Cyprus offers some of the Mediterranean's best freediving conditions: 30+ metre visibility, water temperatures from 17-28°C year-round, and dive sites ranging from 5-metre training bays to the 42-metre Zenobia wreck. Whether you're learning your first duck dive or exploring shipwrecks on a single breath, the island delivers.
Why Cyprus for Freediving?
The eastern Mediterranean location gives Cyprus distinct advantages:
- Exceptional clarity: Low nutrients mean minimal plankton; visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres
- Warm water: Diveable year-round without a drysuit (17°C winter to 28°C summer)
- Calm conditions: Protected from Atlantic swells, generally predictable weather
- Varied sites: Shallow bays, sea caves, walls, and world-class wrecks
- Accessibility: Most sites reachable from shore; short boat rides to others
Regional Guide
East Coast: Ayia Napa & Protaras
The tourist heartland also happens to be freediving heaven.
- Depth: 5-15m
- Best for: Atmospheric dives, photography
- Highlights: Swim-throughs, light effects, dramatic limestone
- Depth: 5-20m
- Best for: Intermediate freedivers
- Highlights: Large cavern system, impressive scale
- Depth: 2-8m
- Best for: Training, beginners
- Highlights: Sheltered, sandy bottom, easy access
- Depth: 3-10m
- Best for: Relaxed diving, snorkelling
- Highlights: Iconic turquoise water, protected cove
Larnaca Region
Home to Cyprus's most famous dive site.
- Depth: 17-42m
- Best for: Advanced freedivers
- Highlights: World top-10 wreck, trucks still on deck, intact structure
- Depth: 10-28m
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced
- Highlights: More accessible wreck, good penetration options
West Coast: Paphos & Limassol
Less developed for diving but worth exploring.
Paphos area: Rocky coastline with caves and walls Limassol: Some interesting sites but generally less clear than east coast
Seasonal Conditions
| Season | Water Temp | Visibility | Wetsuit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 17-18°C | 15-25m | 5mm+ | Quieter, some rough days |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 18-22°C | 25-35m | 3-5mm | Excellent conditions |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 24-28°C | 20-30m | 3mm or less | Warmest, busiest |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 22-26°C | 30-40m | 3mm | Often the best visibility |
Best overall: September-October delivers warm water with exceptional clarity and fewer crowds.
Depth Profiles by Site
Different sites suit different abilities:
0-10m (Beginners)
- Green Bay
- Blue Lagoon
- Shallow cave entrances
10-20m (Intermediate)
- Cape Greco caves
- Cyclops Cave
- Elpida upper structure
20-30m (Advanced)
- Zenobia deck level
- Deep cave systems
- Wreck exteriors
30m+ (Expert)
- Zenobia lower sections
- Deep walls
Logistics
Getting to sites: Most east coast sites are shore-accessible. Zenobia and some wrecks require boat trips (typically 15-30 minutes from Larnaca).
Facilities:
- Parking at most shore sites
- Restaurants nearby at popular locations
- Equipment rental available through dive centres
- No decompression chambers needed (it's freediving!)
Permits: No special permits required for recreational freediving. Some marine protected areas have restrictions on spearfishing but not breath-hold diving.
Safety Considerations
Cyprus is relatively safe for freediving, but respect the basics:
- Always dive with a buddy: Non-negotiable
- Check conditions: Wind from certain directions can create surge in caves
- Watch for boats: Use a dive float, especially near harbour areas
- Know your limits: Depth comes with experience, not ambition
- Hydrate: Mediterranean sun dehydrates quickly
Training in Cyprus
The conditions make Cyprus ideal for freediving courses at all levels:
- Warm water means longer comfortable training sessions
- Clear visibility helps instructors observe and correct technique
- Depth access allows progression within short distances from shore
- Year-round seasons mean training isn't limited to summer months
At Underwater Journeys, we use the island's variety—training in calm bays, then applying skills at caves and wrecks as abilities develop. The progression feels natural because the sites themselves progress naturally.
