Diving atDe Costa Bay (Cyprus)
De Costa Bay, situated in Protaras, Cyprus, generally presents a tranquil environment for divers, though understanding its shallow nature and specific features ensures a smooth experience. The site features an easy shore entry, making it highly accessible. Calm conditions typically prevail, ideal for training and leisurely exploration of its underwater statues and rock formations. Dive planning should account for occasional snorkeling activity, especially during warmer months.
As evening covers De Costa Bay, the local air temperature is measured at 18.4°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.1m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
35.0071, 34.0623
Dive Site Characteristics
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Submerged objects, including columns and statues often referred to as 'Atlantis', are defining features of De Costa Bay, providing interesting focal points for underwater exploration. This sheltered environment allows for a maximum depth ranging from 10-14 m / 33-46 ft, making it particularly well-suited for Open Water Diver training and discover scuba experiences.
As divers navigate the bay, they encounter a diverse topography of rocks, patches of sandy bottom, and areas of thick seagrass. Purpose-placed obstacles and swim-throughs offer opportunities for practicing buoyancy control, adding a practical element to the dive. Circling the bay reveals different zones, from rocky areas sheltering smaller marine life to extensive seagrass fields where larger species often congregate.
Water temperatures vary by season, generally comfortable enough for a 5mm wetsuit during peak months. Exploring this bay allows for a comprehensive understanding of varied shallow water ecosystems and provides ample space for skill development.
Best Time to Dive
Planning a dive at De Costa Bay is most comfortable from June through October when conditions are often at their most favorable. The system data indicates excellent dive scores during June and October, driven by minimal rain, averaging 0.07-0.29 mm, and air temperatures reaching a pleasant 26.54-23.46°C / 79.77-74.23°F. Although water temperature data isn't consistently reported, external sources suggest a range of 18-28°C / 64-82°F between April and October. For those preferring cooler conditions, the shoulder months of April, May, and November still offer good diving scores, with air temperatures around 18.76-21.84°C / 65.77-71.31°F and 19.91°C / 67.84°F respectively.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Entering De Costa Bay is generally straightforward, usually a short walk from a small beach into clear water. Divers often notice calm, turquoise conditions, indicating a gentle start to the dive. Once submerged, the dive progresses over rocks and scattered sandy patches covered with sea grass. Visibility at the site consistently ranges between 10-30 meters (33-100 feet), varying with seasonal factors and recent weather. A gentle sandy slope leads down to a main sandy bottom, from which divers can choose to explore buoyancy practice objects or follow the coastline, keeping rocks to one side and sand to the other. Exploring the bay requires minimal exertion, ideal for relaxed dives.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Divers at De Costa Bay should prioritize maintaining neutral buoyancy, especially around submerged structures and swim-throughs, to protect the environment. Given the site's popularity, particularly with snorkelers during warmer months, awareness of surface traffic is crucial during ascents and descents. Suitable for Open Water certified divers, all individuals should confirm comfort with shallow environments and the potential for increased activity. Always conduct a thorough buddy check and ensure adequate air for your planned dive profile, as the bay offers multiple exploration paths within its approachable depth.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
In conditions like these, many divers prefer diving with 5mm wetsuit. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. Surface intervals may feel cooler.
Divers entering the water at De Costa Bay today can expect temperatures near 19°C (66°F) beneath the surface. Surface air temperatures are resting at 18°C (65°F).
Environmental conditions appear stable for the near future.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
EUR
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Marine Life at De Costa Bay
Upon entering the water, divers have a good chance of encountering green and Hawksbill turtles; they're sometimes spotted in very shallow areas during summer. Moving deeper into the bay, schools of barracudas may be observed, along with individual octopuses and cuttlefish, particularly in the extensive sea grass fields where cuttlefish often lay eggs. Sandy bottom and rocky areas are home to diverse species such as seabreams, trumpetfish, flying gurnards, tuna, various wrasse, parrotfish, and damselfish, providing a rich assortment of Mediterranean marine life.
Flying Gurnard
Tuna
Damselfish
Trumpetfish
Hawksbill Turtle
Octopuses
Barracuda
Cuttlefish
Green Sea Turtle
Wrasse
Parrotfish
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth at De Costa Bay?
Maximum depth in De Costa Bay ranges between 10 and 14 meters (33-46 feet), making this an accessible site for beginner and intermediate divers.
Is this bay suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, De Costa Bay is considered an easy dive site with a shallow, sheltered environment and straightforward shore access. It's ideal for Open Water Diver training and initial discovery dives.
What unique features can be found underwater?
Divers can explore submerged columns and statues, sometimes referred to as 'Atlantis', an obstacle course with swim-throughs, and extensive sea grass fields serving as breeding grounds for cuttlefish.
What marine life is commonly seen at De Costa Bay?
Green and Hawksbill turtles are frequently spotted, especially in summer. Other common sightings include barracudas, octopuses, cuttlefish, seabreams, trumpetfish, and a variety of smaller reef fish like wrasse and parrotfish.
How is visibility and water temperature?
Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters (33-100 feet). Water temperatures are reported between 18-28°C (64-82°F) from April through October.
Are there any specific safety considerations?
Divers should be mindful of snorkelers, particularly in warmer months, due to the site's popularity. Maintaining proper buoyancy is also important, especially when navigating around underwater structures.
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