Diving in Northern Cyprus

Diving in Northern Cyprus is suitable both for a first introductory dive and for full training with an international certificate. You can start with an introductory dive with an instructor and then take a course for independent dives according to PADI or SSI standards.

• What is diving
• Diving in Northern Cyprus
• Where you can dive
• Training and programs for beginners
• Approximate prices
• Diving centers and schools
• When is the best time to dive
• Frequently asked questions

What is diving

Diving is underwater exploration with special equipment that allows you to breathe underwater and observe marine life in its natural environment. No experience is required for the first time: a beginner receives an introduction, gets the equipment, and dives only together with an instructor.

If a person enjoys the first dive, they can continue training and obtain the international PADI Open Water Diver certificate. Such a certificate confirms that the diver knows the basic safety rules, can use the equipment, and can dive within the limits of their training level.

Diving in Northern Cyprus

In Northern Cyprus, diving is developed on the northern and eastern coasts. There are clear waters, calm bays, rocky areas, reefs, underwater caves, and places where you can encounter sea turtles, octopuses, moray eels, barracudas, and Mediterranean fish.

Most dives take place in small groups. This is convenient for beginners: the instructor can pay more attention to each participant, and the first encounter with the underwater world is calmer.

Where you can dive

The main diving areas in Northern Cyprus are Kyrenia, Alsancak, Çatalköy, Esentepe, İskele, and Famagusta. Each area has its own features.

• Kyrenia and Çatalköy — convenient areas for training, introductory dives, and trips to rocky dive sites.
• Alsancak — a popular place for dives near beaches and coastal reefs.
• Esentepe — an area with picturesque underwater relief and a chance to see sea turtles.
• İskele and Famagusta — the eastern coast with calm seas and good visibility.

At some dive sites, ancient anchors, fragments of ceramics, and other underwater objects can be found. They must not be touched, moved, or lifted from the seabed.

Along the coast of Northern Cyprus there are several sunken objects of interest to divers. Some of them are small vessels intentionally sunk to create reefs, while others are the remains of old ships and marine structures. However, the main feature of local diving is not wrecks, but underwater rocks, caves, reefs, and rich marine life. One of the most famous objects is the B-24 Liberator Bomber off the coast of Kyrenia — one of the best-known underwater sites in Northern Cyprus. The World War II aircraft crashed off the island’s northern coast in 1943. Today, the site is accessible only to experienced divers.

Training and programs for beginners

If you have never done diving before, it is better to start with an introductory dive. Such a program usually includes a short briefing, equipment fitting, and the first dive with an instructor at a shallow depth.

For those who want not just to try it, but to learn to dive regularly, schools offer a basic course with an international certificate. It usually takes several days and includes theory, practice in shallow water, and dives in open water.

After the basic course, you can continue your training: master deeper dives, night diving, underwater navigation, or wreck diving.

Approximate prices

The cost depends on the school, season, number of dives, the instructor’s language, and whether study materials, equipment, and transfer are included. Below are guidelines to help understand the price range.

Diving centers and schools

Several diving centers operate in Northern Cyprus, offering introductory dives for beginners, training according to international standards, and trips to popular dive sites.

Scuba Pulse

The center is located in the İskele area and is geared toward both beginners and experienced divers. Here you can take an introductory dive, obtain an international certificate, do freediving or snorkeling. The school regularly organizes trips to dive sites on the eastern coast.
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Dive Hub

The diving center operates in the east of Northern Cyprus and offers training for beginners, introductory dives, and programs for certified divers. It is suitable for those отдыхting in the İskele and Famagusta areas.
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North Cyprus British Scuba Centre

One of the best-known diving centers in Northern Cyprus, located in the Kyrenia area. It offers training in the PADI system from beginner level to professional programs. It is suitable both for a first introduction to diving and for further qualification improvement.
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Cyprus Dive Shack

Located in Alsancak, not far from the popular beaches of the western coast. The center offers introductory dives, training, equipment rental, and guidance for certified divers. Thanks to its location, it provides quick access to several popular dive sites.
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Nautilus Scuba Diving School

The school offers a wide range of programs — from first dives to courses for professional divers. For beginners, introductory programs are available, and for certified divers — specialized courses in deep, night, and other types of diving.
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Amphora Diving

A diving center in the Kyrenia area offering training, introductory dives, and guidance for certified divers. It organizes trips to reefs, underwater rocks, and other popular diving spots.
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Cyprus Underwater Explorers DP Diving School LTD

A diving center in the Kyrenia area offering training, introductory dives, and guidance for certified divers. It organizes trips to reefs, underwater rocks, and other popular diving spots.
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DP Diving School LTD

A diving center in the Kyrenia area offering training, introductory dives, and guidance for certified divers. It organizes trips to reefs, underwater rocks, and other popular diving spots.
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Most schools offer several training formats. Beginners usually start with an introductory dive with an instructor, after which they can complete the basic Open Water Diver course and obtain an international certificate. For experienced divers, advanced training courses, night dives, underwater navigation, and other specializations are available.

When is the best time to dive

Diving in Northern Cyprus is possible almost year-round, but the most comfortable period for beginners is from May to November. At this time, the sea is warmer, the weather is more stable, and underwater visibility is usually better.

What to bring

For an introductory dive, you usually do not need to buy your own equipment. The center provides a wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, regulator, and other gear.

• swimsuit or swim trunks;
• towel;
• water;
• sunscreen;
• an identity document;
• a diver’s certificate, if you already have one.

Frequently asked questions

Can you try diving without experience?

Yes. For a first time, an introductory dive with an instructor is suitable. No certificate is required for such a program.

Do you need to be a good swimmer?

For an introductory dive, it is enough to feel confident in the water. For a full course, basic swimming ability is usually required.

How much does the first dive cost?

The approximate cost of an introductory dive starts from 50–60 EUR. The exact price depends on the chosen center and program.

Can you get an international certificate in Northern Cyprus?

Yes. Many schools provide training according to the international PADI or SSI systems. After the course, you receive a certificate recognized in different countries.

How long does the training take?

An introductory dive takes several hours. A basic course with a certificate usually lasts several days.

Are there Russian-speaking instructors?

Some diving centers have Russian-speaking staff or instructors. It is better to ask about this in advance when booking.

Can children do diving?

Yes, many schools accept children into special programs. The age depends on the rules of the specific school and the chosen course.

When is the best time to go diving?

The most comfortable period for beginners is from May to November, when the sea is warm and weather conditions are more often suitable for training.