Pissouri
Pissouri offers a serene and accessible diving experience on the southern coast of Cyprus. Nestled between Limassol and Paphos, its main appeal lies in the calm, sheltered conditions of Pissouri Bay, making it an excellent location for beginner divers, certifications, and relaxed underwater exploration. The local dive sites, though few, feature interesting Mediterranean topography such as rocky reefs, small caverns, and swim-throughs. This quiet corner of Cyprus provides a peaceful alternative to the island's busier dive hubs, focusing on quality, uncrowded dives.
Divers can expect superb conditions, with warm, crystal-clear water and visibility often exceeding 25 meters during the long season from April to November. With minimal currents in the bay, Pissouri is perfect for building confidence and enjoying the vibrant marine life, including octopus, moray eels, and colourful wrasse. It’s an ideal destination for divers who want to combine their underwater adventures with the charm of a traditional Cypriot village, beautiful beaches, and easy access to the rest of the island's attractions.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Pissouri, Cyprus?
The most popular site is located within the expansive Pissouri Bay, often known by local centers as Jubilee Shoals. It is favoured for its easy accessibility, typically calm conditions, and suitability for all certification levels. The site features a series of rocky outcrops and reefs starting at a shallow depth and gradually sloping down. This topography provides excellent habitat for a variety of marine life, including octopus and moray eels, making it a reliable and enjoyable dive.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Pissouri, Cyprus?
Besides the popular bay sites, divers can explore a few hidden gems. Pissouri Arches offers interesting swim-throughs and small caverns for more advanced divers. Another site features a gentle, sloping reef perfect for photography, while a deeper pinnacle attracts larger fish like groupers. These less-crowded sites allow for a more tranquil experience, showcasing the quiet underwater beauty of the Pissouri coastline away from the main training areas.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Pissouri, Cyprus?
Water temperatures in Pissouri, Cyprus vary seasonally. In winter (Dec-Feb), expect cool waters around 16-18°C. Spring (Mar-May) sees temperatures rise from 18°C to 22°C. The peak summer months (Jun-Aug) are very warm, reaching 25-28°C. In autumn (Sep-Nov), the sea remains pleasant, gradually cooling from 26°C down to 22°C. The warmest water is typically found in August.
When is the best time to visit Pissouri, Cyprus?
The best time to visit Pissouri, Cyprus for diving is from May through October. During this period, you'll find the warmest water, excellent visibility, and calm sea conditions. The shoulder months of May-June and September-October are often considered optimal, offering a fantastic balance of great weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak season of July and August. The diving season can extend from April to November.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Pissouri, Cyprus?
Underwater visibility in Pissouri, Cyprus is generally excellent, a key feature of diving on the island. During the main dive season from spring to autumn, you can typically expect visibility ranging from 20 to over 30 meters. Conditions are consistently clear due to the lack of major rivers and plankton blooms. Visibility might be slightly reduced for a day or two after a rare storm, but it quickly returns to its usual clarity.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Pissouri, Cyprus?
Pissouri, Cyprus does not experience large-scale migrations of megafauna like whale sharks or manta rays. However, there are notable seasonal events. From late spring to summer (May-August), green and loggerhead turtles come to the region to nest on nearby beaches, increasing the chances of an underwater encounter. You may also notice a higher abundance of fish species during the warmest summer months when the Mediterranean ecosystem is most active.
What marine life can I expect to see in Pissouri, Cyprus?
You can expect to see typical Mediterranean marine life. Common encounters include colourful ornate and rainbow wrasse, damselfish, two-banded sea bream, and moray eels hiding in rock crevices. Octopus and cuttlefish are frequently spotted, especially on night dives. Look for groupers, parrotfish, and the invasive but beautiful lionfish. Lucky divers may also spot sea turtles, particularly during the summer nesting season, as well as stingrays on sandy patches.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Pissouri, Cyprus?
For peak summer (June-August) when water is 25-28°C, a 3mm shorty or full suit is sufficient. In the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn (April-May, September-November) with temperatures between 20-26°C, a 5mm full wetsuit is recommended for comfort. During the winter months (December-March), when the water drops to 16-18°C, a 7mm wetsuit or a semi-dry suit is essential to stay warm.
How do I get to Pissouri, Cyprus?
To reach Pissouri, Cyprus, fly into either Paphos International Airport (PFO), which is about a 30-minute drive away, or Larnaca International Airport (LCA), approximately a 75-minute drive. Renting a car from the airport is the most convenient option, providing flexibility to explore the area and travel to dive centers. Taxis and airport transfers are also readily available from both airports.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Pissouri, Cyprus?
Pissouri, Cyprus is exclusively a shore-based diving destination. There are no liveaboards operating in this area. You should book accommodation on shore and arrange daily dives with one of the local dive centers. They offer guided shore dives and short boat trips to the nearby sites. This setup is ideal for a relaxed holiday, allowing you to easily combine diving with enjoying the local culture, restaurants, and beaches.