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The crystal clear, warm Mediterranean Sea which surrounds Cyprus is truly irresistible. Add this to the fabulous climate, hours of sunshine and you are in heaven. Water sports are extremely popular with people who travel to the island, as the calm conditions offer a relaxed setting for all types of activities.
Sailing is a wonderful, serene experience as there are virtually no tides around the coast. Many companies are around offering either the chance to learn to sail, or hire out a skippered yacht. Once aboard your yacht it is possible that you will spot swimming turtles or diving dolphins. Sailing yachts can be hired from an hour up to a whole day, food can be provided or you can catch your own lunch! There are some nice coves around the island, where it is a great idea to stop and go snorkelling.
Cyprus is a perfect place to learn to dive and it offers some spectacular wrecks to explore. Many companies are located around the island providing an excellent service to any level of diver. Near Ayia Napa there are a selection of caves and reefs, each with amazing visibility and coral growth. Larnaca offers the chance to see some awesome wrecks, including H.M.S Cricket and the Zenobia ferry. The Jubilee Shoals, located in the Paphos area, is a fantastic submarine cliff with pinnacles, caves and overhangs. This site is only recommended for more experienced divers, many large predatory fish have been spotted here. There are other beautiful diving sites in the Papos and Limassol areas, offering wrecks, reefs, caves and walls.
North Cyprus is ideal for people wishing to take up windsurfing. Calm coves in this part of the island offer the perfect setting. Stronger windsurfers should head to Pissouri Bay where there are fantastic conditions and qualified, experienced instructors who provide great kit for hire.
Various powerboat trips are available throughout the main resorts in Cyprus; an experienced driver will take you for a trip to discover the magnificent coastline. It is essential to wear plenty of sunscreen whilst on one of these trips, due to the sun's rays reflecting against the water. Powerboats can also be hired for those wanting to go water-skiing, tuition is provided for beginners and the calm, warm sea is an excellent place to start. Extremely popular with almost everyone is the traditional banana boat ride – hold on tight and be sure to wear a life jacket.
To hire a jet ski in Cyprus you will need to provide your driving licence. Jet skis are a fun way to speed up and down the coast and most of the beaches in the main resorts will have a selection for hire. Make sure you are aware of, and avoid any military zones and nesting turtle beaches. For a relaxing paddle along the calm coastline and the chance to spot tropical fish and swimming turtles, canoes are available for hire.
This article was written by Stacy Orton who is a member of the locations development team at Premier Holidays. Premier Holidays offers a wide range of luxury private villas in Cyprus, including Limassol and Paphos.
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