Located in the far eastern end of the southern coast of Cyprus, Ayia Napa is a Mediterranean resort town known for its white sandy beaches and clear azure waters. Besides its stunning coastline and vibrant nightlife, Ayia Napa offers incredible scuba diving opportunities for divers of all experience levels.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Divers
The Canyon: With a maximum depth of 40 meters, this dive site is meant for experienced divers. It offers a unique landscape featuring underwater cliffs, overhangs, and a spectacular canyon that divers can swim through.
Zenobia Wreck: This is one of the top wreck dives in the world. The Zenobia, a Swedish ferry, sank on her maiden voyage in 1980, and now rests on her port side 42 meters underwater. Experienced divers can explore the wreck and the cargo of trucks that went down with the ship.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners
Christina: Located at a depth of 33 meters, the Christina is an accessible wreck for beginner divers. Here, divers can explore the remnants of a small fishing boat, now home to a variety of marine species.
Cape Greco: Featuring underwater caves and tunnels at a relatively shallow depth, this site provides a fantastic adventure for beginner divers. A wealth of marine life can be spotted here, including octopuses and sea breams.
Marine Life
Ayia Napa’s underwater realm is brimming with a rich variety of marine life. From octopuses, moray eels, and sea breams, to groupers, sea bass, and a variety of colorful reef fish, there’s always something to observe. In addition, occasional sightings of turtles and rays add to the thrill.
Dive Conditions
The diving conditions in Ayia Napa are excellent throughout the year. The water temperature ranges from 16-27°C (61-81°F), allowing for comfortable diving. Visibility often exceeds 30 meters (100 feet), offering a clear view of the vibrant marine life and dramatic underwater landscapes.
Cost
The cost for diving in Ayia Napa varies depending on the type of dive and the level of service. A guided single tank boat dive typically costs around €60-70, including equipment. Diving courses start from around €300 for a PADI Open Water Diver certification.
The combination of diverse marine life, clear warm waters, and intriguing dive sites ranging from wrecks to canyons and caves, make Ayia Napa a fantastic diving destination for both beginners and experienced divers alike.
