Diving the Salamis Bay Reefs

Site Overview

Salamis Bay Reefs is a reef, archaeology dive site in undefined, Cyprus, set in the open Mediterranean waters off Famagusta. The Salamis Bay Reefs are sloping rocky reefs off the ancient city of Salamis, scattered with amphorae and stone anchors and alive with Mediterranean fish. The site reaches a maximum depth of 20 m with an average around 14 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 Moray, Dusky Grouper, Green Sea Turtle, Two-banded Seabream, with the full species list detailed below for those planning a dive. They blend genuine antiquity with a relaxed reef dive, with morays, groupers and the occasional turtle. Because of its beginner rating and the need for an Open Water certification, Salamis Bay Reefs 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.