Diving the Amathounta Caves

Site Overview

Amathounta Caves is a cave, reef dive site in undefined, Cyprus, set in the open Mediterranean waters off Limassol. The Amathounta Caves are shallow limestone caverns and swim-throughs near the ancient ruins of Amathous, carved by wave action into the coastline. The site reaches a maximum depth of 14 m with an average around 10 m, and the typical profile suits beginner divers holding at least an Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the Cypriot coast: visibility generally runs from 15 to 30 metres, the current is mild, and the water temperature ranges between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Mediterranean Cardinalfish, European Lobster, Mediterranean Moray, Common Octopus, with the full species list detailed below for those planning a dive. They are a fun, easy cavern dive where light beams reveal glassfish, lobster and moray eels. Because of its beginner rating and the need for an Open Water certification, Amathounta Caves is best approached with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, appropriate specialist training. It is a representative example of why Cypriot diving, with its wrecks, reefs, caves and gorgonian walls, attracts divers who want Mediterranean life and history in equal measure, and it pairs easily with the other sites of the undefined region for a varied holiday.