THE WRECK OF THE VERA K
This favoured afternoon dive is 25 mins from harbour. The Vera K was a Lebanese freighter of about 200m. which ran aground in 1972 and was blown up as a hazard to shipping in 1974. It is still in four main sections and the bridge is fairly intact. It lies, completely submerged in a crater at 10m. Close to the wreck is an archway, home to a family of grouper. Close to the archway are a series of narrow tunnels suitable for experienced divers.
WALL STREET
A long gulley with many overhangs and small caves is the main feature of this popular site. On the walls of the gulley look for sponges and encrusting marine life. In the small caves you may find grouper and soldier fish, and look for the stone anchor lying on the bottom. Depths 25m. to 30m.
THE WRECK OF THE ACHILLEAS
On a sandy bottom lies the wreck of a Greek vessel which mysteriously exploded and sank in 11m. of water in 1975. There are three main sections to visit, the most popular feature being the bronze propeller on the upturned stern, and there are still some complete portholes (not removable).
THE VALLEY
Taking less than 15 mins to reach from harbour, the depth at the top of the valley is 16m. The sides of the valley have plenty of encrusting marine life and many small holes which are home to wrasse, cardinals and slipper lobster. There is also a swim-through towards the deeper end of the valley. A popular site with macro photographers. Max. depth 26m.
100 FOOT REEF
An entrancing dive in depths between 26-35m. There are a number of small drops and caves to explore. Search for octopi and morays in the smaller holes and small fish in the gullies and overhangs. Look towards the surface and the dive boat should be clearly visible.
THE SHOALS
An isolated area approximately 3 km from shore where the rocks just break the surface. Consequently, in ancient times, an area of many shipwrecks. The rocks are littered with pieces of amphorae, which in some places are concreted together in the shape of the ships hold. Stone anchors can be recognised by the holes made in the rock for wooden grapples to be pushed through. Interesting rock formations make craters and a swim-through. A pretty site with plenty of small marine life. Depths 4-12m.
BIG STEPS
Just 15 min. from harbour, this site drops from 18m. to 24m. in a series of small steps. Marine life to be found in the small gullies includes fan worms, pina clams and damsel fish.
BREAM BAY
A mixed sand and rock bottom in 22-27m. of clear water makes this an attractive morning dive. Popular for its interesting rock formations, you should look for moray eels in the small holes and grouper in the gullies off the main.
PILOT REEF
A rocky bottom with numerous gullies and overhangs to explore. An appealing site with a chance of seeing large grouper. Depths between 20 and 28 metres.
NIKONAS REEF
A popular, new site. The anchor drops in 24m. on a site made up of large boulders on a sandy bottom. Maximum depth 27m.
ANZAC
A new afternoon dive in 8m. This site is in the area of Moulia Rocks with a mixed sand and rock bottom. There is a large piece of the Vera K here, also lots of bullet cases and amphorae.
AMPHORAE CAVES
A renowned afternoon dive in depths up to 12m. There are a number of caves to explore including the one that has amphorae encrusted in the roof. The American team of archaeologists who investigated the site believe this is due to movements in the sea bed over the last two thousand years. A tyre on the seabed is home to an octopus.
MINERVA REEF
The anchor is dropped into 24m. of clear water and the seabed quickly slopes to 32m. plus. The incline is strewn with boulders making an ideal habitat for a various forms of marine life.
MONTYS REEF
Only 10 min. from harbour, this sheltered afternoon dive site has a number of engaging features. The reef is in 12m and surrounded by small gullies, overhangs and drops ranging from 2 to 4 m. There is usually a good variety of small fish life such as bream, wrasse, parrot and damsels.
ANCHOR REEF
The anchor is dropped into 24m. and the seabed swiftly slopes down to flat sand at 32m. An attractive and popular morning dive with an old anchor at 27m. and often grouper close to the sand.
LISA'S DROP
A new site which is very popular as large Grouper and the occasional Tunny may be seen. The anchor is dropped in 25m. and the site leads down to a maximum depth of 35m. There is a gulley with several overhangs and swim-throughs.
THE VALLEY OF CAVES
As its name suggests this valley has a number of small caves. There are also interesting craters close-by, one with a swim-through. The attractive overhangs make homes for small fish such as cardinals. Depths 9-12m.
GREEN GULLIES
A morning dive 15 min. from harbour, with a maximum depth of 26m. There are sandy bottomed, interconnecting rock gullies with a variety of encrusting marine life. Large boulders sit on top of the sand attracting small fish.
CAMEROONS
In depths of 25-27m., large boulders and reef form gullies and small caves. A well-liked morning dive, it was found in 1990, the day after Cameroon beat Italy in the World Cup. Marine life to look for includes Grouper, Saupe, Mullet and rabbit fish.
GROUPER HOLES
An area of gullies and craters with small caves around the edges. There is an old, large 4 pronged , anchor lying on the sea bed.
BUBBLES
A rock bottom seabed with large holes in the floor leading to a series of interconnecting caverns and overhangs. Called 'Bubbles' because of the divers' air filtering through the rocks, and with a maximum depth of 9m. there is plenty of time to enjoy this site and its marine life.
RED ROSE ROCKS
The Lancastrians who first dived this site were not being nationalistic, as much of this area of gullies is brilliantly coloured by red calciferous algae. Max. depth 20m.
MANIJIN ISLAND
A preferred site, so much so that some divers even snorkel from the shore for 15 min. to dive here. Actually just a rock, it is small enough to dive all round on a multi-level dive. There are many features en-route; a drop-off, caves, archway and a blowhole. One cave is spectacularly covered with pink and purple calciferous algae. This dive has depths between 6 and 22m. After the first dive the boat sails to a nearby bay to drop anchor whilst lunch is served. There is usually time for a swim before sailing back towards Paphos for the second dive. A good trip for all the family.
DEVILS HEAD
This site is north of Paphos off the coast of the designated area of Akamas. A remarkable area of caves and interconnecting tunnels in depths of 6-18m. If you are lucky, during the turtle season, you may spot green and leatherback turtles.