The sea caves at Cape Greco are where Instagram dreams meet freediving reality. These natural limestone formations, carved over millennia by the Mediterranean, create an otherworldly underwater landscape that draws visitors from around the world.
What Makes Cape Greco Special
The sea caves at Cape Greco are among the most accessible and visually stunning dive sites in the Mediterranean, making them perfect for freedivers of all levels. Unlike deep wreck sites, these caves allow you to experience the magic of underwater exploration at depths comfortable for beginners while still offering challenges for experienced divers.
The caves sit within the Cape Greco National Forest Park, a protected area where the dramatic white limestone cliffs plunge into impossibly blue water. Above the surface, the landscape is striking. Below, it's transformative.
The Cave System
The caves range from small swim-throughs to larger caverns with multiple entrances. Most popular are:
- The Cathedral: A larger cavern with light shafts piercing through cracks above
- Love Bridge Cave: A swim-through beneath the famous natural arch
- Blue Room: Named for the ethereal blue light that fills the chamber
The geology is ancient. These limestone formations date back millions of years, shaped first by geological forces and then sculpted by countless waves. The result is smooth, rounded passages and dramatic overhangs that create perfect frames for underwater photography.
Freediving Conditions
The caves are remarkably forgiving for freedivers:
- Depth: Most caves sit between 3-8 meters, with some extending to 12m
- Visibility: Typically 25-40 meters—some of the clearest water in Cyprus
- Current: Generally minimal inside the caves
- Temperature: Warm Mediterranean water (22-28°C in summer)
The shallow depths mean you can make multiple dives without exhausting yourself, perfect for photography or simply enjoying the experience. Even on a single breath, you have time to explore, observe, and appreciate.
Marine Life
Don't expect large pelagics here—these caves are about atmosphere rather than big animal encounters. But look closely and you'll find:
- Damselfish darting between rocks
- Painted combers lurking in shadows
- Octopus hiding in crevices
- Sea urchins carpeting the rocks
- Moray eels occasionally peeking from holes
The real attraction is the environment itself: the play of light through water, the way sunbeams pierce the cave openings, the sensation of floating through geological time.
Best Time to Visit
The caves are diveable year-round, but conditions vary:
- May-October: Calmest seas, warmest water (24-28°C), best visibility
- April & November: Cooler but often excellent visibility, fewer crowds
- Winter: Possible but seas can be rough; check conditions carefully
Early morning offers the best light for photography, when the sun angle creates dramatic shafts through the cave openings. Late afternoon brings a golden quality to the water.
How to Access
The most popular entry point is near the Love Bridge car park. A short walk down rocky terrain leads to several entry points:
- Shore entry: Easiest access, wade in from rocky platforms
- Jump entry: From the Love Bridge itself (check conditions)
- Boat: Some operators run trips from Ayia Napa harbor
The shore entry requires some rock scrambling but nothing technical. Reef shoes are essential—the rocks are rough on bare feet.
Tips for Freediving the Caves
- Go early: Beat the crowds and catch the best light
- Bring a buddy: Essential for safety in overhead environments
- Use a dive float: Mark your position for boats
- Respect the environment: No touching, no taking
- Check conditions: Even light wind can create surge in caves
The caves are within a protected area. Follow leave-no-trace principles and remember that these formations took millennia to create.
Photography Notes
These caves are a photographer's paradise:
- Wide angle essential: Capture the cave environment
- Shoot toward light: Position yourself with the cave opening behind your subject
- Silhouettes work beautifully: A freediver against the blue cave entrance
- Morning light is magic: Sun angles create shafts through openings
