Cyprus Dive Sites

Cyprus officially the Republic of Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean, and a member state of the European Union. It is located east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel and the Gaza Strip, and north of Egypt.

The earliest known human activity on the island dates to around the 10th millennium BC. Archaeological remains from this period include the well-preserved Neolithic village of Khirokitia, and Cyprus is home to some of the oldest water wells in the world. Cyprus was settled by Mycenean Greeks in two waves in the 2nd millennium BC. As a strategic location in the Middle East, it was subsequently occupied by several major powers, including the empires of the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians, from whom the island was seized in 333 BC by Alexander the Great. Subsequent rule by Ptolemaic Egypt, the Roman Empire, the Byzantines, Arab caliphates for a short period, the French Lusignan dynasty, and the Venetians, was followed by the Ottoman conquest in 1571. It remained under Ottoman control for over three centuries. Cyprus was placed under British administration in 1878 until it was granted independence in 1960, becoming a member of the Commonwealth the following year. In 1974, seven years after the inter-communal violence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, an attempted coup d’état by Greek Cypriot nationalists and elements of the Greek military junta with the aim of achieving enosis (union of the island with Greece) took place. Turkey used this as a pretext to invade the northern portion of the island. Turkish forces remained after a cease-fire, resulting in the partition of the island; an objective of Turkey since 1955. The inter-communal violence and subsequent Turkish invasion led to the displacement of over 150,000 Greek Cypriots and 50,000 Turkish Cypriots, and the establishment of a separate Turkish Cypriots political entity in the north. These events and the resulting political situation are matters of continuing dispute.

The Republic of Cyprus has de jure sovereignty over the island of Cyprus and its surrounding waters, except for the British Overseas Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, administered as Sovereign Base Areas. However, the Republic of Cyprus is de facto partitioned into two main parts; the area under the effective control of the Republic, comprising about 59% of the island’s area, and the Turkish-controlled area in the north,[23] calling itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and recognised only by Turkey, covering about 36% of the island’s area. The international community considers the northern part of the island as occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkish forces.

Cyprus is a major tourist destination in the Mediterranean. An advanced, high-income economy with a very high Human Development Index, the Republic of Cyprus was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement until it joined the European Union on 1 May 2004. On 1 January 2008, the Republic of Cyprus joined the Eurozone.

Cyprus Best Scuba Diving Site Locations

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This is far from being a complete register of all dive sites in this area of Cyprus. We would like to ask all divers that know of alternative names to these locations or completely new locations not mentioned here send us an email at via our contact page. All comments and input are welcome of course.

St George’s Island

This beautiful dive site is one of the few wall dives Cyprus has to offer. With depths from 5m to 30m and home to an abundance of marine animals of which sometimes graced by octopus and turtles you are sure to be amazed by the rock formations. Walls, drop-offs , caves and overhangs. You can get there by boat from Latchi, Paphos.

White River

Trully a haven for beginner divers. This is a gorgeous dive site with colorful canyons and swim throughs with a lot of marine life to keep you occupied. Depth only at 11m. Bring friends. This is a great place for a simple fun dive! You can dive to this site from the beach near the Akamas Peninsula in Paphos.

Amphitheatre Bay

Fontana Amorosa

Blue Lagoon (Chamili Island)

The Barge

Pikey Bay

Black Rocks

Mazaki Reef

Copo Island

Lara Bay

This is far from being a complete register of all dive sites in this area of Cyprus. We would like to ask all divers that know of alternative names to these locations or completely new locations not mentioned here send us an email at via our contact page. All comments and input are welcome of course.

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This is far from being a complete register of all dive sites in this area of Cyprus. We would like to ask all divers that know of alternative names to these locations or completely new locations not mentioned here send us an email at via our contact page. All comments and input are welcome of course.

Cyclop’s Cave
You may not come to Cyprus and not dive here! Making this one of the best sites in Cyprus. Hard to get to due to the rough road leading there but quite the reward if you are lucky enough to dive there. Amazing rock formations and sea weed forest coupled with abundant marine life at times! Depths from 12m to 40m and even more for the technical diving types! Expect trumpet fish, octopus, and other fish especially in the colder parts of the year!

Sea Caves
An easy shallow dive with maximum depth of 12m consisting of holes, three navigable tunnel/caves and overhanging rocks. Varied marine life to see depending on the season. You will be amazed at some of the colourful residents whether they be Ornate Wrasse or Bearded Fireworms! Interesting stuff!

Green Bay
Located in the Protaras area, a very easy access shallow dive with maximum depth of 12m. Great for beginners.

Pirate’s Cove
Quite near Green Bay this bay has a secluded beach, frequented by local and offers a great dive site environment. Shallow reefs and boulders will give you plenty to look at. Added to this the fact that it is a quite hard to get to site, will propably ensure you avoid all the tourists. This is a great little secret…or was…

Mimosa
Two interesting reefs stretching perpendicular to the shore with a maximum depth of 5m to 10m. Great for beginners!

Crows Reef
The boat trip and the easy dive on this reef makes it an enjoyable day. Take a picnic. Depth up to 18m.

Shallow Reef
Enjoyable boat dive from this friendly reef with nice rock formation. Depth from 13m to 18m. Accessible to all divers.

Cape Point
Located opposite Cape Grekko table top rock landmark with depths from 12m to 30m.

Konnos Point (Cape Awkward)
One of the most popular and beautiful sites around the Cape Grekko area, perhaps of Cyprus. The picturesque harbour which is one of the busiest beaches during the summertime is home at its cape to one of the most beautiful reefs in Cyprus. There are also amazing rock formations here! Dive starts around 2m – 3m but the most interesting areas are found between 20m – 40m and it is easily accessed via the beach!

Chapel Bay
A Pleasant dive from the base of this cliff. An easy access to this location makes it very popular. Depth from 9m up to 21m. Near the Fisherman’s Chapel where a ceremony is held each year to bless the sea and ask for the safety of the local fishermen. There is a cave and the sea bed drops to approximately 30m. A variety of marine life can be seen here, even turtles sometimes!

Amphorae Bay
At the depth of 17m you will discover ancient remains of amphora’s and stone anchors. Do not take anything away, it is an offense to take the treasures and of course means that there would be nothing to see before long.

Sea Caves
An easy shallow dive with maximum depth of 12m consisting of holes, tunnels and overhanging rocks. Interesting stuff!

Red cliff
It has been known that the Calamari eggs are all around this place in season. Nice and easy dive with depth from 12m to 18m.

Canyon
At the south side of Cape Grekko, an ideal wall dive with amazing rock formations, gorgeous coral and of course underwater canyons!Lots of species of small fish are seen here frequently. Maximum depth  around 18m and may be accessed via the beach.

Ayia Thekla
Treasure hunters paradise, myth or reality? Probably the most beautiful reef in the area. Depth 19m.

Kastelatsos Reef
An interesting location on the south side of Cape Grekko with good formation, depth from 16m to 30m.

Telonis Reef
Depth from 28m to 34m, only for experienced divers. Group of five or more required.

Sunfish Reef
Depth 28m to 40m. Only for experienced divers. Dive buddy always a must for any dive.

This is far from being a complete register of all dive sites in this area of Cyprus. We would like to ask all divers that know of alternative names to these locations or completely new locations not mentioned here send us an email at via our contact page. All comments and input are welcome of course.

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This is far from being a complete register of all dive sites in this area of Cyprus. We would like to ask all divers that know of alternative names to these locations or completely new locations not mentioned here send us an email at via our contact page. All comments and input are welcome of course.

H.M.S. Cricket
A WWI River Gunboat which sank here in 1947. Lying in 30m of water.

Zenobia Wreck
A Swedish ferry that sank in 1980 She is now home to many species of fish, and divers often encounter large schools of Amber-jack, Grouper and Barracuda. The Zenobia dive starts at 16m and bottoms at 43m.

Helicopter Wreck
The wreck of a British Army Helicopter in 16m. Very good condition and an excellent all level dive.

Fraggle
The wreck of an industrial freighter carrying huge rocks, hence its name. Lying in 16m, this wreck is teeming with fish life .

Octopus Reef
In only 10m, this is the place to see Octopi at home. This site has surprised us with Eagle Ray and large Turtle sightings. Keep an eye out there have been sightings of barracuda and even dolphins. Easy fun dive!

Sheep Dip
A very scenic dive with numerous small fish, sponges and octopus. There are some small caves and a natural stone arch. Maximum depth is 12m.

This is far from being a complete register of all dive sites in this area of Cyprus. We would like to ask all divers that know of alternative names to these locations or completely new locations not mentioned here send us an email at via our contact page. All comments and input are welcome of course.

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This is far from being a complete register of all dive sites in this area of Cyprus. We would like to ask all divers that know of alternative names to these locations or completely new locations not mentioned here send us an email at via our contact page. All comments and input are welcome of course.

The Akrotiri Fish Reserve
A very shallow dive that is suitable for all levels of experience, You can interact with local marine life and hand feed groupers, moray eels, bream and bass. There are also many octopus.

Tombs
Is very close to the shore, and there are a series of apparently man made caves which resemble ancient tombs. It is a very scenic site with prolific marine life

Archways and Pinnacles
This is a large archway in 21m of water, with four pinnacles on every major compass point. There is again an abundance of marine and fish life to be found all over this area, and this is a good navigation site.

Caverns and Caves
At 100m offshore in a depth of 14m you will find many interesting caves and a large reef with varied marine life.

Twin Rocks
Two large rocks protrude out of the water from a depth of 21m. A blow hole can be found on the eastern rock and caves and an abundance of interesting marine life will be found in the vicinity.

Sharks Cove
Sharks have never been sighted there. It is actually a spectacular cove on the Akrotiri Peninsula. A submerged tunnel starts and ends the dive, where in between you glide along the cliff face before circling back over a rocky reef bottom.

Big Country
A multilevel site with many caverns, overhangs and very large boulders, some more than 12m high. Grouper, moray, octopus and large shoals of damsel fish are found here. The depth tops out at 23m. You may access this dive site via the beach.

This is far from being a complete register of all dive sites in this area of Cyprus. We would like to ask all divers that know of alternative names to these locations or completely new locations not mentioned here send us an email at via our contact page. All comments and input are welcome of course.

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This is far from being a complete register of all dive sites in this area of Cyprus. We would like to ask all divers that know of alternative names to these locations or completely new locations not mentioned here send us an email at via our contact page. All comments and input are welcome of course.

The Wreck of the Vera K
The Vera K was a Lebanese freighter of about 200m which ran aground in 1972 and was blown up as a hazard to shipping in 1974. It is still in four main sections and the bridge is fairly intact. It lies, completely submerged in a crater at 10m. Close to the wreck is an archway, home to a family of grouper. The depth of the dive site make it an Open Water Level Dive but close to the archway are a series of narrow tunnels suitable for experienced divers. This is a dive for all levels!

Wall Street
A long gulley with many overhangs and small caves is the main feature of this popular site. On the walls of the gulley look for sponges and encrusting marine life. In the small caves you may find grouper and soldier fish, and look for the stone anchor lying on the bottom. Depths 25m to 30m making this an Advanced Open Water Diver Site.

The Wreck of the Achilleas
On a sandy bottom lies the wreck of a Greek vessel which mysteriously exploded and sank in 11m of water in 1975. There are three main sections to visit, the most popular feature being the bronze propeller on the upturned stern, and there are still some complete portholes (not removable) and the engine compartment are a couple of highlights from this site. Keep in mind, that breaching wrecks requires special training.

The Valley
Taking less than 15mins to reach from harbour, the depth at the top of the valley is 16m. The sides of the valley have plenty of encrusting marine life and many small holes which are home to wrasse, cardinals and slipper lobster. There is also a swim-through towards the deeper end of the valley. A popular site with macro photographers. Max. depth 26m.


100 Foot Reef

This beautiful boat dive site has numerous small drops and caves to explore. Be prepared to encounter Octopi and Moray Eels aswell as smaller fish near the gullies and overhangs. Crystal clear waters usually so clear your dive boat will be visible on the surface from any depth. Depths from 26m – 35m making this a dive site for the more advanced divers!

The Shoals
An isolated area approximately 3 km from shore where the rocks just break the surface. Consequently, in ancient times, an area of many shipwrecks. The rocks are littered with pieces of amphorae, which in some places are concreted together in the shape of the ships hold. Stone anchors can be recognized by the holes made in the rock for wooden grapples to be pushed through. Interesting rock formations make craters and a swim-through. A pretty site with plenty of small marine life. Depths 4-12m.

Big Steps
Just 15mins from harbour, this site drops from 18m to 24m in a series of small steps. Marine life to be found in the small gullies includes fan worms, pina clams and damsel fish.

Bream Bay
A mixed sand and rock bottom in 22-27m. of clear water makes this an attractive morning dive. Popular for its interesting rock formations, you should look for moray eels in the small holes and grouper in the gullies off the main.

Pilot Reef
A rocky bottom with numerous gullies and overhangs to explore. An appealing site with a chance of seeing large grouper. Depths between 20m to 28m.

Nikolas Reef
A popular, new site. The anchor drops in 24m on a site made up of large boulders on a sandy bottom. Maximum depth 27m.

Anzac
This site is in the area of Moulia Rocks with a mixed sand and rock bottom. There is a large piece of the Vera K here, also lots of bullet cases and amphorae. Maximum depth 8m!

Amphorae Caves
Yet another great diving site near Paphos of some archeological importance. Here you will get a chance to explore gullies and caves including one cave with an amphorae encrusted roof! The archaeologists who had investigated this site, believe that the sea bed movement of the last two thousand years had created this feature. This is an Open Water Level dive site with a depth from 5m to 12m. A tire on the seabed is home to an octopus and of course some beautiful coral and a swim through.

Minerva Reef
The anchor is dropped into 24m. of clear water and the seabed quickly slopes to 32m. plus. The incline is strewn with boulders making an ideal habitat for a various forms of marine life.

Monty’s Reef
Only 10mins from harbour, this sheltered afternoon dive site has a number of engaging features. The reef is in 12m and surrounded by small gullies, overhangs and drops ranging from 2 to 4 m. There is usually a good variety of small fish life such as bream, wrasse, parrot and damsels.

Anchor Reef
The anchor is dropped into 24m. and the seabed swiftly slopes down to flat sand at 32m. An attractive and popular morning dive with an old anchor at 27m. and often grouper close to the sand.

Lisa’s Drop
A relatively new site which is very popular as large grouper and the occasional tuna may be seen. The anchor is dropped in 25m. and the site leads down to a maximum depth of 35m. There is a gulley with several overhangs and swim-throughs.

The Valley of Caves
As its name suggests this valley has a number of small caves. There are also interesting craters close-by, one with a swim-through. The attractive overhangs make homes for small fish such as cardinals. Depths 9-12m.

Green Gullies
A morning dive 15 min. from harbour, with a maximum depth of 26m. There are sandy bottomed, interconnecting rock gullies with a variety of encrusting marine life. Large boulders sit on top of the sand attracting small fish.

Cameroons
In depths of 25-27m., large boulders and reef form gullies and small caves. A well-liked morning dive, it was found in 1990, the day after Cameroon beat Italy in the World Cup. Marine life to look for includes grouper, saupe, mullet and rabbit fish.

Grouper Holes
An area of gullies and craters with small caves around the edges. There is an old, large 4 pronged , anchor lying on the sea bed.

Bubbles
A rock bottom seabed with large holes in the floor leading to a series of interconnecting caverns and overhangs. Called ‘Bubbles’ because of the divers’ air filtering through the rocks, and with a maximum depth of 9m. there is plenty of time to enjoy this site and its marine life.

Red Rose Rocks

Area of gullies is brilliantly coloured by red calciferous algae. Max. depth 20m.

Manitzin Island
A preferred site, so much so that some divers even snorkel from the shore for 15 min. to dive here. Actually just a rock, it is small enough to dive all round on a multilevel dive. There are many features en-route; a drop-off, caves, archway and a blowhole. One cave is spectacularly covered with pink and purple calciferous algae. This dive has depths between 6m to 22m. After the first dive the boat sails to a nearby bay to drop anchor whilst lunch is served. On some days you will swim with schools of barracudas, Gar or Pipe Fish and Damsel Fish.

Devil’s Head
This boat dive site is located on the Northwestern coast of Paphos, on the Akamas Peninsula, close to Lara Bay. A remarkable area of caves and interconnecting tunnels in depths of 6m to 18m making this an Open Water Level Dive. If you are lucky, during the turtle season, you may spot green and leatherback turtles. The rock formations here offer an attractive haven for marine life which will amaze you!

Amphitheatre

A nice shallow at around 10m – 12m dive shaped like a natural ‘amphitheater’ hence the name. It has lots of unique rock formations, holes and arches. Its near Coral Bay, Paphos and you can access if via the beach.

This is far from being a complete register of all dive sites in this area of Cyprus. We would like to ask all divers that know of alternative names to these locations or completely new locations not mentioned here send us an email at via our contact page. All comments and input are welcome of course.

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