How to Hire a Boat in Cyprus - you can Drive Yourself!

Summary

This briefing, delivered by Alex at Georg's Waterports, guides participants on a safe and exciting boat journey along the Akamas Peninsula. The route takes them past stunning landmarks like the Bath of Aphrodite and St. George's Island, with multiple bays for anchoring and swimming, such as Blagi Amphitheater Bay and the Blue Lagoon. Key safety guidelines are shared, including anchoring techniques, maintaining a safe distance from reefs, and navigating popular dive spots. The journey concludes with a return to the harbor, where communication with the crew ensures a smooth and secure experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure to always wear your life jacket while on the boat until it's safe to remove it.
• 😀 Depart from Lachi Harbor and head towards the left-hand side of the marina, following the coastline at a safety distance of at least 200 meters.
• 😀 Do not enter or come close to the swimming zone marked by yellow buoys.
• 😀 The first landmark is the Bath of Aphrodite, recognizable by two large rocks, one with a cross on top, but you cannot stop here as it’s within the swimming zone.
• 😀 The second landmark is St. George's Island, where you must keep a safety distance of at least 200 meters due to dangerous reefs near the coastline.
• 😀 There are five bays that can be visited, with the first being Blagi Amphitheater Bay. Always enter and exit the bays at a very low speed of three knots.
• 😀 Manolis Bay is the second bay, known for its sea caves. You can anchor and swim inside the cave after entering and exiting through the center.
• 😀 The third bay is the famous Blue Lagoon, where you can anchor on the largest side, keeping the small island to your left. Avoid passing between the island and the land.
• 😀 Anchoring technique: Face the wind, position your boat, throw the anchor, release sufficient rope, tie the rope to the cleat, and switch off the engine.
• 😀 The fifth and last bay is Cape Arad, where entering and exiting through the center is crucial, and do not proceed further due to lack of insurance and safety cover.

Q & A

What should you always do when you are on the boat according to the briefing?

You should always wear your life jacket until it's safe not to do so, ensuring your safety at all times.

What is the first landmark you'll pass when heading towards Akamas Peninsula?

The first landmark is the Bath of Aphrodite, which can be recognized by two large rocks, one of which has a cross on top.

What safety distance must you maintain from the coastline near the swimming zone?

You must maintain a safety distance of at least 200 meters from the coastline near the swimming zone.

Why is it important not to enter or come close to the swimming zone?

Entering or coming close to the swimming zone is prohibited to ensure the safety of swimmers and avoid disturbing the area designated for swimming.

What should you do when approaching St. George's Island?

When approaching St. George's Island, you should maintain a distance of at least 200 meters from the land due to the presence of dangerous reefs close to the coastline.

How long does it take to reach the last bay from the harbor?

It takes about 40 minutes to reach the last bay from the harbor, depending on your pace.

What is the correct procedure for anchoring the boat in any of the bays?

To anchor the boat, face the wind, put the gear in neutral, throw the anchor into the water, let it touch the bottom, and leave extra rope (at least 5-7 times the depth). Tie the rope to the cleat and switch off the engine.

What is the significance of the Blue Lagoon, and how should you navigate around it?

The Blue Lagoon is the largest bay, and when entering, you should leave the small island on your left-hand side. Never pass between the island and the land as it is shallow and rocky.

What precautions should be taken when entering Fontana Amorosa bay?

When entering Fontana Amorosa, take a large turn of at least 200 meters away from the coast to avoid the large reef that separates it from Blue Lagoon, and always enter and exit through the center of the bay.

What should you do if you encounter divers or see a red flag with a white stripe?

If you see a red flag with a white stripe on a boat or buoy, you must stay at least 100 meters away, as divers might be underwater in the area.