Scuba Diving in Cyprus: 9 Best Dive Sites for Your Next Trip

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Scuba diving in Cyprus offers a surprisingly rich underwater world, with dramatic wrecks and stunning marine life. Whether you are heading to Paphos, Protaras, Limassol, or Larnaca, there are dive sites for every level of diver.

You might be chasing the thrill of deep wrecks, gliding through caves, or taking your very first dive — either way, Cyprus delivers. Few places in the Mediterranean Sea pack so much variety into such clear, accessible waters, making Cyprus scuba diving one of the region's most rewarding experiences.

9 Dive Sites in Cyprus You Cannot Miss

1. Zenobia Wreck, Larnaca

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The Zenobia wreck is arguably the best scuba diving experience in Cyprus. This 172-meter (565-feet) long Swedish ferry sank near Larnaca in 1980 and now lies intact on its port side between 16 and 42 meters (52 to 138 feet).

The cargo deck still holds over 100 trucks from the original journey, and interior sections (including the cafeteria and bridge) are accessible to advanced divers.  

Marine life thrives on the wreck: expect to spot barracuda, grouper, moray eels, turtles, jacks, and nudibranchs. Visibility often reaches 25‑30 meters (80‑100 feet), with mild currents and water temperatures ranging from 16 °C to 28 °C (60 °F to 82 °F). 

This iconic wreck firmly establishes why diving in Cyprus is a must for every diver. 

Local tip: Make sure you book two dives to enjoy both the outer and inner sections.

The Zenobia Wreck near Larnaca is the crown jewel of scuba diving in Cyprus — a 172-meter ferry resting with its cargo of trucks, now thriving with marine life.

2. Lady Thetis and Constandis, Limassol

In Limassol Bay, two intentionally sunk, accessible wrecks enhance the appeal of scuba diving in Cyprus. The Lady Thetis lies at about 18 meters (60 feet) and offers swim‑throughs and light penetration for those certified. 

Not far away, the fishing vessel Constandis rests at roughly 24 meters (80 feet) on a sandy seabed with occasional silty conditions. Both wrecks function as artificial reefs, attracting reef fish and allowing beginners or intermediate divers to enjoy simple wreck exploration. 

Access is by short boat rides from Limassol marina, and low currents make these ideal for less experienced divers eager to try wreck diving.

Want to go diving somewhere quiet? Read this: Escape the Crowds: 10 Scuba Holidays Off the Tourist Trail 

3. MV Liberty (Liberty Wreck), Protaras

The Liberty Wreck, deliberately sunk in 2009 off Protaras, is now a thriving artificial reef and one of the best dive sites in Cyprus for intermediate divers. Resting between 22 and 27 meters (72 to 89 feet), the stripped hull lies intact, and fish life thrives across its surfaces. 

There are clear entrances through deck openings and cargo hatchways that let curious divers swim through. Although visibility may be slightly reduced compared with open ocean sites, the seabed features a sandy slope and good habitat for schooling fish. 

This site suits divers looking for relaxed dives with interesting structure and accessible fauna.

4. Cyclops Reef, Ayia Napa

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Cyclops Reef near Ayia Napa is one of the most vibrant examples of scuba diving in Cyprus beyond wrecks. This reef system offers shallow slopes and rocky formations beginning at about 12 meters (40 feet) and descending to around 30 meters (100 feet).

It is frequented by damselfish, parrotfish, wrasse, nudibranchs, and occasionally octopus. Strong visibility up to 30 meters (100 feet) and mild currents create pleasant conditions for relaxed exploring. 

Local tip: Bring a torch to see perched morays after dusk! 

Cyclops Reef near Ayia Napa showcases the vibrant side of scuba diving in Cyprus, with clear water, rocky formations, and lively marine life.

5. Green Bay, Protaras

Green Bay is one of the most welcoming spots for scuba diving in Cyprus, with calm, sheltered waters, sandy bottoms, and gentle slopes that are perfect for training. Depths rarely exceed 12 meters (40 feet), and visibility often reaches 20–25 meters (65–80 feet). 

Dive professionals frequently choose Green Bay for Open Water Diver courses, skill drills, and refresher sessions before progressing to deeper sites. With no strong currents and consistently clear water, it is an ideal place for beginners to build confidence and enjoy their first underwater experiences.

6. Cape Greco Sea Caves, Ayia Napa

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Just off the cliffs of Cape Greco, a network of sea caves and arches forms a spectacular setting for scuba diving in Cyprus. The entrance begins around 10 meters (33 feet) and can descend to 25 meters (82 feet) depending on where you head. 

Divers navigate through caverns and swim through arches filled with schools of fish and occasional stingrays. 

Sea conditions at this Cyprus dive site can change quickly, so always check local forecasts before diving. Sunset dives are especially rewarding, with golden light flooding the caverns.

The site is best for Open Water certified divers and above, but good buoyancy control is essential — making SSI's Perfect Buoyancy program an ideal preparation. 

The Cape Greco Sea Caves offer one of Cyprus's most dramatic scuba diving experiences — with arches, caverns, and crystal-clear waters to explore.

7. Paphos Lighthouse Wreck

Just off Paphos Lighthouse, this modern wreck — often called the Paphos Wreck or Lighthouse Wreck — rests between 18 and 25 meters (60–82 feet). Accessible by shore or boat, the site is alive with reef fish, sponges, and colorful growth along its structure.

Visibility usually averages around 20 meters (65 feet), making this site a calm and accessible choice. It is a great introduction to wreck diving in Cyprus, especially for divers who want to combine coastal sightseeing with underwater adventure.

8. MUSAN – Museum of Underwater Sculpture

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MUSAN (Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa) is one of the most unusual sites for scuba diving in Cyprus. This stunning sculpture park features over 90 submerged sculptures by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, designed to create an evolving underwater forest. 

MUSAN combines art, conservation, and diving into a single, must-see attraction.

The installation doubles as an artificial reef, attracting fish and marine life while offering divers an unforgettable artistic experience. Depths range from 8 to 12 meters (26–40 feet), making it accessible to beginners as well as snorkelers. Clear visibility and shallow waters ensure plenty of light for photos and videos.

Local tip: Bring an underwater camera — MUSAN is one of the most photogenic dive sites in Cyprus, with sunlight filtering dramatically through the sculptures.

MUSAN is one of Cyprus's most unique dive sites — blending art, conservation, and scuba diving.

9. Proteus Wreck, Akamas Peninsula

Resting between 20 and 30 meters (66–98 feet), the Proteus is a former freighter that was deliberately sunk near Akamas National Park to create an artificial reef. Today, its hull is draped in corals and sponges, while groupers, scorpionfish, and other marine life patrol the site.

Visibility is usually excellent, and the sheltered conditions make for a relaxed but rewarding dive. With varied topography and plenty to explore, the Proteus is best suited to intermediate and advanced divers. 

Easy boat access from Argyroupolis or Latchi cements its reputation as one of the standout wreck dives in Cyprus.

Want more Mediterranean diving gems? Explore Scuba Diving in Corsica: Top Dive Sites, Wrecks & Wildlife 

Best Time to Dive in Cyprus

The season for diving in Cyprus typically extends from May through to November. During this period, air temperatures range between 20 °C and 35 °C (68 °F to 95 °F), and sea surface temperatures reach 28 °C ( 82 °F). 

Visibility is best in summer, often exceeding 25 meters (80 ft), especially on wrecks like the Zenobia. Winter months can bring cooler sea temperatures near 16 °C (60 °F) and occasional rain, but diving remains possible with a suitable wetsuit or drysuit.

The best time for scuba diving in Cyprus is summer (May–November), when visibility peaks and water temperatures are warmest.

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Experience Level for Scuba Diving in Cyprus

Cyprus is one of those rare destinations that caters to every diver — from first-time students to seasoned wreck divers. Here is how the main dive sites match different levels of experience:

• Beginners – Calm, shallow sites like Green Bay or the wrecks of Lady Thetis and Constandis are ideal for Open Water training and skill refreshers.
• Intermediate – The MV Liberty, Paphos Lighthouse Wreck, and Proteus offer relaxed wrecks and thriving marine life.
• Advanced – The Zenobia Wreck and Cape Greco Sea Caves reward divers with Deep Diving or Wreck Diving certifications, featuring penetrations, caverns, and deeper profiles.

From first training dives to wrecks, scuba diving in Cyprus offers safe, exciting experiences for every certification level.

SSI Courses to Enhance Your Diving in Cyprus

Cyprus's dive sites offer something for every level, and SSI courses are a great way to build the skills you need to enjoy them fully. From mastering buoyancy to safely exploring wrecks, the right training can transform your dives:

• SSI Open Water Diver – A perfect starting point at calm sites like Green Bay.
• SSI Deep Diver – Designed for exploring Cyprus's iconic wrecks and deeper diver sites.
• SSI Wreck Diver – Learn wreck diving techniques under professional guidance.
• SSI Navigation – Essential for reefs and caverns like Cape Greco.

Many SSI dive centers in Cyprus combine certification with guided dives, making it easy to learn and explore at the same time.

Travel Logistics in Cyprus

When planning your scuba diving trip in Cyprus, you will find SSI dive centers conveniently located in Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Ayia Napa, and Protaras. Accommodation options range from resort hotels to private villas, making it easy to stay close to the dive sites you want to explore.

Renting a car is the best way to reach more remote areas like Cape Greco or the Akamas Peninsula, though many dive shops also offer pick-up and transfer services for added convenience. 

Plan Your Cyprus Dive Adventure with SSI

Scuba diving in Cyprus offers unforgettable wrecks, reefs, and caverns for every diver. Ready to start exploring? Use the SSI Center Locator to find local dive centers and plan your Cyprus adventure today.