Best Places for Snorkeling in Cyprus
Published on 15th of October, 2024
Cyprus, an island renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a true haven for snorkeling enthusiasts. With an impressive coastline boasting diverse marine life, rocky coves, and seagrass beds, the island offers some of the most beautiful underwater experiences in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, Cyprus has something for everyone. Below, we explore some of the best snorkeling spots in Cyprus, from the renowned sea turtle hubs to hidden underwater treasures.
1. Green Bay, Protaras: A Sea Turtle Paradise
One of the most iconic and frequently visited snorkeling destinations in Cyprus is Green Bay in Protaras. Known for its calm waters and abundance of green sea turtles, this spot is considered the best location to snorkel with these majestic creatures in the Mediterranean. The rocky cove is easily accessible from the shore, and its seagrass beds are a favorite for turtles, making sightings almost guaranteed during the summer months.
In addition to sea turtles, Green Bay is home to an array of fish species, including the commonly spotted saddled seabream and the Atlantic lizardfish. The rocky underwater terrain adds an element of exploration, where you’ll find submerged statues that create an eerie, yet captivating, atmosphere beneath the waves. Green Bay provides an unforgettable experience for those who wish to explore marine life up close.
2. Konnos Beach: Beauty Above and Below
A short distance from Green Bay lies another jewel of Cyprus’s snorkeling destinations: Konnos Beach. Nestled between the towns of Protaras and Ayia Napa, this stunning beach offers more than just picturesque views. Konnos Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and shallow rocky beds, making it perfect for beginners and families who want to snorkel in calm, safe waters.
Snorkelers often encounter green sea turtles here as well, especially during the summer. The calm waters, combined with excellent visibility, allow snorkelers to spot an array of fish, including damselfish, salema, and various wrasse species. For those willing to swim a bit farther from shore, small underwater caves and arches offer exciting places to explore.
3. The Blue Lagoon, Cape Greco: Snorkeling in a Nature Park
Cape Greco, located at the southeastern tip of Cyprus, is a snorkeling hotspot with something for everyone. The Blue Lagoon, found within the Cape Greco National Park, is a top destination for those seeking a peaceful, pristine snorkeling experience. This location is popular for its strikingly clear waters, stunning limestone cliffs, and abundant marine life.
While snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon, you can expect to see schools of small fish, colorful parrotfish, and even the occasional octopus hiding among the rocks. For the more adventurous, Cape Greco’s underwater caves and deep channels offer an exciting opportunity to discover Cyprus’s rich marine ecosystem. The dramatic underwater landscapes here are perfect for photography, with the azure waters providing excellent visibility.
One of the more unusual sightings at Cape Greco is the Indian Ocean lionfish, a species originally from the Red Sea. Due to its close proximity to the Suez Canal, Cyprus has become home to many exotic species migrating from the Red Sea, making snorkeling here both a visually and ecologically interesting experience.
4. Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (MUSAN)
For a unique and artistic snorkeling experience, head to the Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (MUSAN). Opened in 2021, this underwater museum is located at Katsarka Beach and features over 90 sculptures designed to enhance the marine environment. The sculptures are submerged at various depths, attracting a multitude of fish that swim among the art installations.
As you snorkel through the museum, you’ll encounter a variety of marine species that have made their homes around the statues. The combination of art and marine life creates a one-of-a-kind underwater experience that is not to be missed when visiting Ayia Napa. This site is accessible to snorkelers of all levels and provides an educational and visually stimulating experience.
5. Coral Bay, Peyia: Crystal Waters and Marine Life
Moving to the western coast of Cyprus, Coral Bay in Peyia offers a different snorkeling experience. Known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life, Coral Bay is perfect for those looking to snorkel from the shore. The bay is characterized by its sandy bottom, which gradually slopes into the sea, providing excellent conditions for spotting various fish species.
At Coral Bay, snorkelers can expect to see schools of seabream, wrasse, and even the occasional Mediterranean moray eel. The area is also home to loggerhead sea turtles, and while sightings are not as frequent as in Protaras, you may still encounter these gentle creatures during the nesting season. The calm waters and easy access make Coral Bay a family-friendly snorkeling destination.
6. Turtle Reef, Paphos: A Boat Tour to Remember
While many of the best snorkeling spots in Cyprus can be accessed from the shore, Turtle Reef, located off the coast of Paphos, requires a boat tour. This excursion offers the chance to snorkel with loggerhead and green sea turtles in their natural habitat. Most tours depart from Paphos Harbor and head to Turtle Reef, where you can swim alongside these magnificent creatures in the open sea.
The clear waters and rich marine biodiversity make Turtle Reef a must-visit for turtle lovers. In addition to the turtles, you’ll likely encounter a variety of other marine life, including groupers, octopuses, and cuttlefish. These boat tours often provide all the necessary equipment, making it a hassle-free way to experience Cyprus’s marine treasures.
7. The Akamas Peninsula: Untouched and Rugged Beauty
For those seeking a more secluded snorkeling experience, the Akamas Peninsula on the northwestern tip of Cyprus is an excellent choice. This rugged, undeveloped stretch of coastline is part of a protected National Park, ensuring that its pristine waters and marine life remain unspoiled.
Snorkeling around the Akamas Peninsula offers a sense of adventure as you explore hidden coves and bays that are only accessible by boat or off-road vehicle. Some of the best snorkeling spots here include the Blue Lagoon (a different one from Cape Greco), Manolis Bay, and the Baths of Aphrodite Beach. These locations are characterized by their clear waters and abundance of fish, including seabream, wrasse, and occasional sightings of the dusky grouper.
The untouched nature of the Akamas Peninsula provides a tranquil environment for snorkeling, away from the crowds that flock to other parts of the island. This makes it a top choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and explore Cyprus’s wilder side.
8. White Rocks, Limassol: Snorkeling Near Ancient Ruins
While Limassol’s urbanized coastline may not offer the best snorkeling opportunities, a short drive east will take you to some hidden gems. One such spot is White Rocks near Governor’s Beach, where striking chalk cliffs plunge into the sea, creating a stunning backdrop for snorkeling.
The area around White Rocks is teeming with marine life, with hundreds of fish species swimming through the crystal-clear waters. The underwater landscape, combined with the unique geological features of the cliffs, makes this a picturesque and rewarding snorkeling destination. Just a bit farther east, you’ll find the ancient ruins of Amathus Port, where you can snorkel among submerged archaeological remains, adding a touch of history to your underwater adventure.
Conclusion
Cyprus is a true snorkeling paradise, offering a variety of locations that cater to all levels of experience. From the bustling beaches of Protaras and Ayia Napa, where sea turtles are a common sight, to the rugged, untouched beauty of the Akamas Peninsula, the island is brimming with opportunities to explore its vibrant marine life. Whether you’re seeking an artistic underwater museum or a quiet cove teeming with fish, Cyprus has something to offer every snorkeling enthusiast. So grab your mask, fins, and snorkel, and dive into the enchanting underwater world of Cyprus!