Paphos: Akamas Gorge & Turtle Bay & Donkey Farm Jeep Safari Tour

The Paphos: Akamas Gorge & Turtle Bay & Donkey Farm Jeep Safari Tour offers an engaging way to explore some of Cyprus’s most stunning natural and cultural sites. Priced at $58.22 per person, this 7 to 8-hour adventure is specially designed for travelers who want to see the highlights of Paphos in a single day, with private transportation included. Known for its knowledgeable guides and lively commentary, the tour is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and animal encounters, though it involves moderate physical activity and some walking.

With more than 30 reviews and a rating of 4.5 out of 5, this tour maintains strong popularity among visitors. It particularly appeals to families, groups, and anyone craving an active outing with plenty of photo opportunities. The tour’s highlights include spectacular sea caves, Avakas Gorge’s limestone cliffs, and Turtle Bay’s conservation efforts. While it’s a comprehensive experience, travelers should be prepared for a busy pace and some rushed stops, especially in popular spots.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $58.22 per person and lasts about 7 to 8 hours.
• All-Inclusive Stops: It covers sea caves, Avakas Gorge, Turtle Bay, Baths of Aphrodite, and Donkey Farm.
• Transport: Private jeep transportation ensures comfort and flexibility, with pickup offered from Paphos.
• Guides and Experience: Expect an enthusiastic guide who shares detailed insights and keeps the energy high.
• Physical Level: Moderate physical activity required; some stops involve walking and uneven terrain.
• Food: Lunch is not included but is available at Latchi Harbour, giving flexibility to choose your meal.

Starting Point and Transportation in Paphos

The tour departs from Paphos, with pickup offered from your accommodation. The journey is conducted via private jeep, which is well-suited for gravel roads along the coast and inland routes. The group sizes are small, limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, which helps maintain a personal, engaging atmosphere. This setup makes it easier to move quickly between stops and enjoy a more intimate experience.

The transportation includes transfers between each stop, with timings like 20-minute drives to sea caves, 15 minutes to Avakas Gorge, and about 40 minutes back to Paphos at the end. The route emphasizes comfort and efficiency, allowing more time for exploring each location.

Exploring the Sea Caves of Cyprus

The adventure kicks off at the sea caves, where the rugged coastline reveals natural formations carved over thousands of years. Visitors can expect fantastic photo opportunities of these impressive sea caves, which highlight Cyprus’s geological history. The guide provides context about the caves’ formation, and the location is just a 20-minute transfer from the starting point.

While the caves are a highlight, note that this stop is mainly for viewing and photos, with admission included. Expect a brief visit but plenty of time to appreciate the dramatic scenery.

Visiting the Church of Agios Georgios

Next, the tour takes you to the Church of Agios Georgios, a site that offers a glimpse into local religious architecture and history. The 10-minute transfer makes it an easy stop to stretch your legs and learn about Cyprus’s cultural heritage. The church’s architecture and the surrounding area make for a peaceful break and an opportunity for some photos.

This stop is brief, around 20 minutes, but provides a nice cultural contrast after the natural scenery.

Discovering Avakas Gorge with Limestone Cliffs

One of the tour’s highlights is Avakas Gorge, an area renowned for its towering limestone cliffs and narrow passage carved over millennia. You can expect to see diverse plant species, including rare orchids, and possibly spot wildlife like foxes and hares. The 15-minute transfer leads to a one-hour exploration of the gorge, where you can walk along rocky paths through shady, humid environments.

The guide explains the erosive processes that formed the gorge and points out notable flora and fauna. While walking is involved, the terrain is manageable for most, but those with mobility challenges should be aware of uneven surfaces.

Turtle Bay and the Conservation Station

A major highlight is Lara Bay, home to a turtle conservation station. The tiny wooden station is crucial in helping baby turtles hatch and head to sea. The 30-minute stop offers a chance to learn about turtle conservation efforts and observe the tiny creatures, though the timing in relation to turtle hatching depends on the season.

Visitors often find this stop both educational and adorable, especially since the station is away from tourist crowds, offering a serene environment for observing nature’s gentle process.

Lunch at Latchi Harbour

After visiting Turtle Bay, the tour proceeds to Latchi Harbour, where travelers have about an hour to enjoy lunch. The restaurant at Porto Latsi specializes in fresh seafood, allowing guests to select their meal in a laid-back atmosphere by the water. Lunch is not included in the tour price, giving flexibility to choose what to eat and enjoy the scenic harbor views.

This stop provides a relaxing break before continuing to the mythic Baths of Aphrodite and animal encounters at Dipotamos Donkey Farm.

Visiting the Baths of Aphrodite

The Baths of Aphrodite draw on local legends, where the goddess of love is said to have bathed. The site features a small natural pool and rocky surroundings, perfect for a brief visit. The 15-minute transfer from Latchi makes it easy to include in the day’s itinerary.

Visitors find this stop fascinating for its mythological significance and natural beauty. The site isn’t large, but its legend makes it memorable.

Animal Encounters at Dipotamos Donkey Farm

The tour concludes with a visit to Dipotamos Donkey Farm, a friendly farm where you can meet and interact with donkeys. The 10-minute transfer brings you to the farm, and the 20-minute stop is ideal for animal lovers and families with children. Visitors can touch and feed the donkeys, making it a fun and lighthearted end to the day.

The friendly guides ensure a warm experience, and the farm’s relaxed atmosphere leaves a lasting impression.

Final Return to Paphos and Tour Overview

After the donkey farm, the group heads back to Paphos, with a 40-minute transfer. The journey concludes the day’s adventure, leaving plenty of time to reflect on the diverse sights seen. This tour balances natural beauty, cultural insights, and animal experiences in a compact, well-organized package.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is especially suitable for adventurous travelers who enjoy moderate walking, photo opportunities, and exploring outdoors. It appeals to families, animal lovers, and history enthusiasts alike. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, but those seeking a more relaxed pace might find some stops rushed.

While lunch isn’t included, the flexibility to eat at Latchi Harbour allows for personal preference, making it ideal for foodies who want local seafood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, private jeep transportation is part of the tour, with pickups offered from Paphos.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, covering multiple stops across Cyprus’s western highlights.

What is the physical difficulty level?
The tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven terrains like the gorge and rocky paths.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there is time to eat at Latchi Harbour, where a variety of seafood options are available.

What are the main highlights?
Expect sea caves, Avakas Gorge, Turtle Bay, Baths of Aphrodite, and the Dipotamos Donkey Farm.

How many people are in the group?
The group is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are the stops rushed?
Some reviews mention the stops are brief and somewhat rushed, especially for natural sites like the gorge, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Who should avoid this tour?
Those with mobility issues or who prefer a more relaxed pace may find some stops challenging.

How can I contact the provider?
You can reach Safari Dimitris at +35799060430 or [email protected] for more details.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children who are able to walk and enjoy outdoor activities will find it engaging, especially animal encounters and scenic views.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of natural wonders, cultural sites, and animal interaction, along with enthusiastic guides, creates a memorable day in Cyprus.

This jeep safari promises an exhilarating yet organized way to see the most captivating sights of Paphos, blending adventure with education. Its small-group format and diverse stops make it a practical choice for visitors eager to explore Cyprus’s iconic landscapes and legends in a single day.