Jet ski rentals in Cyprus. License-free, but subject to conditions.

Jet ski rental in Cyprus It's possible to rent a jet ski without an operator's license, but that doesn't mean anyone can operate it. The renter must be at least 18 years old, present an ID, and have received instruction on the safe use of the equipment. Regulations in effect since 2020 confirm this exception for specific categories of rented high-speed vessels.

Before departure, the customer's details must be recorded in the rental company's register, and the renter and the rental company's representative must sign a declaration confirming receipt of instructions. Anyone under 18 years of age may be a passenger on a jet ski, but may not operate it.

Jet ski rental in Cyprus without a license from 2020

Until 2020, the possibility of renting a high-speed vessel without a Cypriot operator's license was primarily available to temporary guests on the island.

After the regulations changed, this possibility was also extended to permanent residents, provided that certain requirements were met.

However, this exception does not mean a general abolition of the licensing requirement. It applies to specific vessels rented for private use and is subject to the rules set forth in the regulations on fast small vessels. The official consolidated text of the law provides for the possibility of such rentals to persons aged 18 or older.

Document, register and mandatory instruction

Before issuing a jet ski, the rental company is obliged to check the customer's identity.

The rental register records, among other things, your name, location and contact details, and information related to the rental itself.

The company employee must also explain the rules for safe jet ski operation, its use and the basic rules for moving on water.

Following the briefing, the client and the company representative sign a binding declaration confirming that the required information has been provided.

The rental company is also responsible

The company's responsibilities do not end with handing over the keys.

The rental company is obliged to supervise the use of the scooter and be able to control whether the customer uses it in accordance with the rules.

The applicable regulations stipulate that in the case of rented jet skis, supervision should be provided by the owner or an employee who should be able to react to dangerous behaviour of the user.

Water sports companies themselves must operate legally and have the required permits from local authorities. These conditions also include, among other things, the appropriate qualifications of those responsible for the operation.

Jet skis must stay away from the swimming area

The regulations also specify distances intended to protect people in the water.

Jet ski cannot move closer than 100 meters from the buoys marking the bathing area, except when passing through a properly designated channel.

In the case of towed surface attractions, such as the popular "bananas", a distance of at least 200 meters from the shore or a fixed point.

For aerial activities such as parasailing, this is 300 meters.

The new regulations will result in much higher fines.

Following the recent jet ski incident in Pernera, questions have again been raised about the effectiveness of the current system.

The new law on recreational craft has already been passed in early 2026, but has not yet entered into forceAppropriate regulations are required in advance, prepared by the Shipping Deputy Ministry and other relevant institutions.

The new law is intended to enable much harsher sanctions and more effective enforcement of regulations.

A good example is operating a unit without the required license in a situation where such a license is mandatory. The current fine is 85.43 euros, while after the new regulations come into force it is expected to increase to 1500 euroHigher administrative penalties imposed by the Shipping Deputy Ministry may also be possible.

This distinction is important: Legally renting a jet ski without a license under the conditions provided for in the Act is not the same as operating a unit without a license when the regulations require it.

The most important thing is to check before sailing

Full control of the user once on the water is not always possible, especially when the jet ski is operated by an inexperienced person and the rental period is short.

Therefore, the current system places a lot of responsibility on rental companies – proper instruction, checking customer data and subsequent supervision of behavior on the water.

The new regulations are intended to increase the ability to respond to violations, but until they come into force, the current system remains in force.

Source: Cyprus News Agency (KYPE)