Sea Kayaking Along Akamas – Full-Day Trip from Latchi to Blue Lagoon

The distance from the port in Latchi to Blue Lagoon in Akamas is 14 km by sea. With calm seas, it takes 3.5–4.5 hours of paddling along the wild, almost deserted west coast of Akamas. This is one of the most beautiful and challenging kayaking routes in Cyprus – and also one of the most logistically simple, as you can rent a kayak in Latchi and leave it near Blue Lagoon with pickup service.

For an experienced kayaker, this is a 7–8 hour full day on the water (round trip). For a group with one-way transport, it's a perfect 4-hour exploration.

Starting Point: Marina Latchi

Latchi (officially Lakki, Λάκκοι) is a small fishing village 2 km west of Polis Chrysochous. Port: A small marina with approximately 150 spaces for yachts and fishing boats.

Port GPS coordinates: 35.0434° N, 32.4001° E.

Getting there: From Paphos: B7 north → Polis → Latchi, approximately 55 km, 65 minutes. From Nicosia: via Kakopetria → Prodhromos → Polis → Latchi, approximately 100 km, 90 minutes.

Kayak rentals in Latchi:

• Several points at the marina and Latchi Beach
• Sea kayak (single): 20–30 EUR/day
• Sea kayak (tandem): 35–50 EUR/day
• Kayak with delivery to another beach and pickup: +20–30 EUR (available with selected operators)

Operators offering full trips:

• Latchi Watersports Center: Kayak tours to Blue Lagoon, price 30–45 EUR/person.
• Akamas Sea Kayaking (private): Full-day guided trips, 55–70 EUR/person.

Route: Latchi → Blue Lagoon

Total distance: 14 km One-way time: 3.5–4.5 hours (in calm seas, continuous paddling) Return: 3.5–4.5 hours + rest at Blue Lagoon = 8–10 hours

Coastline profile:

Km 0–3: Port Latchi → Fontana Piccola Beach Exit the port onto the open sea (brief exposure at the marina exit). With a gentle NW wind, there are small waves. The first 2 km is coastline with beach houses and one restaurant. After 2.5 km is Latchi Beach (a good spot for a break and to check conditions).

Km 3–7: Western Akamas Cliffs This is where the wild section begins. There is no road along the coast. Basalt and limestone cliffs are 10–30 m high, with foamy water at the base of the rocks. Several small sea caves are accessible in calm water. Be aware of waves reflected off the cliffs – on days with waves >0.5 m, stay 20 m from the wall.

Km 7–10: Smyghies (view from the water) From the water, you can see the characteristic Smyghies plateau (a gravel jeep track runs along the cliff top). Several open bays with sandy bottoms in this section – good places to land and rest (10 minutes on dry land).

Km 10–12: Fontana Amorosa Bay A small bay in front of Blue Lagoon. Quieter than the lagoon itself (fewer boats). Water: turquoise, depth 2–4 m. A good spot for snorkeling (bring your own gear) and your first swim in clear water.

Km 12–14: Blue Lagoon The actual lagoon: intense aquamarine, anchorage for boats from Latchi, rocky platform for access to the water, tranquility. You’re here. 4 hours of paddling behind you – a well-deserved rest.

Sea Conditions and Safety

Wind window for this route: The best weather is in the morning (7:00–11:00) – the sea breeze hasn't started, the sea is calm. After 12:00, the sea breeze from SW-W builds a wave of 0.5–1 m – more challenging paddling.

Wave height:

• 0–0.3 m: Ideal conditions for everyone
• 0.3–0.8 m: Comfortable for experienced paddlers
• 0.8–1.5 m: Difficult, only for very experienced paddlers
• Above 1.5 m: Do not go out

Check forecasts: Windy.com (spot "Latchi" or "Polis"), Windguru (Pafos model). Look for wind speed <12 kts and wave height <0.5 m for optimal conditions.

Mandatory equipment:

• Personal flotation device (PFD): Always, everyone
• Map or underwater GPS (waterproof case for phone)
• Communication device (whistle, handheld flare, or VHF radio)
• Water: minimum 2 liters per person
• Food: Energy snacks (100–200 kcal per hour of paddling)
• Sun protection: Hat, UV50+ shirt, SPF 50 sunscreen in a waterproof container

What not to bring:

• Phones without a waterproof case (sea water can get in at any moment)
• Heavy backpacks (the kayak will be unstable with an asymmetrical load)

Guided Trips vs. Independent

With a guide (recommended for beginners):

• The guide knows the currents, conditions, caves, and landing spots
• Safety float (pontoon rescue) often nearby
• Stories about Akamas nature
• Price: 45–70 EUR/person (including kayak rental)

Independent:

• Requires kayaking experience in the sea (min. 20 hours in open water)
• Mandatory registration of the route with the operator or coast guard (tel. +357 22 805 900)
• Freedom – you stop where and when you want

Kayaking with Children

Sea kayak tandem (two-person) with a child (from approximately 8 years old) in the stern is possible:

• The child sits in the front or between the adult and the stern
• On the first section (Latchi → Fontana Piccola, 3 km), calm conditions for testing
• Child’s life jacket mandatory
• Do not go out with children if the wind >10 kts or waves >0.3 m

For children: A shorter route to the first wild beach (km 5–7) and back takes approximately 3 hours – a good measure for an 8–10 year old.

What to Do in Blue Lagoon Upon Arrival

You’ve arrived – time for a reward:

Swimming and snorkeling:

• Snorkeling at the caves: At the western tip of Blue Lagoon, limestone creates small cavities with tunnels 3–5 m deep – wonderful for snorkeling with a lamp.

Lunch:

• Bring your own – no bar. Sandwiches, fruit, energy bars. Cold drinks only from your own thermos.

Return or Pickup

Option 1 (full loop): Return to Latchi the same way. Time: 3.5–4.5 hours. Fatigue: High. The afternoon wind (SW) often helps on the return (due to the direction).

Option 2 (pickup): Arrange a boat pickup from Latchi marina (Latchi operators offer this service). You paddle one way, and the boat picks you up. Cost: 30–50 EUR (included in the price of some tours).

Option 3 (jeep pickup): Get out at Baths of Aphrodite (2 km from Blue Lagoon) and from there by jeep or taxi from Latchi. Baths of Aphrodite has a large parking lot – you can leave your car at the beginning of the day.

Maps and Resources

Offline maps: Maps.me or Komoot with marked kayak tracks from users. Work on a sunken island.

GPS track: ViaSat Marine Cyprus (free app) shows depths near the shore – useful near the cliffs.

Forum: Cyprus Sea Kayaking Facebook Group (English) – local reports on conditions.

Vacation rentals and houses in Latchi and Polis Chrysochous on CyprusBooker – filter "Latchi" or "Polis". Ideal base for kayakers – port within walking distance, supermarket and fish restaurant.