Yacht or Boat Rental in Northern Cyprus

In Northern Cyprus, renting a yacht or boat is easiest in Kyrenia (Girne): this is where the largest concentration of pleasure boats, private charters, and fishing trips is found. As of March 22, 2026, short group trips from Kyrenia harbour start at approximately 10 EUR per person, day tours from 30 EUR per person, and a private boat for a small group usually costs from 60 EUR per hour. For tourists and visitors to Northern Cyprus, the standard format is a rental with a captain, requiring no separate license from the client.

In practice, this means that for a short trip you can arrange everything directly at the harbour, while for fishing, sunset tours, or private sea outings, it is better to book in advance and immediately clarify what is included in the price: captain, fuel, drinks, swimming stops, and cancellation terms due to weather.

• Available rental formats
• Where to rent a yacht or boat
• How much it costs
• Is a license required
• What to check before booking
• Glossary
• Frequently Asked Questions

Available rental formats

In Northern Cyprus, boat and yacht rentals are usually divided into four main formats: group trips, private charters, sunset tours, and fishing trips. It is better to choose the format based on the purpose of the trip rather than the size of the vessel: swimming, a calm sea outing, a celebration, a photoshoot, or fishing.

Where to rent a yacht or boat

The main rental point in Northern Cyprus is Kyrenia Harbour. There, it is easier to find both budget trips and private charters for small groups. Additionally, boats and fishing trips can be found in Bogaz and Famagusta. More private and marina-based options are found in the Karpaz area and at Karpaz Gate Marina.

Kyrenia

In Kyrenia Harbour, the selection is widest: from short sea trips to full-day tours and private outings. One operator that publishes sea tour options in advance is Vela Yachting. If your trip to Northern Cyprus is not yet organized, it is convenient to check flights in advance via Aviasales.

Bogaz and Famagusta

These locations are often chosen for the east coast of Northern Cyprus and for calmer sea outings. There are fewer offers here than in Kyrenia, so it is better to coordinate the date and format in advance.

Karpaz

The Karpaz area is best suited for those seeking a more private format and longer routes along the peninsula. This is not the most mass-market segment, but this is where more marina-style and long-term charters are found.

How much it costs

The price depends on the season, vessel size, duration of the trip, route, and included services. For Northern Cyprus in March 2026, you can expect the following ranges:

In high season, costs may be higher than in spring and autumn. For a private charter, it is safer to request the price directly in EUR and separately clarify if fuel and the captain are included.

Is a license required

For standard yacht or boat rentals in Northern Cyprus, a license is not required from the client because the most common format is a sea outing with a captain. For tourists and short-term holidays, this is considered the basic option.

The bareboat format, where the vessel is taken without a captain, is much rarer and depends on the specific operator. If such an option is available, the company separately verifies the renter's experience and skipper qualifications.

What to check before booking

Before paying, it is important to clarify the service details, not just the price. In Northern Cyprus, conditions can vary significantly even for similar-looking boats.

• Is the captain included in the price;
• Is fuel included;
• Are drinks, snacks, or lunch provided on board;
• How long the sea outing lasts;
• How many passengers are allowed on the vessel;
• Are there swimming stops;
• What are the cancellation rules for wind and sea swells;
• How tackle and catch are handled if it is a fishing trip.

For full-day trips, travel insurance might also be useful. Tripinsurance is suitable for this type of travel. If you need mobile internet without a local SIM card, you can set up Drimsim in advance.

How to do it

1. Define the format: trip, sunset tour, fishing, or private charter.
2. Choose the departure point, most often Kyrenia Harbour.
3. Compare terms from 2–3 operators or captains.
4. Clarify the price in EUR and the service package before transferring a deposit.
5. Before heading out, check the exact location, weather, and boarding time.

Glossary

• Charter — renting a boat or yacht for a specific time, usually for a few hours, half a day, or a full day.
• Bareboat — renting a vessel without a captain. For this format, the operator usually requires experience and appropriate documentation.
• Marina — an equipped harbour for mooring yachts and boats, with docks and service infrastructure.
• Private charter — a private sea outing for your group only, without outside passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the easiest place to rent a yacht in Northern Cyprus?

The widest selection is usually found in Kyrenia Harbour. It is easier to find both budget trips and private charters there.

How much does a boat trip in Kyrenia cost?

Short group trips start at approximately 10 EUR per person, and day tours from 30 EUR per person.

Can I rent a boat for just a couple of hours?

Yes, short hourly charters are available in Northern Cyprus, especially for small private boats.

Do I need a license to rent a yacht?

For a standard rental with a captain — no. This format is the primary one for tourists and visitors to Northern Cyprus.

Can I take a boat for fishing?

Yes, you should usually look for a specific fishing charter with equipment, rather than a regular pleasure yacht.

Where else do boats depart from, besides Kyrenia?

In addition to Kyrenia, boats and yachts in Northern Cyprus can also be found in Bogaz, Famagusta, and the Karpaz area.