Cyprus: Pissouri Bay SCUBA Diving for Beginners & All Gear

Summary

First-time diving in Cyprus’s clear waters with friendly guides

You’ll slip into Cyprus’s clear waters at Pissouri Bay with a certified guide by your side — learning to breathe underwater feels weird at first but quickly turns peaceful. Expect hands-on help with all your SCUBA gear, laughter over small mistakes, and an hour exploring local marine life before returning salty and grinning.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment, right before you go under at Pissouri Bay, when the sunlight is still dancing on the water and everything smells faintly salty — sunscreen and neoprene too. I remember my hands shaking a little as we zipped up our wetsuits. Our instructor, Andreas, was already cracking jokes about “first-timer fins” (apparently I put mine on backwards — twice). He explained the basics in this calm way that made me feel like maybe I wouldn’t mess it up. The paperwork was quick — just enough time for my nerves to catch up.

We drove down to the shore in their van, windows open so you could hear cicadas and some distant music from a beach café. The sea looked impossibly blue. Andreas showed us how to check our tanks and mask straps — he even let us practice breathing through the regulator on land first, which helped more than I thought it would. There was this rubbery taste at first, but then it faded as we waded out together. My heart was thumping but once we were under, everything went quiet except for my own bubbles and Andreas’ slow hand signals.

I didn’t expect how peaceful it would be down there. We floated over patches of sand and rocks where tiny fish darted around like they owned the place (which I guess they do). At one point a silvery shoal passed by so close I almost forgot to breathe out — Andreas tapped his tank gently to get my attention back. It felt strange and good at the same time, being weightless like that. Afterward, peeling off the wetsuit on the beach felt clumsy but satisfying; I still think about that feeling of stepping back onto land with salt drying on my skin.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Discover SCUBA Diving Experience

• Complete administrative paperwork
• Attend dive theory introduction
• Learn about diving equipment
• Travel to the sea dive site
• Practice basic skills and safety
• Explore underwater dive site

Top questions

How long does the Discover SCUBA Diving experience last?

The experience lasts about 4 hours total, including theory, equipment briefing, and up to 1 hour diving.

Is all SCUBA equipment provided?

Yes, all necessary SCUBA and snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Are guides certified professionals?

Yes, your dive will be led by a PADI certified professional guide.

Is pickup included for this activity?

The experience includes transport from the dive shop to the dive site; hotel pickup isn’t specified but public transport options are nearby.

Can beginners join this SCUBA diving tour?

Yes, this Discover SCUBA Diving experience is designed for beginners with no prior experience needed.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair access is available for participants.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included as part of your day trip.

What should I bring with me?

You don’t need special gear; just bring swimwear and a moderate level of fitness.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all SCUBA and snorkeling equipment, bottled water for after your dive, guidance from a PADI certified professional throughout every step (including theory), plus transport from the dive center down to Pissouri Bay’s shoreline before heading out into the sea together.