Cape Greco
Cape Greco, a protected national forest park near Ayia Napa, offers some of Cyprus's most scenic and accessible diving. The area is renowned for its dramatic underwater topography, featuring a labyrinth of sea caves, swim-throughs, and tunnels carved into the limestone cliffs. This unique landscape, combined with generally calm conditions, makes it a fantastic destination for all experience levels. The dives here are primarily shore-based, allowing for easy entry into the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters to explore the intricate rock formations and hidden passages that define the region's underwater appeal.
Diving conditions in Cape Greco are characterized by excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, and warm water temperatures throughout the long summer season. The sheltered coves provide protection from strong winds and currents, ensuring safe and enjoyable dives. Divers should visit Cape Greco to experience the thrill of cavern and cave diving in a safe, controlled environment. The combination of stunning natural beauty both above and below the surface, convenient access from popular tourist areas, and sites suitable for training and exploration makes it a must-visit location on any Cypriot diving itinerary.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Cape Greco, Cyprus?
The Cape Greco Caves (or Sea Caves) site is by far the most popular. It's famous for its incredible network of shallow, interconnected caves, tunnels, and swim-throughs that are safe for all certified divers. The way sunlight penetrates the openings creates stunning light effects, making it a photographer's paradise. Its easy shore entry and unique topography make it the signature dive of the area, offering a memorable adventure just meters from the coastline.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Cape Greco, Cyprus?
The well-known star is the Cape Greco Caves. Another popular site is the Chapel, which features a small swim-through and is often used for entry-level dives. A less-dived but equally interesting site is Konnos Point, located on the edge of the cape. It offers a gentle sloping bottom with interesting rock formations and a good chance to see larger fish and turtles, away from the main cave-diving crowds.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Cape Greco, Cyprus?
Water temperatures in Cape Greco, Cyprus vary significantly. In the peak summer months (July-September), temperatures reach a warm 26-28°C (79-82°F). During the shoulder seasons of spring (May-June) and autumn (October-November), expect temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F). In the winter (December-April), the water cools down considerably to around 16-18°C (61-64°F), making diving possible year-round with the appropriate exposure suit.
When is the best time to visit Cape Greco, Cyprus?
The prime diving season in Cape Greco, Cyprus is from May to October. During this period, you'll experience the warmest water, calmest seas, and consistently sunny weather, making for ideal diving conditions. July and August are the hottest months with the warmest water, but also the busiest tourist season. For fewer crowds and still excellent conditions, consider visiting in May, June, September, or October. Winter diving is possible but requires thicker wetsuits.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Cape Greco, Cyprus?
Underwater visibility in Cape Greco, Cyprus is typically excellent, a key attraction for divers. During the main dive season from late spring to autumn, visibility often ranges from 25 to 40 meters (80-130+ feet). The clear, azure waters of the Mediterranean, combined with the rocky seabed, contribute to this exceptional clarity. While occasional plankton blooms or stormy weather can reduce it slightly, you can generally expect fantastic viewing conditions for exploring the caves and marine life.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Cape Greco, Cyprus?
Cape Greco is not known for large-scale migrations like manta rays or whale sharks. The marine life encounters are more consistent throughout the year. However, you have a better chance of spotting Green and Loggerhead turtles during the warmer summer months (June to September) as they come closer to shore for nesting in nearby areas. The focus here is more on the unique topography and resident Mediterranean species rather than large pelagic events.
What marine life can I expect to see in Cape Greco, Cyprus?
While diving in Cape Greco, Cyprus, you can expect to see a variety of typical Mediterranean marine life. Common sightings include large shoals of saddled seabream, damselfish, wrasse, and parrotfish. Look closely in cracks and crevices for moray eels, octopus, and nudibranchs. Lucky divers may also encounter groupers, trumpetfish, and occasionally sea turtles, particularly during the summer months. The focus is often on the dramatic underwater landscapes, with marine life as a welcome bonus.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Cape Greco, Cyprus?
For summer diving (June-October) in Cape Greco, Cyprus, when water is 24-28°C, a 3mm shorty or full suit is usually sufficient. In the shoulder months (April-May and November), with water at 20-23°C, a 5mm full suit is recommended for comfort. For winter diving (December-March), when temperatures drop to 16-18°C, a 7mm semi-dry suit with a hood and gloves is essential to stay warm during your dives.
How do I get to Cape Greco, Cyprus?
To get to Cape Greco, you'll first fly into Larnaca International Airport (LCA), which is the closest major airport. From there, it's about a 45-60 minute drive to Ayia Napa, the town closest to the cape. You can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a shuttle service. Dive centers in Ayia Napa or Protaras will typically provide transport to the dive sites at Cape Greco as part of their guided dive packages.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Cape Greco, Cyprus?
Liveaboards are not a common or necessary option for diving in Cape Greco, Cyprus. The area's three main dive sites are all easily accessible from the shore. The best approach is to stay in a hotel or apartment in the nearby towns of Ayia Napa or Protaras. From there, you can book daily dive trips with local dive centers who will handle all the logistics and transportation to the entry points, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the region.