DEEP BLUE WONDER

DEEP BLUE WONDER

text ALIX NORMAN

photography PANTELIS KRANOS

Cyprus is surrounded by a true underwater paradise. But it’s Limassol, with its dynamic dive programme, that’s leading the way on the island. Artificial reefs, spectacular wrecks, and a host of submarine marvels ensure this is the up-and-coming dive destination of the Mediterranean.

Designed for discovery, Cyprus is a sun-soaked land of adventure. But the real sea change is… under water. Along the coast of Limassol, a world of wonder is being created.

DEEP WATER

Offshore Limassol is the city’s parallel universe. Not far from the coast lies a serene dreamscape of everything any diver – novice or expert – could ask for. Two purpose-sunk ships are the highlight: artificial reefs that boast a myriad of multi-coloured marine life, mysterious and marvellous in their submarine quietude...

While sea caves, ancient amphorae, and a teeming fish reserve all contribute to the incredible dive experience off Limassol, these two wrecks earn most divers’ fascination. At a depth of 18m, the Lady Thetis was once a cruise ship. Close by, at a depth of 24m, lies her cousin, the Constandis, a trawler. But for the past three years, both have been resting peacefully on the seafloor, mere metres off the coast of Dasoudi. Together, the two comprise Limassol’s main artificial reef, providing aquatic sanctuary not just for the myriad of marine life, but also for underwater enthusiasts looking to explore the deep.

Brought to Cyprus by the Cyprus Dive Centres Association and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research in co-operation with the municipalities of the region, and funded in part by the European Union, the two wrecks are, in the words of master diver and professional instructor, Jonathan Wilson, “exciting, accessible, fascinating, and unique; a great introduction to wreck diving.” As the proprietor of the Four Seasons-based Dive In Centre – recent recipient of a Travel and Hospitality Award for Excellence in Service – Jonathan is an expert diver with a wealth of experience when it comes to the hidden depths, and a passionate advocate of the deep.

“Both wrecks are in a Marine Protected Area: no fishing or boats other than dive vessels are allowed; and since the sinking, we’ve seen such a difference to diving here in Limassol. Not only do the two wrecks offer qualified divers better dive sites, but they have also created a marine habitat without compare. Three years ago, there was almost nothing down there – overfishing had laid waste to the indigenous flora and fauna. But today, the area is teeming; colonised by everything from damsel fish to sea bream, trumpet to parrot fish, it’s a haven for marine life.”

Moray eel, turtles and octopuses (with a penchant for making a home inside pots!) all populate the two wrecks and the artificial reef of amphorae between the two vessels. There’s even a well-known grouper, who’s so friendly, Jonathan reveals, that he’ll follow divers as they explore the engine rooms, deck cafés (still complete with tables and chairs), and brig.

“Ever-changing, developing and growing, these artificial reefs are incredibly popular,” says Jonathan. “They’ve made such a difference to dive tourism: novices and professionals, young and old, CEOs and VIPs – the wrecks have helped us introduce over 12.000 people to diving, allowing them to discover the true escapism of the sea.”

WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITY

Current developments – the wrecks, artificial reefs, and sea caves – are already proving a huge draw for Limassol visitors, and with a total of 3.5 million divers across Europe, the town is set for an underwater boom. Manager of the Limassol Tourism Board, Maria Stylianou Michaelidou, is extremely positive about the effects of the ongoing developments on the local economy.

“The Zenobia – the most popular wreck dive in Cyprus, just off the coast of Larnaca – draws 120.000 divers annually, and these are people who are often looking for more than one dive site. So with the Limassol projects, we’re upgrading that experience while attracting new divers. Like golfing tourism, every destination needs more than one site – and that’s what we’re providing.”

Through a new European fund, the Limassol Tourism Board has built on the existing dive infrastructure, creating what Maria describes as “points of reference” for both divers and snorkelers. “It takes about three years for any artificial reef to develop sufficient sea life for this to happen,” she explains. “Now, after those first few years, both animal and plant life are flourishing.” In response, she adds, there has been a very significant increase in the number of tourist arrivals, aided in no small part by the now extended diving season. “As the waters off Cyprus are welcoming all year round, a wet suit is all that’s required in the winter months. And more sites mean more divers, which allows dive companies to operate long before and after the summer months.”

THE TWO WRECKS offer qualified divers better dive sites and have also created a marine habitat without compare.

UNCHARTED WATERS

Upcoming projects also figure largely in the town’s plans. “We’ve already created wine routes and church routes in the region, so underwater routes are the next logical step,” Maria explains. “One will be created at Dasoudi near the wrecks, another will take in the ancient port off Amathus.” An extension of the archaeological site, this route is set for expert cleaning and clearing, and will be open to divers within the next 36 months, with signage detailing the flora and fauna.

But the programme doesn’t end there. An underwater sculpture park is in the offing, with artists competing for the creation of themed sculptures inspired by the island’s rich history. And while measures permitting those with disabilities to enjoy the dive experience are already in place, a 3D dome projects 360-degree films of Limassol’s aquatic marvels – an important educational tool for nurturing a much-deserved respect for the sea and its precious variety of life.

“Diving has a catchphrase,” Jonathan concludes. “We talk about taking away memories and leaving behind nothing but bubbles. And as the oceans constitute 70 percent of our planet, by developing this sustainable programme we’re not only creating incredible new experiences, we’re leaving a wonderful underwater legacy.”

For more information on the artificial reefs and diving, contact Jonathan Wilson at Dive In: 25 311 923, www.dive-in-limassol.com