North Cyprus's strategic position has meant that it has been a stepping-stone between the East and the West throughout history of the ancient world for 9000 years. Aphrodite the Goddess of Beauty and Love is said to have been born on the island, which is also documented to have been a present to Queen Cleopatra as a token of love and affection from the Roman Emperor Julius Cesar. These are but a few tiles of the rich mosaic of events in the history of Cyprus.
The warm waters of this beautiful eastern Mediterranean country have one of the longest diving seasons.
Situated in the Levent Sea, just 40 miles from Turkey, the Island has a warm, shallow coastline of over 500 miles with sea temperatures ranging from 16C to 32C. This, coupled with long, hot summers, makes North Cyprus the most popular diving holiday destination in the Mediterranean.
Gently sloping beaches lead to unpolluted, crystal clear waters, where visibility often exceeds 30 metres. Currents flowing from the Black & Red Seas bring a huge variety of marine life on the many reefs including, Amberjacks, Groupers, Wrasse, Sea Turtles, Stingrays and the occasional Dolphin. Coral and sponges grow in abundance and amongst the rocks lurk Moray eels and octopus.
Typically, the seabed is a forest of Neptune grass, providing a safe haven for many species to breed and food for the Green Turtle (helona mydas) and the Loggerhead Turtle (caretta caretta) who lay their eggs along the unspoilt, safe sandy beaches of North Cyprus, every summer.
Whether you are a qualified diver or a complete novice the dive centres in North Cyprus endeavour to provide you with a truly unique and enjoyable experience.
There are currently 5 professional accredited Scuba Diving Centres in North Cyprus, offering PADI, ISO CMAS and SSI courses for all levels.
Popular Dive Sites
East of the Island, approx. 500m north of the beach, lies the wreck of a WW2 twin engine bomber. Experts believe it to be a Bristol Beaufort or Beaufigher!
There’s a large Power Station off the west coast which is another favourite dive site.
Fred Dive Site is a substantial reef just outside of Kyrenia Harbour.
With a history dating back 9000 years there is much offshore evidence of prolific trade, with cargo strewn over the sea bed.
A dramatic find in 1967, north of Kyrenia, led to the excavation and raising of the oldest commercial shipwreck in the world, dating back 2300 years.
The ship is now proudly displayed in Girne Castle situated in the Harbour.