Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in Cyprus: Everything You Need to Know
You might not expect this from a tiny island floating between Greece and the Middle East, but Cyprus has quietly built a cult following among divers. Why? Because few places mix accessibility, beauty, history, and marine drama quite like this sun-soaked gem. Whether you're just blowing bubbles for the first time or you’ve logged hundreds of dives and crave a wreck with a pulse (like the Zenobia wreck), Cyprus throws something unexpected your way.
Let’s walk through everything worth knowing, booking, and dreaming about when it comes to scuba diving in Cyprus.
So, Is Cyprus Actually Good for Diving?
Short answer? Yup.
Longer answer: It’s probably one of the most underrated dive destinations in Europe. The visibility? Ridiculously clear. Think 25 to 40 meters on a good day. The water temp? Warm enough that even in a 5mm suit you won’t be shivering (April to November is the sweet spot). And the variety? From ancient underwater ruins to wrecks that are almost too cinematic to be real.
Plus, Cyprus has that rare balance: relaxed enough for beginners, deep and thrilling enough for tech divers.
Where Are the Best Dive Sites in Cyprus?
Ah, now we’re talking.
Green Bay (Protaras)
This is the perfect soft launch into diving. Calm, shallow, and crawling with sea life. It’s also where many discover that "just one dive" is never really just one.
Zenobia Wreck (Larnaca)
The crown jewel. A 172-meter Swedish ferry that sank in 1980 with over 100 articulated lorries still chained to its deck. It’s eerie, it’s massive, and it's consistently ranked among the top ten wreck dives in the world.
MUSAN (Ayia Napa)
Think: underwater art gallery meets ghost forest. Over 90 sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor form the world’s first underwater forest. Surreal and incredibly photogenic.
Cape Greco Caves & Cyclops Cave
Natural swim-throughs, rock arches, and that kind of underwater light that makes you forget time exists.
Liberty & Nemesis Wrecks (Protaras)
Two purpose-sunk vessels practically neighbors. Great for intermediate divers who want that wreck thrill without the Zenobia depth.
Chapel Site (Ayia Napa)
Beneath a cliffside church, this spot blends visual drama with biodiversity. Groupers, fossils, moray eels. Oh, and yes—octopuses that look like they stepped off a Pixar set.
What Will I See Underwater?
Let me paint a picture.
Turtles gliding through sea grass. Morays poking their snaky heads from rocky hideouts. Lionfish looking both gorgeous and mildly dangerous. And if you time it right? You might catch a squid flashing colors like it’s putting on a light show just for you.
Even the "man-made" sites like Liberty wreck or MUSAN are now ecosystems of their own, teeming with nudibranchs, jacks, and shoals of fish that seem to dance in the current.
When's the Best Time to Dive Here?
April to November is the dream window. The shoulder seasons (April/May and October/November) offer the best balance: warm seas, fewer crowds, and plenty of marine action.
Summer (June-August): Super warm water, but it can get busy.
Autumn (September-November): Warm and calm, with bonus visibility.
Winter: More advanced divers only. You might need a thicker wetsuit, but you’ll have the ocean to yourself.
What Kind of Dives Can I Do?
Pretty much all flavors are on the menu:
Intro Dives: No license? No problem. Get a taste with full supervision.
Fun Dives: You’re certified? Let’s go explore.
Night Dives: Bring a torch—watch the sea change personalities after sunset.
Boat Dives: Quick trips to less accessible spots.
Shore Dives: Walk in and go. Easy, breezy, beautiful.
Oh, and don’t forget the Bubbles Dive for kids aged 6+. Yes, they can breathe underwater too (and brag about it).
Can I Get Certified in Cyprus?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the easiest places in Europe to do so.
Open Water Diver: Your passport to the underwater world.
Advanced Open Water: Go deeper, go longer, explore more.
Enriched Air (Nitrox): Stay down longer, feel less tired.
Rescue Diver: Learn to keep yourself and others safe.
Dive Master & Assistant Instructor: Start your journey toward teaching.
Plus, everything from theory to open water skills can happen at places like Green Bay, which is basically a giant natural pool.
What Does It All Cost?
Let’s break it down (rough estimates):
Intro dive: €75 - €99 (usually includes pickup, photos, gear)
Certified fun dive: €45 - €60 per dive
Wreck dive (Zenobia): €90+ (includes boat & guide)
Full Open Water course: €400 - €500
Nitrox / Advanced / Rescue Courses: Varies, but usually bundled with dives
Most dive schools include rental gear in the price, but always check.
Quick Tips for Planning Your Dive Holiday
Stay close to the action: Protaras, Ayia Napa, or Larnaca
Transport: Rent a car if you want freedom; otherwise, most schools offer hotel pickups
Gear: Bring your own mask/snorkel for comfort. Everything else? Rent it.
Packing list: Reef-safe sunscreen, dive logbook, GoPro, drybag, sea sickness tablets (for boat dives)
Oh, and bring your sense of humor. Dive boats in Cyprus tend to have chill vibes and salty jokes.
Real Questions People Ask (You Might Too)
"Is Cyprus safe for diving?" Very. The dive community is tight-knit and professional.
"Do I need a license to try it out?" Nope. Intro dives are fully guided. AquaNaut Diving School even has a special for you.
"Can kids do it?" Yes! Bubbles Dive starts at age 6, Junior Open Water at 10.
"Is the Zenobia scary?" Only in the thrilling, can’t-believe-what-I’m-seeing way.
Why AquaNaut in Protaras Might Just Be the Perfect Spot
You roll up, and there it is: Green Bay Beach, a few sandy steps away from your first giant stride. The vibe? Warm, local, friendly, but professional. Hotel pickup, full gear, underwater photos included. And the instructors? They’re the kind of people who can teach you how to equalize and recommend the best meze spots after.
Last Breath (Before You Book)
So, is Cyprus worth your fin kicks? Yes. Over and over again.
Whether it’s your first time breathing through a regulator or your fiftieth time following a turtle down a slope, Cyprus delivers. And it does it without trying too hard.
Think of it like your favorite travel memory: unassuming at first, unforgettable by the end.
