Depending on where you go, an underrated aspect of exploring Cyprus is its sealife. Many people don’t know you can spot sea turtles and dolphins in Cyprus, as well as some of the rarest species in the Mediterranean.

en philenews has created a guide to the island’s coastal ecosystem, highlighting the coolest sea creatures you can see and where to give yourself the best chance of finding them.

1. Sea turtles

Two sea turtle species nest in Cyprus: the green turtle and the loggerhead.

Green turtles have smooth, oval shells and relatively small heads. Adults mainly feed on seagrass.

Loggerhead turtles have larger heads, strong jaws and reddish-brown shells. They feed on crabs, molluscs and other marine animals.

Where to see them

• Green Bay, Protaras
• Cape Greco
• Chrysochou Bay and Akamas
• Lara–Toxeftra turtle reserve

The warmer months, from late spring to autumn, offer the best chance of a sighting. Early mornings are often quieter, with fewer swimmers and boats.

It is important to note that both these species are threatened and protected.

Swimmers should not feed turtles to bring them closer for photographs or swimming encounters. Disturbing nests, eggs, protective cages or signs can result in fines of up to €20,000 and one year in prison.

2. Dolphins

Several dolphin species have been recorded around Cyprus, including bottlenose and striped dolphins.

Bottlenose dolphins are grey, strong-bodied and highly social.

Striped dolphins are smaller and slimmer, with dark lines running along their bodies. They are usually found farther offshore.

Where to see them

Dolphins have been reported off:

• Protaras and Larnaca
• Chrysochou Bay
• Akamas
• Paphos and Peyia

Join a high-speed boat cruise or offshore safari from Ayia Napa or Latchi harbour. Early morning excursions on calm sea days offer the highest likelihood of seeing pods riding the boat’s bow wave.

3. Mediterranean monk seal

The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the world’s rarest marine mammals and it is classified an endangered species. Its global population is estimated at about 800 to 1,000 animals, and a small number live around Cyprus.

The seals are usually dark grey or brown and can grow to more than two metres long.

They rest and give birth in quiet caves and on isolated shores. Sightings are rare.

The seals rest and raise their pups in quiet sea caves. Visitors should not feed or approach them, while entering protected monk seal caves without permission can also result in fines of up to €20,000 and one year in prison.

4. Rainbow and ornate wrasses

Cyprus’s rocky shallows are home to several colourful fish.

The Mediterranean rainbow wrasse can show shades of green, blue, orange, brown and white.

The ornate wrasse is known for its bright turquoise, green and reddish markings.

Where to see them

They are commonly found around rocky seabeds at:

• Cape Greco
• Konnos Bay
• Fig Tree Bay
• Coral Bay
• Blue Lagoon

Snorkel slowly over rocks, boulders and the edges of seagrass beds.

5. Mediterranean parrotfish

The Mediterranean parrotfish is one of the island’s most colourful coastal fish.

Some are bright red with yellow markings, while others are grey, blue or brown. Their beak-like teeth are used to scrape algae from rocks.

Where to see them

Parrotfish may be found around:

• Cape Greco
• Blue Lagoon
• Akamas
• MUSAN
• Rocky coves near Protaras and Peyia

Look for them around algae-covered rocks and boulders.

6. Sharks

Sharks live in the deeper waters around Cyprus, but sightings near beaches are extremely rare. There has only ever been shark attack recorded on the island, and that was back in 1901.

Species recorded offshore include blue sharks, shortfin makos and thresher sharks. They are mainly found in open water and are unlikely to be seen by swimmers or snorkellers.

Shark encounters are rare even for experienced divers.

Four good places for snorkelling in Cyprus

Green Bay, Protaras

Green Bay is one of the island’s best-known turtle-watching and beginner-diving spots. Its shallow water, rocks and seagrass attract turtles and small fish.

Cape Greco and Konnos Bay

The area is known for clear water, rocky seabeds and a wide variety of fish, including wrasses, parrotfish and octopuses.

MUSAN, Ayia Napa

The Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa lies near Pernera Beach. Its submerged sculptures have become an artificial reef and attract many fish species.

Coral Bay and Peyia

The west coast has sheltered coves, rocky areas and clear water. Snorkellers may see wrasses, parrotfish, octopuses and, occasionally, turtles.