Cyprus: Pernera Scuba Dive for Beginners & Family Groups

Pernera scuba diving with gentle intro and real sea life

You’ll start your day in Pernera with a friendly guide who walks you through scuba basics before heading to Blue Bay for your first real dive. Expect calm waters, curious fish (maybe even turtles), and small group attention. Afterward, relax at the dive shop with drinks while you relive it all on screen — it’s more personal than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Attend 20-30 minute classroom lesson
• Get kitted up for diving
• Drive 2 minutes to nearby beach
• Practice skills in shallow water
• Take 30-45 minute dive tour in Blue Bay
• Feed fish and take photographs
• Return to dive school for refreshments
• Watch photographs on TV
• Drive back to hotel

The Experience

“Don’t worry about the mask hair — everyone gets it,” laughed Andreas as he handed me the wetsuit. I’d been fidgeting with my ponytail, nervous and excited, trying to look like I knew what I was doing. The dive shop in Pernera felt laid-back, almost sleepy that morning, but you could smell neoprene and coffee in the air — a weirdly comforting combo. We were just two students with our instructor, which helped me relax a bit (I’m not great with crowds).

The classroom bit was short but surprisingly clear — Andreas used hand gestures for everything, even when he switched to English from Greek. He showed us how to clear our masks and equalize pressure; I still remember him puffing out his cheeks like a goldfish. Then we loaded up the van (it’s literally two minutes to the beach) and walked barefoot over pebbles that were warmer than I expected. The main keyword here is “scuba diving activity in Pernera” but honestly, it just felt like sneaking off for an adventure with friends.

I’ll never forget that first breath underwater — it’s cold at first, almost metallic tasting, then suddenly quiet except for my own bubbles. We practiced some skills in shallow water; I fumbled with my regulator once and got a mouthful of salty water (Andreas gave me a thumbs-up anyway). When we finally set off into Blue Bay, light filtered down in these shaky blue lines and there were fish everywhere — some bold enough to nibble at my fingers when I tried feeding them. Someone said there might be turtles or octopus but honestly just seeing the puffer fish dart past was enough for me.

Back at the dive shop after about 45 minutes underwater, we sat around sipping tea while our photos played on the TV — I looked ridiculous in half of them but couldn’t stop grinning. There’s something about stepping out of your comfort zone like that; even now, weeks later, I still think about that strange peace under the surface.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary scuba equipment provided by the school, hotel pickup and return transport just around Pernera’s corner beaches, plus drinks like water or coffee after your dive while you check out photos from your underwater adventure together before heading back home.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Taba Diving Centre

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Top questions

Is this scuba diving activity suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed as an easy introduction for beginners and includes a lesson before entering the water.

How long does the whole scuba diving experience take?

The total program lasts about 3 hours including instruction, transport to the beach, diving time, and refreshments afterward.

What is included in the Pernera scuba diving activity?

The price covers use of all scuba equipment plus refreshment drinks like water, coffee or tea after your dive.

How deep do you go during the dive?

The guided tour reaches a maximum depth of 6 meters (about 20 feet) in Blue Bay.

Are group sizes large during this activity?

No — groups are limited to 2 students per instructor or one family per instructor for safety and attention.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, transport from your hotel to the dive site and back is included.

Can children join this scuba diving activity?

Infants and small children can ride along in a stroller but participants should have moderate physical fitness.

What kind of marine life might you see?

You may spot octopus, puffer fish, seahorses, sea turtles or moray eels during your dive in Cyprus waters.