Diving in Larnaca

Explore 75 dive sites in Larnaca, Cyprus. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Larnaca

The warmest water temperatures in Larnaca occur in January, averaging 18.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 18.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 18.5°C (air: 13.1°C)
  • February: 18.5°C (air: 12.9°C)
  • March: 18.5°C (air: 14.7°C)
  • April: 18.5°C (air: 19.1°C)
  • May: 18.5°C (air: 23.0°C)
  • June: 18.5°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • July: 18.5°C (air: 29.9°C)
  • August: 18.5°C (air: 29.4°C)
  • September: 18.5°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • October: 18.5°C (air: 23.9°C)
  • November: 18.5°C (air: 18.8°C)
  • December: 18.5°C (air: 15.2°C)

Marine Life in Larnaca

Home to 54 recorded species including 32 reef fish, 9 sharks & rays, 4 whales & dolphins, 3 hard corals, 2 other, 2 seagrass & algae.

Dive Site Difficulty in Larnaca

Larnaca has 19 beginner, 10 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Larnaca

Based on average water temperature of 18.5°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Larnaca

  • THALASSIA PERIOCHI NISIA - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PERIOCHI POLIS - GIALIA - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • THALASSIA PERIOCHI MOULIA - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • ZONI EIDIKIS PROSTASIAS CHERSONISOS AKAMA - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • AKROTIRIO ASPRO - PETRA ROMIOU - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KAVO GKREKO - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • MPA Lara-Toxeftra - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Lara-Toxeftra Turtle Reserve - Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (Barcelona Convention) (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • SPA KAVO GKREKO - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • MPA Agios Georgios Alamanou - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • MPA Amathounta - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • AKROTIRIO ASPRO - PETRA ROMIOU - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • MPA Ayia Napa - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • MPA Ayia Napa Sea Caves - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • MPA Dasoudi - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • MPA Geroskipou - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • MPA Halavro - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • MPA Kakoskali - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • MPA Kavo Gkreko - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • MPA Larnaca - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • MPA Mpania - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • MPA Paralimni - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • MPA Peyia Sea Caves - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • OCEANID - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • CHERSONISOS AKAMA - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • OCEANID - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • MPA Zenobia Shipwreck - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)

Getting to Larnaca - Nearest Airports

  • Lefkoniko Airport / Geçitkale Air Base (GEC), Lefkoniko (Geçitkale) - 61 km away, approx 81 min travel time
  • Ercan International Airport (ECN), Tymbou (Kirklar) - 82 km away, approx 105 min travel time
  • Larnaca International Airport (LCA), Larnaca - 91 km away, approx 114 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water temperatures and visibility for diving in Larnaca throughout the year?
Based on the provided data, the best water temperatures for diving in Larnaca, Cyprus are 18.52°C for Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. Unfortunately, specific data regarding typical visibility throughout the year is not available in the current context. For more general information on diving seasons, you can visit our When to dive section.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see when diving in Larnaca, especially around the Zenobia wreck?
While the Zenobia wreck is a renowned dive site, the provided data does not specify the types of marine life divers can expect to encounter in Larnaca or around the wreck. Wrecks typically attract a variety of marine species, but for detailed information on local fauna, please consult our comprehensive wildlife database.
Beyond the Zenobia, what are considered the best dive sites in the Larnaca region, and what makes them stand out?
Beyond the iconic Zenobia, Larnaca offers a diverse range of dive sites. Notable wreck dives include the Elpida Wreck and ARMANT, both suitable for intermediate divers, along with BALKAN, ALEXANDRIA, PEK, SABRIN, Kerynia, and Nemesis III. For those seeking different underwater experiences, the Cyclops Caves offer a beginner-friendly cave dive, while Akyar Duvar presents an intermediate wall dive.
Is Larnaca suitable for beginner divers, or is it primarily for more experienced divers, particularly for sites like the Zenobia?
Larnaca is well-suited for divers of all experience levels, including beginners. While iconic sites like the Zenobia wreck are classified as intermediate, there are numerous beginner-friendly sites such as Yapraklıkoy, Hitit Koyu, De Costa Bay, and Cyclops Caves. These sites offer accessible reef and cave diving experiences, ensuring a welcoming environment for those new to the sport.
What are the seasonal variations for diving in Larnaca, and when is the best time to visit for optimal diving conditions?
Based on the available data, the best water temperatures for diving in Larnaca are consistently 18.52°C during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. This suggests these months offer optimal conditions in terms of water temperature. However, specific information regarding other seasonal variations, such as visibility or currents, is not provided in the current context. For more detailed seasonal insights, please refer to our When to dive guide.
How accessible are the main dive sites from Larnaca, and what are the typical travel arrangements to get to them?
The provided data does not offer specific details on the accessibility of main dive sites from Larnaca or typical travel arrangements. However, with 32 dive centres operating in the region, it is highly probable that local operators provide convenient boat trips and logistical support to reach the various dive locations. We recommend contacting local dive centres for precise travel information.
Are there any other notable wreck dives in Larnaca besides the Zenobia, and what are their characteristics?
Yes, Larnaca boasts several other notable wreck dives in addition to the Zenobia. These include the Elpida Wreck, ARMANT, BALKAN, ALEXANDRIA, PEK, SABRIN, Kerynia, and Nemesis III, all classified as intermediate dives. For beginner wreck enthusiasts, the Kömürlübucak Koyu Sg Batık offers an accessible introduction to wreck diving.
What are the general underwater conditions like in Larnaca, such as currents and overall sea state?
The provided data context for Larnaca, Cyprus does not include specific information regarding general underwater conditions such as currents or the overall sea state. For detailed insights into these conditions, it is best to consult local dive operators or recent dive reports from the area.