Can I go scuba diving in Cyprus?
Yes — recreational diving is allowed, with certification. There's no national licence for an individual diver, but to dive unsupervised you need a recognised certification (PADI, SSI, CMAS, etc.) from a dive centre; intro/discovery dives run under instructor supervision. Under the 2025 law, the dive centre/operator must hold an operating licence from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism (3-year, €200 fee). Crucial: don't touch or remove underwater antiquities; in protected zones diving may be banned entirely. In short: yes, with certification and respect for the archaeology.
📋 The rules
- Unsupervised diving: recognised certification
- Discovery dive: under instructor supervision
- Centre needs an operating licence (ISO 24803 standard)
- Don't touch underwater antiquities
- Protected zones: diving possibly banned
🔓 Exceptions
- Discovery dive without certification, under an instructor
- Recognised international certifications accepted (not only PADI)
- Finding an antiquity: mandatory report to Department of Antiquities
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Removing or disturbing underwater antiquities without permission is punishable by a penalty of up to €100,000 and/or imprisonment up to 3 years. Operating a commercial dive business without a valid licence carries a fine up to €8,000, up to 2 years' imprisonment, or both. Beware a myth: "I can take a small find as a souvenir" is false and a serious offence — every antiquity belongs to the state and must be reported. Tip: dive only with a licensed centre and leave whatever you find on the seabed.
📎 Official sources
- Cyprus diving law 2025 (T&TW) →
- Underwater cultural heritage in Cyprus (Cambridge) →
- PADI · diving in Cyprus →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need certification to dive?
For unsupervised diving, yes — you need a recognised certification such as PADI, SSI or CMAS from a dive centre. You can, however, do an introductory discovery dive without certification, provided you're under the continuous supervision of a certified instructor.
Does the dive centre need a licence?
Yes. Under the 2025 law, the dive operator or centre must hold an operating licence from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, valid for three years, with a €200 application fee, and must comply with the ISO 24803 standard and carry professional liability insurance.
What about underwater antiquities?
Touching, moving or removing any antiquity is strictly prohibited. In declared maritime protection zones, diving, anchoring and fishing may be banned entirely. Any find must be reported to the Department of Antiquities, including discoveries within Cyprus's exclusive economic zone.
What's the penalty if I take an antique find?
Removing or disturbing underwater antiquities without permission carries a penalty of up to €100,000 and/or imprisonment up to three years. It doesn't matter how small the object is: it belongs to the state and removing it is a serious criminal offence.
Can I dive anywhere I like?
Not everywhere. Many sites are open through licensed centres, but in declared antiquities-protection zones or military/port areas diving may be prohibited. Check with the dive centre and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism for each specific site.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “scuba diving cyprus certification”
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- “underwater antiquities cyprus”
- “diving rules cyprus”
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