I recently had the chance to take the helm of a speedboat for the first time, something I’ve always wanted to do, and it was nothing short of exhilarating. From the moment I stepped aboard, the experience delivered a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and skill-building.
This opportunity came during my recent family trip to Protaras, Cyprus where apparently, one can rent a boat and self drive without a license.
I found this opportunity with XS Watersport and Stephanos Watersports outside the Silver Sands Hotel, Protaras.
Before setting off, the instructor gave a thorough briefing on safety procedures, boat controls, and navigation basics. Even as a complete novice, I felt confident thanks to their clear guidance and calm demeanor. The boat itself was equipped with intuitive controls, and within minutes, I was steering like a pro (well, almost).
I took out their 100HP Jaroma which was equipped with VHF radio, Cool box, Bluetooth music and a sunshade.
Driving the boat with my crew (my two children) gave me a whole new appreciation for the water. It’s not just about speed—it’s about reading the environment, feeling the rhythm of the waves, and mastering a new kind of freedom. So whether you’re looking for a heart-pounding adventure or a tranquil escape, boat driving offers both.
If you are in the area, I would recommend XS Watersport and Stephanos Watersports, they were absolutely brilliant.
Thank you very much guys, look forward to doing this again soon.
Capt. Morgan (In...
Read moreHuge Disappointment – Stay Away!
We were a group of 10 people, including kids, and we all left extremely disappointed. We booked a banana boat ride expecting some action and fun – like it’s supposed to be – but in reality? The banana moved slower than a paddle boat. It lasted less than 10 minutes, and there was absolutely no thrill. The most frustrating part? When we got off and said we expected to be thrown into the water (as is usually the fun of it), they told us “It’s not allowed to go fast or flip the boat.” So why even offer banana boats and tubes if we’re just sitting on them staring at the sea?
If that’s the rule – say it in advance! Don’t market something fun and deliver something boring.
Another important point – we noticed a lot of “great” reviews, but when you look closer, it seems many of them were written by staff members or their friends. Very misleading. There’s another spot nearby that looks way more professional – do yourself a favor and go there instead.
Bottom line – total waste of time and money. The kids were disappointed, and we felt scammed. We’ll never come back and absolutely do not...
Read moreOutstanding Experience at XS Stephanos Watersports in Protaras, Cyprus
My friend and I visited XS Stephanos Watersports in May 2024, and we were thoroughly impressed with both the parasailing and jet skiing experiences. The prices were fair, and the staff was exceptional—very welcoming and eager to answer any questions we had.
One aspect that truly stood out was their inclusion of photographers who accompanied us during the activities, capturing high-quality images of our experience. For jet skiing, the photographer followed us on a separate jet ski, ensuring that every moment was perfectly documented. This was a significant relief, as it meant we didn't have to worry about bringing our phones and risking them falling into the water.
While the photos come at an additional cost, there’s no doubt that they were worth every euro. The quality and professionalism of the images added an extra layer of value to an already fantastic experience.
We will definitely be returning in the future.
I’d also like to mention that I’ve tried similar companies in the past, and none of them offered this level of...
Read more