North Cyprus Fishing – The Ultimate Guide to Fishing Boat Trips

The Mediterranean waters surrounding North Cyprus offer some of the most exciting sport fishing in the Eastern Mediterranean. Whether you're an experienced angler chasing bluefin tuna or a family looking to catch your first fish, North Cyprus has a growing number of professional fishing charter operators offering unforgettable days at sea.

Most fishing charters depart from the historic harbour in Kyrenia Harbour, giving quick access to deep offshore waters where large pelagic species can often be found within an hour of leaving port.

Why Fish in North Cyprus?

North Cyprus is uniquely positioned where deep Mediterranean waters meet a rugged coastline, creating ideal conditions for a wide variety of fish species.

Visitors enjoy:

• Clear, warm Mediterranean waters

• Deep offshore fishing grounds

• Year-round fishing opportunities

• Experienced local skippers

• Modern charter boats

• Small-group experiences

• Beautiful coastal scenery

• Relaxed atmosphere

Unlike many European fishing destinations, you're often fishing in uncrowded waters with very little competition from other boats.

What Can You Catch?

Depending on the season, weather and fishing method, catches may include:

Pelagic Species

• Bluefin Tuna

• Albacore Tuna

• Skipjack Tuna

• Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish)

• Swordfish

• Spearfish

Reef & Bottom Fish

• Dusky Grouper

• Barracuda

• Amberjack

• Dentex

• Common Pandora

• Yellowtail

• Sea Bream

The larger offshore species are generally targeted during longer full-day trips, while half-day charters focus more on reef and inshore species.

Fishing Techniques

Professional skippers tailor the trip according to the season and target species.

Common methods include:

• Trolling

• Bottom fishing

• Jigging

• Drift fishing

• Live bait fishing

• Spinning

• Offshore game fishing

Beginners receive full instruction, while experienced anglers can often use more advanced techniques.

Types of Fishing Trips

Half-Day Fishing

Usually around 5 hours.

Ideal for:

• Families

• Beginners

• Holidaymakers

• Children (age restrictions may apply)

You'll usually fish closer to shore targeting reef fish before returning to harbour.

Full-Day Offshore Fishing

Typically 8–10 hours.

These trips venture much further offshore in search of larger game fish.

Ideal for:

• Experienced anglers

• Small groups

• Sport fishing enthusiasts

Expect longer runs to deeper water and the opportunity to target tuna, swordfish and other large pelagic species.

Private Charters

Many operators offer exclusive hire for:

• Families

• Friends

• Corporate groups

• Special occasions

Private charters allow you to customise:

• Departure time

• Fishing style

• Duration

• Target species

• Swimming stops

• Lunch arrangements

Fishing Charter Operators

North Cyprus now has several highly regarded charter operators.

1. North Cyprus Fishing – Captain Dennis Davut

Vela Yachting LTD (operating North Cyprus Fishing charters)

Captain Dennis originally comes from Australia and has over 30 years' experience fishing the waters around North Cyprus.

Highlights include:

• 33-foot Dawson Flybridge

• Twin 300 HP Cummins engines

• Air-conditioned cabin

• Toilet

• Kitchen

• Sleeping berths

• Premium Penn & Shimano tackle

• Up to eight passengers

Suitable for beginners through to experienced offshore anglers.

2. Cyprus Offshore

A premium offshore sport-fishing operator specialising in serious game fishing.

Highlights include:

• 44-foot Wellcraft sport-fishing boat

• Captain Barbaros Özkaptan

• Air conditioning

• Shower

• Kitchen

• Beds

• Professional electronics

• Offshore tuna and swordfish trips

Ideal for anglers wanting a genuine big-game fishing experience.

3. Friend Ship Fishing

A friendly family-focused charter operated by Captain Bekir Kasapoğlu.

Features include:

• 29-foot fishing boat

• GPS

• Fish finder

• Live bait well

• Toilet

• Galley

• Refrigerator

• Comfortable seating

A great option for families and small groups wanting a relaxed day on the water.

4. Fishing With LadyBoss

Captain Özgür Gökasan offers a mix of offshore and recreational fishing trips from Kyrenia.

Boat features include:

• 34-foot wooden sport-fishing boat

• Fish finder

• GPS

• Cabin

• Kitchen

• Toilet

• Ice storage

• Professional fishing equipment

Trips are suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.

What Is Included?

Most operators include:

• Professional skipper

• Fuel

• Rods and reels

• Tackle

• Bait

• Safety equipment

• Soft drinks or water

Some trips also include:

• Lunch

• Snacks

• Fresh fruit

• Swimming stops

• Fish cleaning

Always check exactly what's included when booking.

Best Time for Fishing

Fishing is available throughout much of the year, although target species change with the seasons.

Spring

Excellent for:

• Barracuda

• Reef species

• Amberjack

Summer

Peak season for:

• Tuna

• Mahi-Mahi

• Offshore fishing

• Calm seas

Autumn

Often regarded as one of the best fishing seasons.

Excellent opportunities for:

• Tuna

• Swordfish

• Grouper

Winter

Weather dependent but still productive for:

• Bottom fishing

• Reef species

• Local charters

Boat Facilities

Modern charter boats commonly include:

• Toilet

• Covered seating

• Sun deck

• Refrigerator

• Kitchen facilities

• GPS navigation

• Fish finder

• Safety equipment

• Life jackets

• Freshwater shower (larger boats)

Premium offshore vessels may also include air-conditioned cabins and sleeping accommodation.

What Should You Bring?

Recommended items include:

• Sunglasses

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Camera

• Soft-soled shoes

• Light jacket (early season)

• Motion sickness tablets if required

Most equipment is provided, so there is usually no need to bring your own fishing tackle unless you have a favourite setup.

Prices

Typical guide prices are:

• Shared Half-Day Charter - €70–€90 per person

• Private Half-Day - €400–€500 per boat

• Full-Day Offshore Charter - €650–€800 per boat

Prices vary depending on the season, boat size and number of anglers.

Is It Suitable for Beginners?

Absolutely.

Many guests have never fished before.

Professional captains will:

• Demonstrate how to use the equipment

• Help bait hooks

• Teach fishing techniques

• Assist with landing fish

• Explain local species

Children are welcome on many trips, although minimum age limits vary by operator.

Conservation

Responsible operators encourage sustainable fishing by:

• Respecting seasonal regulations

• Using legal fishing methods

• Returning undersized fish

• Protecting breeding stocks

• Respecting marine wildlife

Some charters also practise catch-and-release for certain species.

Why Choose a Fishing Charter?

A fishing charter offers far more than simply catching fish. It combines adventure, spectacular Mediterranean scenery, expert local knowledge and the excitement of never knowing what might take the bait next. Whether you land a trophy bluefin tuna or simply enjoy a peaceful morning drifting over crystal-clear water, it's an experience that showcases a completely different side of North Cyprus.

For visitors seeking an authentic outdoor adventure beyond the beaches, a professionally guided fishing trip is one of the island's most rewarding activities.

Other Boat Trip Operators you may be interested in:

Cyprus Active

Cyprus Offshore

Fishing with Ladyboss

Friend Ship Fishing

GNY Boat Trips

Happy Sea

Sabrina Boat Tours

Scuba Cyprus

Vela Boat Trips