Cyprus: Turtle Snorkeling Tour & Sea Scooters with Photos

Summary

Swim beside Cyprus turtles with local guides and sea scooters

You’ll float through Cyprus’ clear waters alongside wild turtles (some even have names), guided by locals who know every hiding spot. Glide easily with sea scooters and enjoy relaxed moments with your small group—plus snacks, free turtle photos, and all your gear sorted for you. It’s not just about seeing turtles—it’s sharing space with them for a while.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous when our guide handed me the sea scooter—my coordination’s not exactly Olympic-level. But the water off Cyprus was so clear you could see every ripple of sunlight on the sand below. Maria (our guide) grinned and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll go slow.” She introduced us to the turtles by name—apparently there’s one called Hercules who’s a bit of a show-off. I didn’t expect that kind of familiarity, but it made everything feel less touristy and more like visiting someone’s neighborhood.

The first time I dipped my face under, there was this cold rush against my cheeks and the faint smell of salt mixed with something almost grassy. The sea scooter did most of the work; I just had to hold on and let myself float along. At one point, a turtle glided right past me—so close I could see tiny scratches on its shell. Maria pointed out another one munching on seagrass and waved at us to stay calm (I think I was grinning too wide for my snorkel mask to handle). It felt weirdly peaceful down there, even with everyone’s excited muffled shouts echoing through their snorkels.

We took turns with the scooters—there were enough for everyone to get a good go—and between swims we floated on noodles or just bobbed around watching fish dart by. Someone tried to say “turtle” in Greek and got it hilariously wrong; Maria laughed so hard she nearly lost her mask. There was fruit waiting back on the boat and some water, which tasted way better than usual after all that salt. The free turtle photos were actually decent—I still have one where I look like I’m trying to high-five Hercules (he ignored me, obviously).

I keep thinking about how gentle everything felt—the guides never rushed us or made it feel like a checklist. Even now, sometimes when I smell sunscreen or hear gulls, I remember floating there in Cyprus with those turtles gliding past like they owned the place. If you’re wondering about booking this turtle snorkeling tour from Paphos or Limassol… well, I’d do it again tomorrow if I could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Turtle watching and snorkeling tour

• Attend safety briefing
• Receive snorkeling gear and sea scooter
• Snorkel with sea turtles
• Explore marine life with guide
• Receive free turtle photos

Top questions

When is the best time for turtle snorkeling in Cyprus?

The best chance to see turtles is between May and November when they’re most active.

Is snorkeling equipment included in the tour?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour.

How many people are in each group?

Groups are small—usually 7 to 9 people per tour.

Are sea scooters available for everyone?

There are 5–7 sea scooters shared among the group so everyone gets turns using them.

Is transport included from the meeting point?

Yes, transport from the meeting point is included in your booking.

Are there photos included?

You’ll receive free turtle photos taken during your tour.

What if I can’t swim well?

The tour provides floating noodles for extra support and is suitable for all fitness levels.

Will we learn about turtle conservation?

Your guide shares insights into turtle conservation and marine life during the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from the meeting point in Cyprus, use of snorkeling equipment and sea scooters (shared among your small group), expert local guidance throughout, floating noodles if you need extra support in the water, fresh fruit and bottled water after swimming, plus free digital photos of you with the turtles—all wrapped up with stories about each turtle and their habitat before heading back ashore.