Cyprus Diving Sea Sites
Does Cyprus Have Good Scuba Diving?
Scuba diving in Cyprus offers a unique and unforgettable experience for divers of all levels. The island’s stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life create the perfect setting for underwater adventures that cater to a variety of interests.
One of the defining characteristics of scuba diving in Cyprus is the exceptional visibility in its waters. Whether you’re exploring reefs, underwater tunnels, or shipwrecks, the clarity of the Mediterranean Sea surrounding Cyprus allows for an immersive and awe-inspiring underwater experience. You’ll have the opportunity to observe marine life and intricate details with astonishing clarity.
Cyprus offers a diverse range of dive sites, making it suitable for divers with varying preferences and skill levels. Beginners can enjoy gentle dives along shallow dive sites, while more experienced divers can explore dramatic drop-offs and challenging shipwrecks. The island’s underwater topography provides a wide range of underwater environments to discover.
One of Cyprus’s major attractions is its shipwrecks and the amazing visibility. The Zenobia shipwreck, near Larnaka, is renowned worldwide and often considered among the top wreck dives globally. Diving alongside this massive ferry, with its ghostly corridors and marine residents, is an unforgettable experience.
Beyond shipwrecks, Cyprus offers vibrant reefs with rich marine life. Especially in the Famagusta region (Protaras and Ayia Napa) the sea is calm, the dive sites are accessible and are free of strong currents, with amazing visibility most days. These sites provide excellent opportunities for underwater photography and encounters with a dazzling array of fish species.
The Akamas Peninsula, located in the west of Cyprus, offers dramatic underwater landscapes, including underwater caves, tunnels, and unique rock formations. These sites are perfect for advanced divers seeking adventure.
Marine life in Cyprus is abundant and diverse. Loggerhead Sea Turtles are a beloved sight for divers and conservation enthusiasts. The Mediterranean waters are also home to colorful fish species, octopuses, moray eels, rays, and many other fascinating creatures. Exploring shipwrecks adds an exciting dimension to diving in Cyprus, as these artificial reefs often attract a variety of marine species.
Whether you’re interested in wreck diving, exploring reefs, or navigating underwater tunnels, Cyprus caters to every preference. Its mild climate ensures that divers can enjoy the underwater world year-round, making it a top destination for scuba enthusiasts.
Cyprus, a Mediterranean gem, is a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts. With its warm waters, diverse marine life, and captivating underwater landscapes, it offers a world-class diving experience.
One of the island’s standout features is its collection of shipwrecks. The most famous of these is the Zenobia shipwreck, located near Larnaka. This colossal ferry sank in 1980 and now rests on its side, creating an eerie yet fascinating dive site. Divers can explore its corridors, cargo holds, and witness the marine life that has made it their home.
Furthermore Cyprus is home to the MUSAN, one of the most amazing underwater museums with statues and beautiful marine life. The dive site is very shallow making it suitable for open water divers and snorkelers.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, Cyprus offers something for everyone. Its warm climate ensures that diving is possible year-round, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure beneath the waves.
Which Type of Dive Sites Will You Find Around Cyprus?
Cyprus offers a diverse range of dive sites, ensuring that divers of all interests and experience levels can find something to suit their preferences. Here are some of the types of dive sites you can explore around the island:
Shipwrecks: Cyprus is renowned for its shipwrecks, with the Zenobia wreck near Larnaka being the most famous. You can explore both ancient and more recent wrecks, each with its own unique history and marine life.
Underwater Caves and Tunnels: The Akamas Peninsula is a hotspot for underwater caves, tunnels, and dramatic rock formations. You can also find amazing caves and tunnels in Protaras. These sites provide exciting exploration opportunities for advanced divers.
Reef Dives: Cyprus has various reef systems where you can spot a variety of marine species, including octopuses, moray eels, and more. These sites are often suitable for divers of all levels.
Wall Dives: Some areas feature underwater walls that descend into the depths, providing breathtaking views.
Cyprus’ diverse underwater landscapes and thriving marine ecosystems make it a top destination for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Cyprus, known for its exceptional scuba diving opportunities, offers a range of fantastic beaches for divers to explore. The ideal beach for scuba diving largely depends on your diving preferences and the location on the island. Here are some top choices:
Larnaka: This city is famous for the Zenobia shipwreck dive, often regarded as one of the world’s best wreck dives (it is frequently featured in the top 10 wreck dives). It’s an ideal spot for experienced divers seeking an unforgettable underwater adventure. The Zenobia ferry, one of the world’s most famous wreck dives, offers an eerie and captivating underwater adventure. Explore its corridors and cargo holds surrounded by marine life.
Protaras and Ayia Napa: Protaras and Ayia Napa have some of the most amazing crystal clear and calm waters in the Mediterranean and are home to some of the most beautiful dive sites suitable for a wide range of diving activities: From intro dives to technical diving. The area also hosts the MUSAN museum, an amazing underwater museum with beautiful statues. Other dive sites include: Green Bay, Cyclops, Chapel, Octopus, Da Costa, as well as numerous smaller wrecks.
Paphos: Located on the western coast of Cyprus, Paphos offers a mix of dive sites, including the famous Amphitheatre and Achilleas shipwrecks. It’s an excellent base for divers exploring the western part of the island.
Akamas Peninsula: If you’re interested in remote and natural dive sites, the Akamas Peninsula is an excellent option with its underwater caves, tunnels, and striking landscapes.
