Diving, boat tours, sailing, and fishing on one of the cleanest stretches of the Mediterranean.
Beneath the Surface
Diving is a popular activity in North Cyprus, with established clubs offering training courses, trial dives, and trips to high-quality sites. Crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and a coastline rich in shipwrecks, caves, and reefs make it a memorable destination for divers of all levels.
North Cyprus is an ideal place to learn scuba diving. Beginners can take part in free trial dives held in pools or sheltered coves to test their comfort with the equipment before progressing to sea-based dives. From there, visitors can move on to a full course and accompanied dives if time allows.
The North Cyprus coast features numerous dive sites including shipwrecks, caves, reefs, and abundant fish populations. The shores are clean and largely undisturbed, with underwater visibility exceeding thirty metres in places. Divers may encounter the island's famous turtles, stingrays, and octopuses among many other species.
Kyrenia is the main diving centre, with over twenty dive sites accessible directly from the harbour. The famous Kyrenia Shipwreck, the site of the world's oldest known trading ship, attracts both beginner and experienced divers. The Karpaz region to the east offers more adventurous safaris featuring underwater caverns and a cargo ship resting below twenty metres of depth.
Instructors must be PADI or BSAC certified. Special programmes introduce children to the activity, including PADI Bubblemaker courses for ages eight and up. The diving season runs May through October, with general costs around £35 per dive. Scuba diving alone along the coast is prohibited, and removing historical artefacts from underwater sites is illegal. Snorkelling is widely available as an alternative for those who prefer to stay near the surface.
Out on the Water
Boat trips and sailing offer a relaxing way to take in the Mediterranean and the spectacular coastline of North Cyprus. With excursions departing from several harbour towns, visitors can choose anything from a full-day cruise with swim stops to intimate sunset sails or private charters.
Boat tour operators run from Kyrenia, Famagusta, and the fishing village of Bogaz in Iskele. Typical daytime excursions depart in the morning and sail along the coastline through varying shades of blue, with stops at scenic spots and opportunities to swim in the Mediterranean. Lunch is usually served onboard, with returns expected in the early evening.
For a more intimate experience, short evening trips toward the sunset, often paired with wine, create a memorable way to end the day along the coast.
Local harbour towns provide yachting instruction, with calm summer seas making it a tranquil option for learning to sail. Groups or those who value privacy can arrange private expeditions tailored to specific routes, durations, and preferences for a fully customised day on the water.
Fishing is another relaxing way to spend a holiday day. Boats operating from Kyrenia and Bogaz offer dedicated fishing excursions, and with over eighty fish species in the surrounding waters there is a strong chance of a successful catch.
Background information adapted from VisitNCY: Diving and VisitNCY: Boat Tours.