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PADI Open Water Course Cyprus 2026 – Learn to dive in Green Bay (Protaras)

  • Writer: Daniel Kistler
    Daniel Kistler
  • 3 days ago
  • 5 min read



🧭 Learn to dive in Cyprus – why this place is so special

Many people dream of breathing underwater and discovering the underwater world for themselves. But the most important question at the beginning is almost always:

Divers in front of a seagrass meadow in Green Bay, Cyprus

Where is the best place to learn to dive?

Cyprus is one of the best places in the Mediterranean to take that first step. The region around Protaras, in particular, offers ideal conditions for beginners: calm bays, excellent visibility, and warm water temperatures for many months of the year.

The focus is on a very special place: Green Bay .


This sheltered bay is one of the most famous training spots for the PADI Open Water course in Cyprus - and it is right here that many begin their first real diving experience.



🌊 Green Bay – the perfect place for your first dives

Green Bay in Protaras is not a classic “diving spot for professionals”, but a specially protected area that is perfect for training.

The water here is calm, clear, and has a gentle slope. The depth in the training area usually remains between a few meters and about ten meters, creating ideal conditions for gradually getting used to diving.

Entry is directly from the beach, without boats or long transfers. This is precisely what makes the place so pleasant for beginners: you can get used to the equipment in peace and concentrate fully on learning.

Despite the calm conditions, Green Bay is anything but boring. Among the rocks, sandy areas, and small structures, you'll find schools of fish, octopuses, and occasionally even sea turtles. Artificial underwater structures and sculptures also contribute to a unique atmosphere.



🎓 How your PADI Open Water course really works

The PADI Open Water course is standardized worldwide and consists of three clear phases that will make you a certified diver step by step.

It all starts with the theory. You can usually complete this conveniently online or in a quiet, on-site setting. Here you'll learn the basics of diving, how pressure changes affect the process, how your equipment works, and which safety rules are important underwater. This preparation ensures that you'll be relaxed and safe in the water later on.

The most exciting part begins afterwards in Green Bay. Here, the so-called "confined water training" takes place – your first practical exercises in the ocean. In shallow, very calm water, you'll learn to breathe normally, clean your mask underwater, control your buoyancy, and move safely in the water. Everything happens step by step and without time pressure, so you can build confidence.

After these exercises, the first real open water dives follow. You will complete a total of four dives in the open sea, putting everything you've learned into practice. You will be gradually introduced to greater depths and always accompanied by an experienced instructor. At the end of this phase, you will receive your international PADI Open Water certification, which allows you to dive to a depth of 18 meters worldwide.



👥 Why small groups are so important

A crucial factor in learning to dive is group size. Many dive schools work with very large groups, which often results in individual participants receiving less personalized attention.

School of fish at Fishrock Green Bay Cyprus

We deliberately focus on small groups. This means your dive instructor has more time for you, can answer your questions, and you learn at your own pace. This makes a huge difference, especially for first-time divers, because you feel more confident and progress faster.




🧠 Is diving difficult to learn?

Most beginners are surprised how quickly they feel comfortable underwater. The first moment with the equipment is often unfamiliar, but after a short time a feeling of calm and control develops.

Above all, a good learning environment is crucial: clear explanations, no stress, and a safe environment like Green Bay. There, you can fully concentrate on the water without being distracted by currents, depth, or difficult conditions.



💰 How much does a PADI Open Water course cost in Cyprus?

The prices for an Open Water course in Cyprus typically range between about 460 and 575 euros, depending on the services and provider.

The most important difference, however, lies not only in the price, but in the content. Cheaper offers often work with larger groups and less time in the water. Professional diving schools, on the other hand, focus on small groups, more individual attention, and significantly more practical time.

This means you're not just buying a diving certificate, but a complete learning experience that directly impacts your safety and confidence in the water.



🔐 Safety always comes first

Diving is a very safe sport as long as it is taught correctly. Therefore, safety plays a crucial role in every sport.

Statue of Hadrian in Green Bay, Cyprus

Each step of your course plays a central role.

Each session begins with a detailed briefing so you know exactly what to expect. The exercises are conducted in controlled conditions before heading out into open water. Experienced instructors are on hand to guide you through the entire process and can intervene at any time if necessary.



🌴 What your daily course routine looks like

A typical day during your Open Water course is varied and relaxed. You usually start with a briefing or theory session, then prepare the equipment together, and afterwards go into the water at Green Bay.

There are sufficient breaks between dives, so the course never feels stressful. Many participants describe the experience more like an active day of vacation than a traditional training course.



💡 Who is this course suitable for?

The PADI Open Water course is ideal for anyone who wants to dive for the first time and is looking for a safe, structured introduction. No prior experience is necessary. Normal physical fitness and a willingness to learn something new are all you need.



🌊 Why Green Bay makes the difference

Statues in Green Bay, Cyprus

Green Bay is one of the few places in Cyprus where perfect training conditions are combined with real sea diving. The water is calm, the visibility is clear, and the depth is ideal for beginners. At the same time, you have the feeling of actually diving in the sea – not in a pool.


This combination makes the spot one of the best training locations in the entire Mediterranean region.




📸 And after the course?

After your Open Water course, many opportunities await you. You can continue your training with the Advanced Open Water course, experience your first wreck dives, or participate in guided fun dives. Particularly popular destinations in the region include the famous Zenobia wreck and the dive sites around Ayia Napa and Protaras.



If you want to do your PADI Open Water course in Cyprus, you will learn with us in one of the best training bays in the Mediterranean – right in Green Bay in Protaras.

With small groups, personal support and a relaxed learning environment, we will guide you step by step to certification.



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Opening hours

2026 season: April 1st to November 15th

Monday - Sunday 09:00 - 17:00

Report turtle sighting

Cyprus Diving Centre - Diving in Cyprus

13 Aphrodite Street

5296 Pernera

+357 99 399 404 (WhatsApp)

info@cyprus-divingcentre.com

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