Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos is a fantastic location for a scuba diving holiday in Cyprus thanks to its blend of accessible dive sites, rich underwater history, and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. Here’s why it stands out:

🌊 1. Variety of Dive Sites for All Levels

Paphos offers something for everyone:

  • Beginners can enjoy calm, shallow sites like Pistol Bay and The Amphitheatre with easy entries and great visibility.
  • Experienced divers can explore deeper reefs and underwater caves, with opportunities for wall dives and even wrecks nearby.

🏛️ 2. Fascinating Underwater History

The region is steeped in history, and that continues below the surface. Expect to see:

  • Ancient amphorae and stone anchors
  • Unique rock formations carved by centuries of water movement
  • Occasional archaeological finds (though removing artefacts is strictly prohibited)

🐠 3. Abundant Marine Life

Cyprus’s warm Mediterranean waters host a surprising amount of marine life, including:

  • Octopus, moray eels, and groupers
  • Damsel fish, wrasse, and sea bream
  • Occasional sightings of turtles and rays

🏖️ 4. Great for Non-Divers Too

Great food, beaches, and nightlife

Paphos is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with plenty of above-water attractions:

Ideal for families, couples, and mixed-activity groups

Ancient ruins, mosaics, and castles

Accommodation in Paphos

There are lots of hotels and apartments to stay at in Paphos, all within a short walk of the dive centre. Here is just one example that we recommend:

4* Anemi Hotel Apartments

The Anemi Hotel Apartments in Paphos offer the perfect blend of boutique style and warm, family-run hospitality. Ideally located in the lively Kato Paphos area, the hotel is just a short stroll from the dive centre, sandy beaches, the bustling harbour, local shops, restaurants, and historic attractions.

Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or enjoy water sports, the Anemi provides a stylish and comfortable base for your Cyprus diving holiday getaway.

Why Choose Paphos for Your Scuba Diving Holiday?

Paphos is one of Cyprus’s top scuba diving destinations, offering a perfect balance of underwater adventure and relaxing holiday vibes. With its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and easy access to dive sites, Paphos is ideal for all levels of divers—from complete beginners to seasoned pros.

The region boasts a range of exciting dive sites, including natural rock formations, underwater caves, and historic relics scattered along the seabed. Calm conditions and excellent visibility make it an ideal spot for training, while more adventurous divers can explore deeper reefs and even local wrecks.

When you're not diving, Paphos has plenty to offer above the surface. From golden beaches and scenic harbours to ancient ruins and a lively food scene, it’s a destination that combines relaxation, culture, and adventure. Add in a great choice of dive schools, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why Paphos is a fantastic choice for a scuba diving holiday in Cyprus.

Anemi Hotel & Suites

The Anemi Hotel & Suites in Paphos offers a comprehensive range of facilities, blending boutique charm with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests. 🏨 Accommodation Stylish Rooms & Suites: The hotel features 152 rooms, including studios and one-bedroom suites, equipped with premium bedding, air conditioning, and smart TVs. Many rooms offer balconies or patios with city or sea views. Kitchenettes: Select accommodations come with kitchenettes, including a ceramic hob, microwave, grill, toaster, and coffee maker, providing added convenience for longer stays. expedia.com booking.com 🌊 Leisure & Wellness Swimming Pools: Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool and a children's pool, complete with sun loungers and umbrellas for relaxation. Spa & Wellness Center: The on-site spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, body scrubs, and facials. Facilities also include a sauna, steam room, and a well-equipped fitness centre. 🍽️ Dining Options Nema Restaurant: Serving a range of local and international dishes, guests can dine in a modern setting or on the pergola terrace. Poolside Bar & Coffee Shop: Ideal for light snacks and beverages throughout the day. 🛎️ Additional Services
  • Concierge & Tour Assistance: The multilingual staff is available to assist with tour bookings and local recommendations.
  • Business Facilities: For business travelers, the hotel provides meeting rooms and banquet facilities.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi & Parking: Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the property and complimentary on-site parking.
Located in the heart of Kato Paphos, the Anemi Hotel & Suites is just a short walk from the dive centre sandy beaches, historic sites, shops, and restaurants, making it an excellent base for both relaxation and exploration.

Cydive

Cydive stands out as one of the premier scuba diving centers in Paphos, Cyprus, offering a blend of experience, professionalism, and top-notch facilities that cater to divers of all levels. Here's why Cydive is a top choice for your diving adventures:

Founded in 1978, Cydive is the longest-running dive center in Paphos and was the first in Cyprus to achieve the prestigious PADI 5 Star IDC Center accreditation. With over four decades of experience, they have built a reputation for safety, quality, and exceptional customer service .

Cydive offers access to over 50 dive sites throughout the year, with 24 unique sites featured in their fortnightly schedule. Highlights include the renowned Zenobia wreck—considered one of the top ten wreck dives worldwide—and the scenic Airport Reef, suitable for all certification levels .

Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring professional, Cydive provides a range of PADI courses, from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster programs. They also offer specialized courses like Wreck Diver and Underwater Photography, all conducted by fully qualified PADI instructors .

   

Intinerary

Wrecks & Artificial Reefs

  • Zenobia Wreck (Larnaca) – World-famous ferry wreck, best for experienced divers (day trip from Paphos)
  • Achilleas Wreck – Small cargo vessel with three main sections to explore
  • Vera K Wreck – A Lebanese freighter sitting in a crater with an archway and swim-throughs
  • White Star Wreck – Purpose-sunk wreck ideal for all levels, with easy access and good visibility

Natural Reefs & Rock Formations

  • Amphitheatre – Unique rock formation shaped by sea erosion, often visited by turtles

  • Church Bay – Scenic reef site with easy entry, perfect for training and beginner divers

  • Sea Caves – Series of caverns and tunnels with dramatic underwater topography

  • Pistol Bay – A shallow reef with plenty of marine life and rock features, great for novice divers

Caves, Caverns & Swim-Throughs

  • Manijin Island – Open-water site featuring drop-offs, swim-throughs, and abundant marine life

  • Cynthiana – Easy shore dive with interesting topography and archways

  • Wied Caves – Underwater caves and tunnels perfect for adventurous divers

  • The Valley – A reef with canyon-like formations and scattered amphora remains

Marine Life Hotspots

  • Airport Reef – A varied site with reefs, seagrass meadows, and occasional turtle sightings

  • Snake Caves – Home to harmless eels (known locally as snakes) and often octopus and moray sightings

Cydive offer boat and shore dives, with options tailored to diver experience levels. The clear waters, mild conditions, and fascinating underwater scenery make Paphos a fantastic hub for exploring the best of Cyprus’s diving.

Enquire about this trip