Latchi Watersports Centre

Latchi Watersports Centre is situated in the heart of the Akamas National Park, one of the most unspoilt coastal stretches in Cyprus. Since its establishment in 1978, it has grown into one of the largest watersports operations in the region, serving as a primary gateway to the peninsula's diverse marine environments.

You will find yourself positioned perfectly to explore a dozen different dive sites along this coastline, ranging from rocky reefs to historic shipwrecks. The location offers a direct connection to the Mediterranean's rich underwater history, including Roman harbours and volcanic landscapes.

As a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Dive Resort, the centre is equipped to handle all levels of training, from initial certifications to professional instructor courses. The team consists of eight experienced PADI instructors who provide guidance for both recreational divers and those pursuing professional advancement.

The staff is multilingual, with instruction and communication available in English, Russian, Bulgarian, and Greek. This ensures clear communication regarding dive profiles, safety protocols, and site briefings.

Beyond diving, the centre is actively involved in marine conservation, participating in turtle rescue programmes and ocean cleanliness initiatives. This commitment to the local ecosystem is a core part of their operational identity.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of PADI certifications. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Bubble Maker programme for younger divers, progressing through PADI Scuba Diver and PADI Open Water Diver courses.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre offers PADI Advanced Open Water training. As an Instructor Development Centre, they also facilitate the IDC (Instructor Development Course) for those aiming to teach professionally.

The centre operates three boats to facilitate daily diving excursions. For those heading to the Zenobia wreck, the service includes a car transfer to Larnaca and boat transfers to the wreck site.

On the Zenobia trips, the boats are equipped to provide a BBQ lunch, along with water, tea, and coffee for the divers. The centre also offers 'Do It Yourself' diving options, including boat and equipment rental with surface cover.

Full equipment hire is available, which is particularly useful for the Zenobia wreck expeditions. For more experienced divers looking to travel light, the centre also provides tanks and weights for hire.

In addition to diving kit, the centre manages a wide range of watersports equipment, including jet skis and sailing gear, reflecting its scale as a major regional watersports provider.

The Akamas coastline is a productive habitat where you can encounter large pelagics and diverse reef life. You will regularly see dolphins and various species of turtles, including Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). During the nesting season from May to October, turtle activity is particularly notable.

The rocky reefs and walls are home to large populations of Grouper (Epinephelus), Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), and various species of sea bream (Sparidae). You may also spot Amberjack (Seriola), common dentex, tuna, and swordfish patrolling the deeper waters.

For those interested in smaller inhabitants, the sites offer plenty of macro life and interesting crustaceans. Look for Mediterranean moray eel (Muraenidae), lionfish, triggerfish (Balistidae), and various species of wrasse. You can also find octopus (Octopus vulgaris), slipper lobster, and nudibranchs tucked into the reef structure.

The area is characterised by high visibility, reaching up to 40m in certain locations. The waters around the Akamas Peninsula provide a variety of environments, from shallow lagoon settings to deeper wreck sites.

While the coastline is diverse, divers should be aware of the varying depths across the sites, ranging from shallow reef flats to the 42m maximum depth of the Zenobia wreck.