A Visitors Guide to DP Diving in Alsancak, North Cyprus

Welcome to the ultimate guide to breathing underwater in Northern Cyprus.

Whether you are a total beginner dipping your toes into the sport or an advanced diver seeking hidden Mediterranean reefs, this is a deep dive into what makes Alsancak the perfect launchpad for your first, or your next, aquatic adventure.

There is a distinct magic to the Mediterranean water around Alsancak. It is remarkably clear, wonderfully warm for most of the year, and lacks the intense, unpredictable currents found in open oceans.

If you are looking to take the plunge here, you will inevitably cross paths with DP Diving. Based out of Mare Monte Beach (just a short drive west of Girne in the beautiful village of Alsancak), Pete, Trevor and their highly experienced crew have turned this stunning stretch of coastline into an absolute hotspot for divers from all over the world.

Here is exactly what you need to know about diving in Alsancak and what makes the underwater world of Northern Cyprus so special.

The Underwater Vibe: What Can You Expect?

Northern Cyprus remains one of the best-kept secrets in the European diving community. Because it doesn't get the staggering crowds of nearby holiday destinations, the marine life thrives, and the underwater topography is beautifully undisturbed.

Visibility for Days:

It’s not uncommon to enjoy crystal-clear visibility stretching beyond 30 meters. It feels less like swimming in the sea and more like flying through a liquid sky.

The Warmth Factor:

By peak summer, water temperatures can soar to a balmy 27°C - 28°C. Even in the early season (April/May), a solid 5mm wetsuit will keep you perfectly comfortable as you explore.

Volcanic Landscapes:

The region boasts dramatic drop-offs, swim-throughs, and ancient reef structures formed over millennia.

Must-Dive Sites Accessible from Alsancak

Whether you are wading in from the shore at Mare Monte Beach, or a more experienced diver jumping off a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), the dive variety here keeps things highly addictive.

1. Mare Monte Beach (Depth up to 8m)

The best part about diving at Mare Monte is the beach itself. Instead of jumping off a boat, it is a simple step into the bay, perfect for novices taking their first steps into diving, but equally diverse enough to thrill seasoned divers with tiny, colourful fish species, octopuses, and the occasional ray lying on the flat sand.

2. Zephyros Reef (Depth: 18m – 26m)

A fantastic site for intermediate and advanced divers alike. It features a sweeping reef system packed with diverse Mediterranean marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for groupers, colourful wrasses, and octopuses hiding in the rocky crevices.

3. The Wall (Depth: 21m - 32m)

For those who love a bit of drama under the surface. This site features a sheer underwater dropoff. You can pick your depth along the vertical rock face, making it a favourite for advanced students looking to lock in their deep-diving qualifications.

4. The SG70 (Rainbow) Wreck (Depth: 28m – 36m)

A purposefully sunk coast guard ship that has become a bustling artificial reef. It features excellent swim-throughs and is an incredibly popular spot for marine life to congregate.

Learning the Ropes at Mare Monte Beach

If you’ve never strapped on a tank before, you couldn't pick a more supportive environment. DP Diving runs everything from absolute beginner "Try Dives" to advanced technical certifications (IANTD). Because they keep group sizes small, you don't have to worry about being crowded or rushed. The shallow, sandy entry right off the Beach provides the ultimate classroom buffer to get comfortable breathing underwater before heading out to deeper waters.

Try Scuba Diving

Perfect For: Absolute beginners with zero prior experience.

Key Highlight: A gentle introduction. You'll practice basic skills in calm, shallow water right off the Beach before taking your very first real underwater tour.

Open Water Diver

Perfect For: Anyone wanting an official, lifelong scuba license.

Key Highlight: The gold standard. Over a few days of theory and open-water dives, you will earn your global ticket to dive up to 18 meters anywhere in the world.

Advanced & Specialities

Perfect For: Certified divers looking to unlock deeper sites or new skills.

Key Highlight: Tailored adventures. You can specialise in Deep Diving (up to 40 meters), Wreck Diving (perfect for the SG70 wreck), or try out underwater scooters (DPVs).

Tec and Beyond

Perfect for: the diver looking for the ultimate adventure, with courses starting from 40m down to 70m.

Key Highlights: Are you as interested in the planning as the dive itself? This is a real technical challenge with significantly beneficial experiences, and the potential of meeting larger pelagics.

Mobile Tip: If you are booking a course while traveling, most dive centres in Alsancak let you complete the classroom "theory" online via e-learning before you arrive. This means you don't have to spend your holiday time studying indoors!

Post-Dive Planners: Logbook & Lifeline

The best dive days don't end when you break the surface. Part of the culture in Alsancak is the "après-dive"—sitting down at a local beachfront tavern at the beach with a cold drink, swapping stories with your dive buddies, and logging your sightings.

The community vibe built by Pete and the team makes you feel like family the second you step into the dive centre. If you’re staying locally in Alsancak or Lapta, they even offer complimentary hotel pick-ups to make your morning completely stress-free.

So, if you are looking to try something genuinely adventurous on your next trip to North Cyprus, pack your swimsuit, head down to Alsancak, and let the DP Diving team show you what the Mediterranean is hiding.

dpdiving.com

Mare Monte beach, Alsancak.

IANTD platinum dive centre.

***** 5 star trip advisor rating.

***** 5 star google review rating.

Check us out online, or call for details, (90) 542 873 5608.