WATER SPORTS
water sports in north cyprus
The lure of the clear blue waters of the warm Mediterranean sea is almost irresistible in North Cyprus. There are plenty of water sports on offer too, to make the most of this fantastic aquatic playground. Most seaside hotels offer some of the following water sports, or seek out a specialist firm at kyrenia or other ports.
Windsurfing in North Cyprus
The north coast of North Cyprus is ideal for windsurfing, with enough wind to windsurf properly without being blown to Turkey!
Beginners can learn windsurfing in North Cyprus in calm coves, and any errors only mean a refreshing dip in the warm sea.
The main North Cyprus windsurfing hire companies and training schools are based west of kyrenia and also at the resort hotels near the ancient of salamis. For stronger winds, expert windsurfers should head of the capes, and ride the waves in style!
Water skiing and Mono-skiing
Beginners are well catered for, since the sea is usually calm and warm, for those inevitable spills!
Dolphin Cyprus offer beach tuition and then a water session of no more than 45 minutes, about as much as a beginner’s legs can stand! Experienced skiers are also welcome, and you can also mono-ski, although there are no jumps or slaloms available
Banana Boats rides
The only skill needed for these fun rides is the ability to hang on tight – and scream a lot! Fun for all the family, these rides are very popular on the major North Cyprus Beaches Just pop on a life jacket (if you are not offered one, simply don’t get on), and join in the fun! What North Cyprus video would be complete without footage of a banana ride
Jet skiing
You may have to hunt to find a jet ski to rent in North Cyprus, and you’ll need a driving licence when you do. However, these mean machines are great fun to zip around the coastline; just make sure you avoid any nesting turtle beaches or military zones. Acapulco Beach Club & Resort Hotel at Kyrenia has jet skies available for hire for use off its 1km long sandy beach, and the public beach at Glapsides north of Famagusta also have jet skis to hire.
Power boating
North Cyprus powerboat trips come complete with an experienced driver, as inexperienced pilots can quickly find themselves on the wrong side of a military exclusion zone. Just sit back and enjoy the ride, as the magnificent coastline of Northern Cyprus flies past in a flurry of spray.
Canoeing
Canoes are available for hire from most major North Cyprus report hotels, and for a peaceful paddle around the coast, these robust and stable little boats cannot be beaten. Ideal for spotting fish or swimming turtles, without even getting wet!
SCUBA DIVING
Kyrenia is the main centre for diving, and most of the schools are based here. There are over twenty dive sites within easy reach of Kyrenia harbour alone. Ancient wreak sites are mixed with stunning natural features, such as wonderful underwater formations at Mansinis Reef and great opportunities for underwater wildlife photography at Fred’s Reef. A popular Northern Cyprus dive is Paradise, featuring caves, cuts and canyons at a minimum depth of just 27 metres, whilst the underwater mountain peak of Zeyko never fails to impress.
SAILING
If you wish to sail your own yacht to North Cyprus, the main harbour available is Kyrenia, but what a harbour! Since the ferries were moved to the new harbour in 1990, the old harbour has undergone major improvements. The old customs house is now a yachting centre, and all moorings have water and electricity available. The harbour is so picturesque, it makes an ideal base for exploring North Cyprus both on land and by water. You should contact the harbour at Kyrenia before entering, and once anchored, proceed immediately to customs and immigration. Facilities at Kyrenia also include a laundry, left luggage office, ship washing service and technical workshop
PARASAILING
If you wish to sail your own yacht to North Cyprus, the main harbour available is Kyrenia, but what a harbour! Since the ferries were moved to the new harbour in 1990, the old harbour has undergone major improvements. The old customs house is now a yachting centre, and all moorings have water and electricity available. The harbour is so picturesque, it makes an ideal base for exploring North Cyprus both on land and by water. You should contact the harbour at Kyrenia before entering, and once anchored, proceed immediately to customs and immigration. Facilities at Kyrenia also include a laundry, left luggage office, ship washing service and technical workshop
KITESURFING
is a sport that involves using wind power with a large power kite to pull a rider across a water, land, or snow surface. It combines the aspects of paragliding, surfing, windsurfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, and wakeboarding. Kiteboarding is among the less expensive and more convenient sailing sports.