Park Rest Journal — August 2026 · Activities
Kyrenia (Girne) is the diving hub of Northern Cyprus: most of the schools are based here, and within a short run from the harbour there are more than twenty sites, from reefs and walls to caves and wrecks. The season runs from May to October; in August the water is around 28°C and visibility in places tops 30 metres, which makes it the best month both for a first dive and for those arriving with a certificate.
What's under the water
The main reefs lie north and west of Kyrenia off Sunset Beach: the Zephyros system, with several levels for beginners and experienced divers alike, The Wall at 25–32 m with white and yellow anemones, and the deep Paradise, where the reef starts at 24 m and drops to 40–43 m, with striped groupers and morays. Nearer the harbour are Fred's Reef at 13–29 m, where tame groupers were once hand-fed, Zeyko at 12–40 m and Bambi at 14 m for day and night dives. Among the wrecks are the former coastguard vessel SG70 (Rainbow Wreck) and the Wellington bomber east of Kyrenia by the power station, its cockpit at a little over 20 m.
Centres and season
In and around Kyrenia you have North Cyprus British Scuba Centre (PADI 5 Star IDC), Scuba Cyprus at Camelot beach, Amphora Scuba Diving Center and DP Diving at Mare Monte in Karavas, with IANTD technical courses. Independent diving along the coast is banned; you go only with a centre. In August the groups fill up and morning boats are booked several days ahead.
First dive in the morning, on the Zephyros reefs, booked three days ahead.
What it costs
The official tourism portal gives a guide figure of about £35 per dive; in reviews a try dive off Kyrenia came to about 35 euros. Exact 2026 price lists are published on the centres' booking pages, and certification courses and equipment are priced separately, so check with the centre or the club concierge.
- Book a morning boat 2–3 days ahead: in August they leave full.
- Beginners should ask for Zephyros or Fred's Reef; the deep Paradise is for experienced divers only.
- Bring your certificate and logbook, or you will only be offered a try dive.
- Do not schedule a dive for the last day before your flight: the centre will tell you the required interval.
- Confirm in advance whether equipment and the boat are included in the price.