Snorkelling and Diving in Cyprus 2024

Meet the fauna of the Mediterranean Sea in the Bath of Aphrodite or near the wreck of the Accelo

Best time: June–October

If you are a newbie scuba diver or have an advanced qualification, the Mediterranean Sea around Cyprus will offer you unforgettable underwater adventures. Cyprus has some definite gems worth exploring and it is quite easy to do so. Firstly, most of the attractions are accessible from the shore, so you don't need to spend few hours on a boat to reach the destination. Also, there are numerous sites at a small depth—Green Bay, Greko Cyclops Cave, etc.

From June till October you can enjoy colourful reefs inhabited by octopuses, lobsters, seasonal sharks, turtles, and manta rays.

More experienced divers can enjoy the more extreme abyssal spots around Cyprus. One of the most famous is RS Zenobia, or The Zen, which lies at a depth of 40 meters and is basically a shipwreck. There are no sea monsters there, but several cattle skeletons may be waiting for you around the corner. Zenobia sank in Larnaca Bay and all the diving centres in Larnaca organise trips to this popular destination.

Practical info

What is the best time of year for snorkelling and diving in Cyprus?

Snorkelling and diving in Cyprus are best-judged between June and October, with an average temperature ranging from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius. This perfect temperature will enable you to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Additionally, these months allow snorkellers and divers to witness colourful views of the reefs and plenty of marine life, including manta rays, seasonal sharks, turtles, octopuses, and lobsters.

What are some unique sites that can be accessed from the shore in Cyprus?

Green Bay, Greko Cyclops Cave, and the Baths of Aphrodite are some of the unique sites that Cyprus offers for snorkelling and diving from the shore without requiring a boat. The Baths of Aphrodite is a famous grotto where the Goddess of Love Aphrodite was believed to bathe. The site provides the opportunity to experience spectacular diving with colourful fish and small caves.

What can I expect to see while snorkelling or diving in Cyprus?

While snorkelling or diving in Cyprus, an exciting and unforgettable experience awaits you. You'll witness a vast array of marine life, including seasonal sharks, turtles, octopuses, lobsters, and manta rays. Cyprus also has a myriad of colourful reefs to explore, as well as unique underwater landscapes such as caves. For experienced divers, shipwrecks like The Zen, which lies beneath Larnaca Bay, can be explored.

What is the depth of The Zen shipwreck and is it suitable for experienced divers?

The Zen shipwreck, laying in Larnaca Bay, has a depth of 40 meters, making it an excellent destination for experienced divers. For inexperienced divers, it is not recommended, as it is a former cargo ship, now an artificial reef, and can pose obstacles and hazardous areas while diving. The Zen invites tourists to explore the attractive marine life that has taken refuge around the shipwreck.

Are there any safety precautions I should take while snorkelling or diving in Cyprus?

When snorkelling or diving in Cyprus, make sure always to have a partner snorkelling / diving with you, and stay within close range of each other. Since there are several underwater landscapes to explore, such as caves, always exercise caution when trekking through them. Guided tours with certified diving instructors are also available to inexperienced divers. Constant equipment monitoring and limiting diving within your certification level are other necessary precautions.