Sea programmes in Larnaca are almost all private: the vessel is taken whole for your party rather than bought as a seat on a big boat. The reason lies in the bay itself — it is open and shallow, so large excursion ships do not call here, while sailing yachts and traditional wooden boats are moored instead, hired for four hours or half a day.

The route is nearly always the same, because what is interesting lies close by: out of the marina, along the Finikoudes promenade with its row of palms, then east to the empty bays beyond Cape Kiti, where the water is calmer and the bottom shows from the deck. The programme holds one or two long swimming stops, drinks and snacks on board, and often masks and an inflatable mat. There is an evening version too — a sunset run — and on days of city festivals the fireworks are watched from the water.

Practical notes. A private charter is priced per vessel, not per head, so four or six people work out noticeably cheaper each than two. Departures are cancelled on wind and the money returned: the skipper decides in the morning. There is almost no shade on deck, and sunscreen and a hat are needed even for an evening run. In summer, weekend and sunset slots are taken a week ahead.