Diving the Paphos Aquarium Reef

Site Overview

Paphos Aquarium Reef is a artificial-reef, reef dive site in undefined, Cyprus, set in the open Mediterranean waters off Paphos. The Paphos Aquarium Reef is a purposely sunk cluster of concrete blocks and pipes near Paphos harbour, now a thriving macro habitat. The site reaches a maximum depth of 12 m with an average around 8 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 12 to 25 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 Long-snouted Seahorse, Broad-nosed Pipefish, Warty Frogfish, Mediterranean Nudibranch, with the full species list detailed below for those planning a dive. It is a celebrated macro site where seahorses, ghost pipefish and frogfish are regular, careful finds. Because of its beginner rating and the need for an Open Water certification, Paphos Aquarium Reef 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.