Diving Famagusta & the Karpaz Peninsula | Wrecks, Walls & Untouched Reefs

About Famagusta (Gazimağusa) & Karpaz Peninsula (East/North)

The eastern edge of North Cyprus spans the walled city of Famagusta (Gazimağusa) and the remote, unspoiled Karpaz Peninsula, a region of ancient ruins, sweeping beaches and some of the least-dived water on the island. Off Famagusta, the Salamis Bay reefs hide scattered amphorae and stone anchors from antiquity, while the Three Lanes and Mazi wrecks provide accessible artificial-reef and macro dives. The Karpaz Peninsula then turns wild: the Kantara Wall is a steep, untouched drop-off with schooling tuna and the occasional dolphin, Golden Beach offers pristine sandy slopes with stingrays and garden eels, and Zafer Burnu (Cape Apostolos Andreas) is a strong-current drift for advanced divers chasing pelagics. The region is deeply tied to history — Salamis, Soli and the Apostolos Andreas monastery — and its isolation means empty sites, abundant marine life and a genuine frontier feel for divers willing to travel a little further.

Highlights

• ✓Salamis Bay Reefs: sloping reefs off the ancient city with amphorae and stone anchors
• ✓Three Lanes Wreck (Famagusta): a 60 m cargo vessel reef in 18-30 m, penetrable
• ✓Mazi Wreck (Famagusta): a small, encrusted fishing boat rich in frogfish and seahorses
• ✓Kantara Wall (Karpaz): a remote, untouched drop-off with schooling tuna
• ✓Golden Beach & Zafer Burnu: pristine sands and a strong-current pelagic drift

Getting There

Fly into Ercan (ERC) via Turkey or cross the Green Line from the Republic, then drive to Famagusta. A rental car is the most flexible way to reach the harbours and dive boats, and most centres run hotel transfers.