georges Island and observe marine life
• Visit Secret Beach and swim through cave
• Stop at Amphitheatre and Manolis Bay for snorkeling
• Enjoy snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon
• Visit Fontana Amorosa and see ancient amphora
• Relax at Arnaoutis Beach for picnic and views
• Return to Latchi harbour

Top questions

Do I need a boating license to rent a speedboat in Cyprus?

No, you only need a valid full car driving license to drive the speedboat.

Where does the self-drive speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Latchi harbour on Cyprus’s northwest coast.

Is there a guide with us on the boat?

No guide comes with you on board; you get a full briefing before setting off.

How far is Blue Lagoon from Latchi by boat?

Blue Lagoon is within easy reach by speedboat from Latchi; exact distance depends on your route but it’s part of the recommended itinerary.

Are life jackets provided for everyone?

Yes, all necessary safety equipment including life jackets is provided for all passengers.

Can children or infants join this self-drive boat trip?

Yes, infants and small children can come along; they must sit on an adult's lap or ride in a pram or stroller if needed.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

What should I bring for lunch or snacks?

You can bring your own food; each boat includes a cool box to keep things fresh during your day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a private speedboat with all required safety gear like life jackets plus a cool box for snacks or drinks. You’ll get a detailed map briefing and hands-on tuition before heading out along Akamas coast — just bring your car driving license and sense of adventure!