Paphos
Orphurus
-
MAX DEPTH
6-15M -
DIVE TYPE
Reef -
CERTIFICATION
Scuba Diver+ -
ACCESS
Boat
Orphurus is a great dive site for all level of divers, and is located just 15 minutes from Paphos Harbour. Similarly to The shoals this dives site is an adventure around the rest of the reef that keeps the Demetrious II stranded.
For this dive a minimum certification level of Scuba Diver is required.
If your last dive was more than 1 year ago then you will be required to complete a refresher before joining any of our scheduled dives.
The reef at Orphurus is made up of layers of Limestone rock. This means the reef is still beautifully white rather than coloured in green algae. Over time the rocks have been smoothed down by waves creating wonderful patterns and curves.
We will meet at our well-equipped diving centre in Paphos Harbour. Our friendly and helpful PADI professionals will help you with equipment and begin with an interesting and informative dive briefing. Unless you have your own diving gear, all equipment is supplied by us. We spend a few minutes checking your sizes and will fit you with the suitable gear. All of our diving equipment is well maintained and serviced regularly to ensure your safety and comfort.
Once everyone is ready we will take a short walk to the Paphos harbour where we will board Cydive II. The journey from the harbour to Orphurus takes around 20 minutes by boat.
Complimentary fresh fruit and refreshments will be served on the boat before returning to the harbour. Back at the dive centre our PADI professionals will debrief you and help you to complete your logbooks.
Begin this dive in a meadow of Poseidon’s Grass where you will find Painted Comber hiding amongst the grass.
From there you will head to one of the beast features of this dive site, a large bowl! Maximum depth within the bowl is only 8m, making it the perfect place for photos! Natural light floods the bowl crating beautiful rainbow ripples across the rock and seabed. You will find overhangs around all the edges of the bowl with plenty of encrusting marine life hiding in any cracks or crevices.
From the bowl, make your way towards the deeper reef which has a maximum of 12 – 15m, with areas of overhangs, small valleys and a few small swim throughs.
It is very common to find a range of sea urchins basking in the sun on the rock ridges. There are over 950 species of sea urchin world wide and then have been found as deep as 5000m!
The depth of this reef means that Wrasse often take refuge here. Wrasse come in a range of beautiful colours and are very curious fish. This means if you take two rocks and tap them together they will start to gathering around you and ‘dance’. You will also see them following divers which are touching the floor with their fins, they are looking for small fireworms to eat as the rocks moves.
For more information about the marine life we see in Cyprus, head over to our marine life page!
Complimentary fresh fruit and refreshments will be served on the boat before returning to the harbour. Back at the dive centre our PADI professionals will debrief you and help you to complete your logbooks.
