Latchi Boat Cruises and Akamas Safaris
Tours around Polis fall into three groups, set out in order below: sailings from Latchi harbour, jeep or buggy runs on the Akamas, and packages that join the two. Latchi is a short drive west of Polis Chrysochous, and Paphos is about 35 km away.
Tour types compared
| Type | Starts from | What you get | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lagoon cruise | Latchi harbour | Swim stop from the anchored boat, coast views, Baths of Aphrodite seen from the sea | Crowds from 11:00 to 14:00 in summer |
| Glass-bottom boat | Latchi harbour | Viewing the sea below the boat | Check inclusions and times with the operator |
| 4x4 or buggy safari | Mostly Paphos and Coral Bay | Unpaved Akamas tracks guided by a driver | Quad accidents are flagged as frequent |
| Boat plus 4x4 combination | Listed on TUI and Musement | Sea and track in one day | Early start, long day, prices vary |
The boats
The names that appear on booking sites are Nafsika II and Koulla (run as Cyprus Mini Cruises and Latchi Boat Trips), Atlantis Boat Latchi and Paphos Sea Cruises. The Latchi Queen offers a sunset trip. For a basic cruise of 2.5 to 3 hours booking sites quote about 25 to 30 US dollars an adult, and the longer all-inclusive trips start at EUR 65. A few trips supply fruit and local wine or snorkelling kit, so compare what each price covers.
The jeep and buggy runs
Pick-up is usually arranged from Paphos or Coral Bay, so ask whether the operator collects from Polis. The Akamas track beyond the Baths of Aphrodite is where these tours earn their keep, because tarmac stops there and the way on to Fontana Amorosa has potholes, loose stone and steep drops. An April 2026 Audit Office report on the area singled out quad-bike accidents. When you book a quad or buggy, ask about helmets, briefing and group size.
Doing your own driving
A normal rental car is not built for the unpaved Akamas track, and most rental contracts exclude it. If you want to drive, take a 4x4 whose contract allows unpaved roads. Otherwise a tour, a bike or a boat from Latchi covers the same ground.
A closed gorge
The Avakas Gorge trail has been closed to visitors since 6 December 2025, and chains and signs mark the entrance. Skip any tour that offers a stop there, and ask the Forestry Department for the current position. The gorge is on the Pegeia and Kathikas side of the Akamas, away from Polis.
Booking tips
- Choose a sailing outside the midday window if swimming matters to you.
- Check the pick-up point and the return time for every land tour.
- Read the cancellation terms, as policies differ by operator.
Look through Latchi tours on GetYourGuide and read the Cyprus Mail report on Akamas roads before choosing a land tour.
Read more: day trip transport from Polis , everyday activities and the Paphos guide .