Diving
🌊 Diving in North Cyprus: The Mediterranean’s Best-Kept Secret
When you think of world-class diving, you might picture the Red Sea or the Maldives. But there’s a hidden gem in the Eastern Mediterranean that offers crystal-clear waters, ancient wrecks, and untouched reefs—North Cyprus.
Northern Cyprus has one of the longest diving seasons in the Med, with crystal clear waters giving visibility up to 30m and the most exciting reef formations. The warm water around North Cyprus attracts marine life from the Red Sea, via the Suez Canal, and gets washed in by the gentle currents. You’ll find an unbelievable variety of fish such as Stingrays, Grouper, Scorpion, Amberjacks and Wrasse. Coral and sponges grow in abundance and among the rocks lurk eel and octopus. It’s also a major breeding ground of Green and Loggerhead Turtle, so this is one of the few places where divers can swim with turtles. There’s more than 20 unique diving sites east and west of Kyrenia as well as diving safaris to other places along the coast or to the south of the island. You can try scuba diving for the first time; take a basic PADI course; or go for one of the speciality courses available. Private groups and families are catered for and dry suits ensure dives won’t be spoiled if the water temperature falls below comfortable.
Still flying under the radar of most divers, North Cyprus is a paradise for underwater adventurers looking for warm seas, abundant marine life, and a peaceful, unspoiled atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced diver, this unique region has something for everyone.
___________________________________________
🛥️Why Dive in North Cyprus?
With visibility often reaching 30 meters, warm water temperatures from April to November, and minimal commercial diving traffic, North Cyprus offers some of the cleanest and most tranquil underwater conditions in the Med.
Here are a few reasons why divers keep coming back:
• Uncrowded dive sites
• Rich underwater topography: caves, reefs, drop-offs
• Ancient history beneath the surface
• Affordable prices and friendly instructors
___________________________________________
🌴What Will You See Underwater?
North Cyprus may not have coral reefs like the tropics, but it more than makes up for it with unique Mediterranean marine life and historical dive sites.
Expect to see:
• Moray eels, octopuses, groupers, and barracudas
• Sea turtles (Green and Loggerhead), especially between July and September
• Lionfish, stingrays, and colorful nudibranchs
• Ancient amphorae and the occasional WWII aircraft wreck
___________________________________________
📍Top Dive Sites in North Cyprus
🐠 Zephyros Reef (Kyrenia) - A favorite for its dramatic drop-offs and crystal-clear water. Ideal for both experienced divers and those doing advanced courses.
🌊 The Paradise Reef - Home to groupers, rays, and vibrant sponge-covered rocks. A great beginner-to-intermediate site near Kyrenia.
🌌 Zeyko’s Cave (Alagadi) - Swim through natural underwater caves and tunnels—a dream for photographers and adventurous divers.
✈️ The WWII Airplane Wreck - A fascinating wreck sitting at about 16 meters, perfect for Open Water divers interested in history.
⚱️ Amphorae Reef - An underwater museum of ancient pottery dating back to Roman times. A surreal dive experience you won’t forget.
___________________________________________
👩⚕️Learn or Advance Your Diving
North Cyprus is a perfect spot to begin your scuba journey or advance your skills. Dive centers offer:
• Discover Scuba Diving (no experience required)
• PADI Open Water & Advanced Certifications
• Wreck, Night, and Deep Diving specialties
• Kids’ diving programs and family snorkel safaris
___________________________________________
🌟 Recommended Dive Centers:
🐠 Dive Point Cyprus – Kyrenia - PADI-certified team with fun dives and courses for all levels.
🐟 Amphora Diving – Kyrenia - Friendly instructors and a great selection of nearby dive sites.
🌊 Mephisto Diving – Lapta - German-run dive school offering PADI and CMAS certifications.
🧜 Deep Blue Dive Centre – Famagusta - near Salamis, great for exploring the historic coastline.
🐬 North Cyprus Diving Center – Karpaz Peninsula - Perfect for exploring northeast coast and Golden Beach area.
___________________________________________
🪜Equipment available to rent or buy:
• Regulators
• BCDs
• Masks
• Fins
• Snorkels
• Dry/wet suits
• Boots
• Gloves
___________________________________________
🎯Services available by qualified technicians:
• Servicing
• Repairs
• Hydrostatic Tank Testing
• Air Fills
___________________________________________
🌐PADI
The world's largest diver training organisation has authorised centres in Northern Cyprus offering:
• Try Dive and Bubble Makers - First underwater experience for children 8+.
• Discover Scuba Diving - 1st step diver education. Min age: 10
• Open Water Diver Course - Entry-level. Trains to dive anywhere to a maximum depth of 18 meters.
• Advanced Open Water Diver - Qualifies diving to a maximum of 30 meters.
• Emergency First Response (EFR) - CPR & First Aid.
• Recognised by UK HSE and can be used in the work place.
• EFR Instructor - Qualifies you to teach CPR and first aid.
• Rescue Diver Course - Organise and assist in a diving emergency and how to administer oxygen.
• Divemaster Course - Leadership training and professional membership of PADI.
• Assistant Instructor Course - Preparation for Open Water Scuba Instructor training.
• Instructor - Teach/certify PADI Scuba programmes, enrol on speciality courses or start a new business.
• IDC Staff Instructor - Prepares you to shape the next generation of PADI Professionals.
___________________________________________
🛠️Some of the Speciality Courses available in Northern Cyprus:
• Boat Diving
• Underwater Navigation
• Deep Diving
• Underwater Naturalist
• Fish ID
• Wreck Diving
• Multilevel Diving
• Equipment Specialist
• Night Diving
• Digital Underwater Photography
• Nitrox
• Emergency Oxygen Provider
• Underwater Naturalist
___________________________________________
📅When’s the Best Time to Dive?
The diving season stretches from April to November, with the summer months (July–September) offering the warmest water and the highest turtle activity. That said, off-season diving is also possible, especially for experienced divers looking for quiet sites.
___________________________________________
📝Insider Tips Before You Go
• Currency: Turkish Lira is the local currency, but Euros and GBP are widely accepted.
• Entry: Most travelers don’t need a visa for short stays.
• Insurance: Be sure your travel insurance covers scuba diving.
• Language: English is widely spoken at dive centers.
• Health & Safety: Dive conservatively—there is currently no decompression chamber in North Cyprus.
___________________________________________
📋Make it a Dive & Discover Trip
After your dives, North Cyprus offers stunning landscapes and historical landmarks to explore:
• Wander the harbor of Girne
• Visit the majestic Bellapais Abbey
• Discover the ruins of Salamis near Famagusta
• Relax on the remote Golden Beach of the Karpaz Peninsula
___________________________________________
🌸Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a diving experience that’s authentic, peaceful, and full of surprises, North Cyprus should be high on your list. From ancient amphorae to unexpected encounters with sea turtles, every dive here tells a story—above and below the surface.
Whether you’re getting certified or simply enjoying a fun dive, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the clear waters, friendly faces, and rich underwater heritage of this little-known Mediterranean treasure.
Ready to take the plunge in North Cyprus? Contact one of the local dive centers linked above and start your adventure today!