Diving St. George�s Island (Geronisos)

Site Overview

St. George�s Island (Geronisos) is a wall, reef dive site in undefined, Cyprus, set in the open Mediterranean waters off Paphos. St. George�s Island, known as Geronisos, is a small islet off the Paphos coast with sheer walls dropping into deep water, clad in gorgonians and sea fans. The site reaches a maximum depth of 35 m with an average around 22 m, and the typical profile suits advanced divers holding at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the Cypriot coast: visibility generally runs from 20 to 40 metres, the current is moderate, and the water temperature ranges between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius with moderate surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Greater Amberjack, Bluefin Tuna, Common Eagle Ray, Red Gorgonian, with the full species list detailed below for those planning a dive. It is a dramatic wall dive where amberjack, tuna and the rare monk seal may appear, with occasional eagle rays. Because of its advanced rating and the need for an Advanced Open Water certification, St. George�s Island (Geronisos) 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.