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Green Bay is a picturesque and relatively secluded beach located in the Protaras area of Cyprus. Cyprus is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Green Bay is known for its natural beauty. The beach features fine golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The surrounding area is relatively undeveloped compared to some of the more crowded beaches in Cyprus, giving it a tranquil and serene ambiance.

Located near Ayia Napa, at the southeastern tip of Cyprus, Green Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Mediterranean.

It has all snorkelers might dream about: vibrant rocky beds loaded with fish, underwater statues, and seagrass beds visited by green sea turtles. With its free shore access, it is a must-do for snorkelers who visit the island!

Rocky creek at Green Bay
The small creek at Green Bay is the best water entry point to explore the location.

How to get to the Green Bay snorkeling spot

Green Bay is located in Protaras, very close to Cape Greco, on the southeastern tip of Cyprus. It is less than 3 miles south of Proratas city center and about 6 miles from Agia Napa (15 minutes by car). Free parking is available near the beach, but it is frequently full in the summer.

This spot can be easily reached on foot from neighboring hotels/accommodations, such as Cavo Maris Beach, Emerald Bay Suites and Thalassa Apartments.

Green Bay beach snorkeling map, Cyprus

Water entrance for snorkeling Green Bay

Green Bay has several water entry points:

  1. Green Bay’s creek: You can enter the water from the tiny beach (point 1 on the map above) or from rock steps (point 2). This is probably the best option to get into the water.
  2. Nearby Nisia Loumbardi Beach: (point 3 on the map). Water entrance is easy, from a gently-slopping beach, but you’ll have to swim a bit to reach the most interesting areas (sea turtles and statues).
  3. An alternative point to get into the water is found along the rocky shore, just south of Nisia Loumbardi Beach (point 4).

Green Bay snorkeling exploration tips

Green Bay snorkeling includes the various coves found between Nisia Loumbardi Beach and Loumbardi Island, approximately 330 yards apart. It includes several underwater attractions.

Green sea turtle in Green Bay, Protaras
Green Bay is probably the best snorkeling location in Europe to spot green sea turtles.

1. The bay’s rocky edges

Green Bay is bordered by rocky areas (↕2-10ft) that provide interesting environments to explore. It is here that you will see the most fish In this area the fish shelter in the beautiful underwater scenery. Both species native to the Mediterranean and Lessepsian (Red Sea) immigrant fish are found at this location.

Yellowspotted puffer in Green Bay
A yellowspotted puffer in Green Bay. This species native to the Indo-Pacific is now common in Cyprus’ coastal waters.

Seabreams, wrasses, and bluespotted cornetfish are easy to see just about anywhere in the area, as are the very invasive rabbitfish. The sandy areas, especially inside the small cove, are sometimes visited by yellowspotted puffers and Atlantic lizardfish. Encounters with lionfish are also occasionally reported.

Underwater statues in Green Bay
Green Bay underwater statues park.

2. The underwater statues park

At the foot of the rocky reef, you will find a series of underwater sculptures planted in the sand some 30 ft deep. You can spot the statues from the surface but, if possible, it is good to dive down to be able to see them a bit closer.

Above the deepest rocky areas, hundreds of damselfish and saddled seabream swim in the gin-clear waters.

School of saddled bream over rocky beds at Green Bay
Large schools of saddled seabream are found in the center of the bay.

3. The sand and seagrass beds

Green Bay’s seagrass beds are what makes this location so special. These meadows (↕10-30ft) attract numerous green sea turtles, a species that is very rare in the Mediterranean. To find them, snorkel above the seagrass beds where they are often seen grazing or resting. By waiting in the area for a little bit, you might see them coming up to the surface to breathe.

Green sea turtle in Green Bay, Cyprus
A small green sea turtle in Green Bay.

If you want to snorkel further than the swimming area, take a dive flag with you.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

There are several food and drink options in Green Bay, all within a 300 yard walk from the snorkeling area: The White Kiosk, The Bay – Bites and Brew, the To Kyma Sea Side Cafe and the Nisia Bar & Grill.

 

  • Level of difficulty Beginner
  • Maximum depth30ft/10m
  • Water entranceFrom rocks or a sandy beach
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersMedium to high
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.