Protaras
Protaras boasts several shore dives and two wreck dives.
Explore Cyprus
Cyprus offers a unique diving experience characterized by diverse underwater environments and a rich tapestry of marine life. The island's position in the eastern Mediterranean grants it warm, clear waters, ideal for exploring the hidden wonders beneath the waves. One of the standout features is the famous Zenobia wreck in Larnaca Harbour, considered one of the top wreck dives globally. This sunken ferry, resting at depths ranging from 10 meters to over 40 meters, attracts divers of varying skill levels. Additionally, Cyprus boasts numerous reefs and caves, providing thrilling opportunities for both novice and advanced divers alike. The southern and western coastlines are particularly favored for their high concentration of dive sites, offering everything from serene shore dives to more adventurous boat and liveaboard trips. Marine life around Cyprus is vibrant, with sightings of octopus, barracuda, and even turtles being quite common. The calm and clear conditions make it a perfect destination for diving courses, catering to beginners with shallow reefs and sandy areas, while offering more challenging wrecks and caves for seasoned explorers. Seasonal variations bring unique underwater experiences, as cooler months may offer encounters with different species, adding an element of surprise to repeat visits. Overall, Cyprus's blend of historical intrigue, diverse dive environments, and welcoming waters make it a captivating destination for diving enthusiasts.
Power Plug Type
G
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, Cir, Plus
Tipping
5–10% / Service Staff / Tipping is appreciated and may vary based on service quality.
Currency
EUR
Dial Code
+357
Electricity
230V / 50Hz
Time
UTC+2, UTC+3
Places to explore
Dive Centers
Dive Sites
Top Wildlife Sightings in Cyprus
The marine life in Cyprus is typical of a Mediterranean reef system. Its warm waters host wrasse, jacks, bream, moray eels, octopus, barracuda, stingrays, groupers and more. In the summer months, if you’re lucky, you might also spot green or loggerhead turtles! Certain dive sites such as Protaras near Ayia Napa are also well known for spotting cuttlefish and squid.
Because of the cool water, the corals are generally very healthy. It boasts both hard and soft coral gardens including giant sponges and fans. The brightly coloured reefs attract lots of macro life including shrimps, crabs and nudibranchs - perfect for the underwater photographer!
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
1.1k Sightings
J
1
F
7
M
1
A
3
M
29
J
89
J
231
A
364
S
179
O
158
N
40
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
591 Sightings
J
15
F
0
M
6
A
53
M
17
J
55
J
115
A
194
S
47
O
61
N
25
D
3
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
358 Sightings
J
0
F
4
M
4
A
2
M
6
J
21
J
77
A
89
S
61
O
68
N
22
D
4
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
3.1k Sightings
J
33
F
27
M
30
A
135
M
141
J
259
J
584
A
653
S
517
O
463
N
244
D
39
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
1.2k Sightings
J
10
F
2
M
15
A
67
M
68
J
87
J
207
A
238
S
211
O
187
N
97
D
17
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3
Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish
898 Sightings
J
4
F
1
M
9
A
35
M
39
J
75
J
189
A
238
S
131
O
128
N
39
D
10
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
441 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
5
A
37
M
25
J
27
J
55
A
137
S
79
O
41
N
28
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 350
Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish
390 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
7
M
10
J
26
J
81
A
165
S
59
O
35
N
5
D
0
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse
340 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
1
M
7
J
10
J
57
A
79
S
94
O
67
N
23
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 60
iStock-Global_Pics
Squirrelfish
314 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
4
A
9
M
7
J
32
J
86
A
68
S
50
O
45
N
10
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish
248 Sightings
J
8
F
0
M
5
A
0
M
8
J
10
J
47
A
63
S
19
O
54
N
34
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
187 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
1
J
4
J
48
A
54
S
32
O
41
N
5
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3
k
Cornetfish
161 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
1
A
4
M
2
J
13
J
40
A
28
S
26
O
44
N
0
D
2