Probably the most asked question for the qualified diver. Cyprus is a relatively little-known dive destination compared to others and discovering its undersea riches continues to surprise even those of us who have had the fortune to dive here for decades!
The geology of the island with its copper rich minerals and diverse coastal structure is mirrored underwater and has created the perfect breeding ground for Mediterranean flora & fauna and wildlife. Particularly fascinating are the breeding grounds of the Mediterranean Loggerhead Turtle, which can be found mostly along the Western coast, the most protected and well known being at Lara Bay just north of Paphos on the Akamas Peninsular.
Sitting nicely between the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa, Cyprus enjoys a spectacular amount of bird migration each Spring and Autumn, all adding to the wonderful balance of biological life. Endemic species of plants (orchids) and animals (Moufflon) have developed here.
Cyprus’ important historical past is on display for all to see – you just have to take a walk in Paphos Harbour around the Mosaics, Byzantine Fort or visit the very first church to be established outside the Holy Land by the Apostle Saint Paul, to understand the quality of its historical heritage.
It is not unusual to be reminded of this also underwater with amphora and byzantine pottery remnants often visible on the seabed. The original walls of Byzantine Paphos Harbour can still be seen and dived!
Expect a lively fishing industry here in Cyprus - there are many fresh fish tavernas testimony to this. And where there are fishermen - there are fish! The most common: Sea Bream, Grouper, Octopus, Seahorse, Squid, Red Mullet, Bluefin Tuna, Dolphin, Flatworm, Trumpet fish, Parrot Fish, Moray Eel, Eagle Ray, Wrasse, Cuttlefish, Sea Urchin, Common Lobster, Barracuda and many more...
Sea Temperatures in January - March are the coolest at 16-17 °C, rising to around 22 °C by mid-May, steadily rising to 28 °C by August.
Visibility of 30-40 meters is common and sea conditions are good to excellent during Spring and Summer.
Diving in Paphos is a must-do activity for novices and the experienced. At Kalliopi Dive college, we arrange dives at local dive sites for certified divers daily. Transfers to our diving center are between 8.30-9.00am. There are opportunities to dive morning and afternoon, and with a huge amount of local dive sites available, we visit up to 4 different dive sites each day.
For beginners, we run Discover Scuba Diving programs daily, for the perfect introduction to the underwater world. Younger children can sign up for the Bubblemaker courses throughout the week.
For those wanting to get qualified, we also have Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver courses which run daily. Dive courses either start in the mornings at 9am or afternoons at 2pm. Night dives begin at 8pm Summer and 6.30pm Winter.
Dive trips to Zenobia shipwreck from Paphos to Larnaca port run every Thursday and during the high Season we add other days in line with demand. Zenobia dives start at 6am from Paphos and return around 3.30pm.
Dive trips to Limassol shipwrecks from Paphos to Limassol port run every Monday and during high season we add other days also. Limassol shipwrecks start at7am from Paphos and return around 3.30pm.
Snorkelling trips are on offer daily, half day or full day options.
