Snorkelling in Cyprus: Clear Water, Marine Life & When to Come

The best time to snorkel in Cyprus is May through October, when water temperatures reach 22-28°C and visibility regularly exceeds 25 metres. You'll find colourful fish, octopus, sea urchins, and occasionally sea turtles—all in water clear enough to see 30+ metres on good days.

What Makes Cyprus Special for Snorkelling?

Cyprus sits in the eastern Mediterranean where several factors combine to create exceptional snorkelling conditions:

• Exceptional clarity: Low plankton and no major rivers mean visibility often exceeds 30 metres
• Warm water: Comfortable temperatures from May to November without a wetsuit
• Calm seas: The Mediterranean is generally gentler than ocean destinations
• Accessible sites: Many excellent spots reachable from shore

You won't find tropical coral reefs here, but you will find dramatic underwater landscapes—sea caves, rocky formations, sandy bays, and even shipwrecks accessible to snorkellers.

Marine Life You'll Encounter

The Mediterranean isn't known for biodiversity like the Red Sea or Caribbean, but Cyprus waters are home to plenty of interesting species:

Common sightings:

• Damselfish (small, colourful, everywhere)
• Ornate wrasse (bright blue and orange)
• Painted combers (striped, curious fish)
• Sea urchins (watch where you put your hands)
• Octopus (look in rocky crevices)
• Moray eels (peek from holes)

Occasional treats:

• Green sea turtles (especially summer months)
• Loggerhead turtles
• Rays (sandy areas)
• Barracuda (usually keeping distance)

Guaranteed atmosphere:

• Crystal-clear water
• Dramatic light effects
• Underwater rock formations
• Sea caves to explore

Best Snorkelling Spots

Green Bay, Protaras

Perfect for beginners. Sheltered bay with sandy bottom, gentle entry, and abundant fish life. The shallow water (2-8m) is ideal for relaxed snorkelling.

Blue Lagoon, Cape Greco

Iconic turquoise water in a protected cove. Gets busy in summer but the clarity and colour are worth it. Best visited early morning.

Sea Caves, Ayia Napa

Dramatic limestone formations you can swim through. The caves create stunning light effects. Slightly more adventurous than bay snorkelling.

Love Bridge Area

Natural rock arch with excellent snorkelling beneath and around it. Combines scenic landscape with good underwater viewing.

Seasonal Conditions

Best months: June and September offer the sweet spot—warm water, excellent visibility, manageable crowds.

What to Bring

Essentials:

• Mask and snorkel (we provide quality equipment)
• Reef-safe sunscreen (applied 20 minutes before)
• Water and snacks
• Towel

Recommended:

• Rash guard for sun protection
• Reef shoes for rocky entries
• Underwater camera
• Dive float for safety in busy areas

We provide:

• Professional masks and snorkels
• Fins
• Flotation aids if needed
• Safety supervision

Safety Tips

1. Never snorkel alone: Always have a buddy or join a guided group
2. Check conditions: Wind and waves affect safety and visibility
3. Know your limits: Don't push too far from shore
4. Watch for boats: Stay in designated swimming areas
5. Respect wildlife: Look but don't touch
6. Stay hydrated: Sun and salt water are dehydrating

Snorkelling vs. Freediving

Wondering which to try? Snorkelling keeps you on the surface, looking down. It's relaxed, requires no training, and lets you cover large areas. Freediving takes you beneath the surface on a single breath—more immersive but requires proper instruction.

Many people start with snorkelling and progress to freediving once they're comfortable in the water.

At Underwater Journeys, we offer both guided snorkelling experiences and freediving courses. Whether you want a gentle introduction to Cyprus's underwater world or want to dive deeper, we'll match the experience to your comfort level.