Where to Go Scuba Diving in Protaras
Already Certified? Welcome to the Fun Part.
You’ve done your training. You’ve logged your dives. You’re finally on holiday in Protaras with a bit of time, some sunshine, and that familiar itch to get back in the water. No theory sessions. No skill checks. Just pure, good oldfashioned bubble blowing.
This isn’t a list for beginners. It’s for you the diver who knows how to check their own gear, handle their buoyancy, and wants a few memorable splashes while everyone else is still debating where to get dinner. Let’s talk through the local gems that make diving in Protaras a lowkey delight.
1. Green Bay: The Perfect Warm Up
This one’s a classic for a reason. Shallow (max 12m), calm, and packed with life, Green Bay is where turtles drift like old souls and statues peek at you from the seabed.
The beach entry here is ridiculously easy. You walk in, kick a few times, and boom you’re surrounded by curious fish and patches of sea grass where the turtles hang out. It’s almost meditative. No currents. No chaos. Just a mellow way to reacquaint yourself with your fins.
Honestly, even if you’ve done a hundred dives, there’s something satisfying about Green Bay. Maybe it’s the visibility (often 25m+), or maybe it’s the way the morning light hits the statues underwater. Either way, it sets the tone for the rest of your trip.
2. The Chapel and the Cliffs
Now we’re turning it up a notch. At The Chapel, you drop in beneath a cliffside church and follow the wall down to around 18 to 24 meters. The topography gets moodier here sheer drops, overhangs, and that quiet, blue depth that makes you feel like you’re hovering inside a secret.
The wall is full of surprises. One moment it’s just rock and sand, and the next, you spot a big grouper shadowing you from below or an eel poking its head out like it owns the place. Morays love the crevices here. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a stingray cruising just above the seabed.
And when you surface? That tiny white chapel perched above the cliffs makes for one hell of a view. Definitely one for the postdive photo reel.
3. Liberty & Nemesis Wrecks: Protaras’ Double Feature
Wreck lovers, this one’s for you. Liberty and Nemesis were both sunk on purpose, and they sit like sleeping giants at around 24 meters close enough to visit both on the same trip.
What makes these wrecks interesting isn’t just the steel and structure it’s what’s moved in. Soft corals, nudibranchs, and the occasional lionfish staking out territory. You’ll find pockets where the light filters through broken hatches, casting those perfect shafts of underwater sunbeams.
There’s space to explore but not so much it’s overwhelming. These aren’t deep technical wrecks; they’re welcoming ones. Ideal for Advanced Open Water divers, or confident Open Water divers looking to stretch their fins a bit.
4. Caves of Cape Greco: SwimThrough Heaven
Cape Greco gets a lot of love above water the cliffs, the trails, the selfies. But underwater? That’s where the real adventure is.
Natural swimthroughs, arches, and hidden tunnels twist beneath the rocks. It’s like nature designed a playground just for divers. Depths hover around 10 to 18 meters, so you get long bottom times to explore.
The cave systems here aren’t technical. They’re airy, with open exits and that gorgeous dappled light effect as the sun hits the sea above. Bring a torch if you’re into peeking into the nooks just maybe skip the horror movie soundtrack in your head.
5. Zenobia Wreck (Day Trip from Protaras)
Alright, so it’s not technically in Protaras but let’s not split hairs. The Zenobia is an absolute must if you’re already in Cyprus and anywhere near Larnaca.
This is not your average wreck. We’re talking 172 meters of Swedish ferry that went down in 1980 with over 100 articulated lorries still chained to the deck. Yes, really. It’s massive, haunting, and weirdly beautiful.
Most dive shops in Protaras organize day trips to Zenobia with two guided dives included. You’ll swim past giant trucks, peek inside cargo holds, and maybe even do a few light penetrations, depending on your certification level. Just be ready this one goes deep.
🎁 Bonus Tip: Take the Nitrox Course While You’re Here
Now here’s something most tourists overlook. If you’re planning to visit Zenobia and you absolutely should consider getting Nitrox certified first.
Why? Because diving on Nitrox (Enriched Air) means you can stay longer at depth, reduce your surface intervals, and feel less knackered afterward. Not bad, right?
Even better? It’s a theorybased course that takes just a few hours, no dives required. Some dive centers even bundle it with your Zenobia trip, so you can walk away with a deeper wreck experience and a new cert card.
🧭 Logistics & Gear Tips
Most Protaras dive centers offer hotel pickup
Gear rental is usually included, but bring your own mask if you care about fit
Reefsafe sunscreen. Seriously, it matters.
Rashguard or shorty suit if you’re sensitive to thermoclines
Seasickness tablets if you’re heading out on a boat (don’t wait to find out the hard way)
Also: throw in your logbook and a GoPro. Some of these sites are just begging to be remembered.
🤔 Why Protaras Works So Well for Certified Divers
Here’s the thing: Protaras isn’t trying to be the next Maldives or Red Sea. And that’s kind of its magic. It’s chill. It’s scenic. And it’s set up perfectly for certified divers who want to get a few quality dives in without making it a military operation.
No stress. No language barriers. No drama. Just warm water, friendly dive crews, and sites that are a short drive or even walk from your hotel.
Whether it’s your first splash of the season or your fiftieth logged dive, Protaras lets you show up, suit up, and enjoy the ocean without the noise.
🌊 Last Bubble Before You Surface
You came to Protaras for a holiday. Maybe a bit of sun, maybe a dip in the sea nothing too serious. But here’s the thing: underwater, it’s different. Time slows. Breathing becomes intentional. A turtle glides past, and for a second, it’s just you, the sea, and a silence so perfect it feels like music.
And just like that, you remember why you got certified in the first place.
FAQ
Is Cyprus good for scuba diving? Absolutely. With visibility often reaching 25–40 meters and a wide variety of dive sites: from shallow turtle havens to world-class wrecks. Cyprus is a gem for both new and experienced divers.
How much does it cost to scuba dive in Cyprus? Prices vary slightly between dive centers, but here's a rough guide:
Fun dive (certified): €45–€60 per dive
Zenobia wreck (2 dives): €150 including transport and gear
Nitrox course: €190, sometimes bundled with wreck dives
Where is the best diving in Cyprus? The Zenobia wreck in Larnaca is legendary, often listed among the top 10 wreck dives globally. But Protaras holds its own with spots like Green Bay, the Chapel, Liberty & Nemesis wrecks, and Cape Greco caves.
Can I do a Nitrox course in Protaras? Yes, and it’s highly recommended if you're planning to visit deeper sites like the Zenobia. The course takes just a few hours and gives you more bottom time and less nitrogen load.
Where is the best place to snorkel in Protaras? Try Fig Tree Bay for calm waters and colorful fish, or head to Green Bay where you might even spot a turtle close to shore.
