Ayia Napa and Cape Greco Tighten Big Marine Tourism Rules for Yacht Charters

Ayia Napa and Cape Greco lie at the heart of Cypriot marine tourism and environmental management initiatives for the year 2026 as the nation tightens regulations related to recreational boating and protected marine regions. The move is taking place against the backdrop of the Cypriot government’s continued management of rising coastal tourism, yacht traffic and marine activities along the eastern coastlines of the nation. Legislation and programs in place currently suggest a greater focus on vessel pollution and marine biodiversity management among other issues.

Cyprus Strengthens Marine Protection

Cyprus has an established network of Marine Protected Areas covering important coastal and marine ecosystems. The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research identifies Kavo Gkreko, or Cape Greco, as one of the country’s Natura 2000 marine areas.

Government information published in March 2026 states that Cyprus has seven marine areas within the national Natura 2000 network, alongside 16 national Marine Protected Areas established under fisheries legislation.

These protected areas cover different ecological environments and can include restrictions on fishing, vessel passage, anchoring and public access, depending on the individual management framework.

For tourism, the measures are particularly relevant to sailing, yacht charters, diving, snorkelling and coastal excursions.

Ayia Napa Connects Yachting With Marine Tourism

Ayia Napa Marina has become an important base for yacht tourism on Cyprus’s southeastern coast. The marina provides facilities for recreational boats and superyachts, with wet berths, dry storage, technical services, restaurants and other visitor amenities.

The marina currently lists 360 wet berths for yachts up to 110 metres, while its wider facilities include dry-stack and dry-dock services. The marina basin has depths ranging from 3.5 to 7 metres, supporting different types of sailing and motor vessels.

The location also places visitors close to the coastal attractions of the Ayia Napa and Cape Greco area. This creates a direct connection between marina tourism, leisure boating and nature-based experiences.

New Navigation Law Covers Marine Pollution

A major regulatory development already in force in Cyprus is the Recreational Navigation in the Republic and Other Related Matters Law of 2026.

The law, dated February 13, 2026, applies to Cypriot vessels and certain foreign vessels operating within the Republic. It includes provisions covering recreational navigation, pleasure-boat chartering, marine pollution, noise pollution, environmental protection and vessel obligations.

The legislation specifically addresses environmental protection and prohibits the discharge of liquid or solid material into the sea. It also contains provisions concerning noise pollution from vessels and restrictions on boat movement.

These requirements are relevant to commercial charter businesses serving tourists, particularly in areas where marine recreation takes place close to protected ecosystems.

Cape Greco Remains Important for Nature Tourism

Cape Greco is one of the key nature destinations on Cyprus’s southeastern coast. Its surrounding marine environment is connected with protected habitats and biodiversity conservation.

Cyprus’s Department of Fisheries and Marine Research identifies protected marine habitats including Posidonia meadows, which provide important ecological functions. The government also lists protected species such as sea turtles and the Mediterranean monk seal among the conservation priorities of its marine protected-area network.

For visitors, Cape Greco offers access to coastal landscapes, swimming areas, boat excursions, snorkelling and diving experiences. Marine protection therefore has a direct connection with the tourism activities that bring visitors to the region.

Ayia Napa Marine Protected Area Adds Underwater Tourism

The Ayia Napa Marine Protected Area also forms part of Cyprus’s marine tourism offering.

According to the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, the Ayia Napa MPA covers approximately 1.85 square kilometres. It includes the MUSAN Underwater Sculpture Museum, where 93 underwater sculptures have been deployed at depths of approximately 8.5 to 10.5 metres.

The area also includes the vessel KERYNIA, which was deployed as an artificial reef in 2015. Diving, freediving, snorkelling and swimming are among the permitted activities, while fishing is prohibited within the artificial-reef MPA. Vessel transit and anchoring are regulated under the applicable rules.

This gives visitors another marine tourism experience beyond conventional beach holidays.

What Yacht Travellers Need to Know

Tourists interested in arranging charters of boats around Ayia Napa and Cape Greco would be required to consider the operating procedures that are applicable to them and the boat. Environmental laws may dictate how the boat is allowed to anchor, how the boat manages waste management and wastewater disposal, and how the operator conducts himself/herself around the marine environments that are considered protected. The national framework concerning maritime laws further demands that all activities carried out in the maritime industry be in line with any license and spatial planning requirements. Tourists can use the Larnaca International Airport to get to Ayia Napa and will find facilities such as hotels, restaurants, beaches, and marine excursion opportunities. Ayia Napa Marina is located along Ayia Thekla Avenue and is an important entrance to the yachting world of southern Cyprus.