Syria’s Mediterranean coast has long attracted visitors with its beaches, green mountains, historic ports and islands. Now, a new tourism initiative is introducing a more adventurous way to experience it.
Diving, organised marine excursions and paragliding activities have been launched in Tartous under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism. The project aims to broaden the range of coastal experiences available to visitors and support the development of marine and adventure tourism in Syria.
The launch is an encouraging development for travellers looking for something beyond traditional sightseeing. However, practical details—including public prices, regular schedules and booking arrangements—remain limited and should be confirmed before visitors organise their plans around any of the activities.
What has been launched?
The activities were introduced by the OCC Group of Companies, which includes the Syrian International Diving Academy.
The launch event took place at Shahin Resort in Tartous on 22 July and included plans for:
- Recreational diving experiences.
- Professional diving instruction.
- Marine trips and coastal excursions.
- Paragliding in Tartous and Latakia.
- Future diving-related services and equipment.
- Internationally recognised training for Syrian divers.
The project is intended to help establish the Syrian coast as a destination for both marine recreation and adventure sports.
Exploring the coast from a different perspective
For many visitors, a journey along Syria’s coast currently focuses on places such as Tartous, Arwad Island, Amrit, Banias, Al-Marqab Castle, Latakia, Ugarit and Kasab.
The new activities could add an entirely different dimension to these itineraries.
Instead of only observing the Mediterranean from the waterfront, visitors may eventually be able to explore the marine environment beneath the surface, take organised trips between coastal destinations or see the landscape from above during a paragliding experience.
Tartous Tourism Director Bassam Abbas said the initiative is expected to connect the city’s shoreline with Arwad and other nearby islands through varied marine programmes and excursions.
That could be particularly appealing for travellers who already plan to visit Arwad but want to experience more of the surrounding coastline.
Diving on Syria’s Mediterranean coast
The diving programme is intended to offer visitors a new way to discover the natural marine environment.
Although the public announcement confirms that diving activities have begun, it does not yet provide detailed information about:
- Available dive sites.
- Depths and difficulty levels.
- Programmes for complete beginners.
- Minimum age requirements.
- Equipment rental.
- Medical forms or health restrictions.
- Languages spoken by instructors.
- Prices or public booking contacts.
Visitors should therefore avoid assuming that they can simply arrive and book any type of dive immediately.
Those without previous experience should ask specifically whether a supervised introductory session is available. Certified divers should confirm which qualifications are accepted and whether they need to bring proof of certification or a recent dive log.
Training to international standards
The project is not aimed only at tourists.
Its founder, Mohammad Al-Naimi, said one of its main objectives is to train young Syrians according to international diving standards and help them gain internationally recognised certificates.
This could create professional opportunities for diving instructors, guides, boat crews, equipment specialists and other people involved in coastal tourism.
Developing qualified local professionals will be especially important if diving is to become a reliable part of Syria’s tourism industry rather than an occasional seasonal activity.
Paragliding in Tartous and Latakia
Paragliding has also been introduced as part of the initiative.
According to the announcement, the activity is available at Shahin Resort in Tartous and at another location in Latakia Governorate. Paragliding pilot Maher Hammoud said the project began in Türkiye in 2020 before the experience was transferred to Syria.
The activity could offer wide views over the Mediterranean coast and surrounding mountains, making it a visually striking addition to summer itineraries.
Paragliding is also highly dependent on wind and weather conditions. Even when a booking is confirmed, the final decision to fly should remain with the qualified pilot responsible for assessing conditions.
A larger project is planned in Latakia
While the launch took place in Tartous, the main integrated project is planned for Latakia.
The proposed system is expected to include:
- The Syrian International Diving Academy.
- A Syrian international paragliding academy.
- Marine-excursion companies.
- Diving-equipment providers.
- Related tourism and support services.
The Syrian International Diving Academy is expected to open at Latakia’s Sports City during the summer of 2027. It is planned as a training centre where Syrian divers can study and receive internationally recognised qualifications.
This means the current activities should be understood as the beginning of a wider project rather than its completed final form.
Safety must come before the experience
Adventure activities require more preparation than ordinary sightseeing.
Before booking a dive, marine excursion or paragliding flight, travellers should confirm:
- Who is operating the activity.
- Whether instructors and pilots hold recognised qualifications.
- What safety equipment is supplied.
- Whether insurance is included.
- What physical or medical restrictions apply.
- What happens if weather conditions change.
- Whether transport to and from the activity is included.
- Whether instructions are available in a language they understand.
Visitors should never participate when sea or wind conditions are unsuitable, even when this means cancelling a long-awaited experience.
A temporary warning was issued this week advising people in Tartous and Latakia to avoid swimming, sailing and using small boats because of rough seas, higher waves and active winds. This illustrates why coastal activities must always remain subject to same-day weather and safety assessments.
Can tourists book diving activities now?
Yes. The Syrian Diving Academy’s official website shows that organised diving experiences are already being offered, so diving should no longer be described only as a future or experimental activity.
The academy appears to provide options for both beginners and experienced divers. This means visitors who have never dived before may be able to join a supervised introductory experience, while certified divers can enquire about organised dives suited to their qualification and experience level. The wider coastal-tourism initiative announced in Tartous also confirms that recreational diving and professional instruction are now being developed as active visitor experiences.
Travellers can review the available activities and contact the academy through its official English-language website.
Advance reservation is still strongly recommended. Before confirming a dive, visitors should check:
- The date and exact coastal location of the activity.
- Whether the experience is suitable for beginners or requires certification.
- What equipment is included.
- The total price and accepted payment method.
- Whether transport to the diving location is provided.
- Medical, age or swimming requirements.
- The language used by the instructor.
- Cancellation arrangements if sea or weather conditions are unsuitable.
Certified divers should carry their certification card and ask whether a recent logbook entry or medical declaration is required. Beginners should confirm that their booking includes instruction, equipment and direct supervision.
Diving depends heavily on sea conditions, visibility and wind. Even a confirmed activity may therefore be postponed or moved for safety reasons. For this reason, it is best included as a flexible optional experience rather than scheduled immediately before a flight or another fixed commitment.
A new direction for coastal tourism
The Syrian coast is often presented mainly as a place for beaches and summer resorts. This initiative shows an effort to develop a broader tourism identity based on the sea, outdoor activities and adventure.
If managed professionally, these experiences could:
- Encourage visitors to stay longer on the coast.
- Create work for local instructors and crews.
- Support hotels, restaurants and transport providers.
- Attract younger and more active travellers.
- Connect Tartous, Arwad and Latakia through new coastal programmes.
- Complement Syria’s cultural and archaeological tours.
The launch also follows the opening of the 2026 Tartous tourism season, where paragliding demonstrations were included among the activities promoting the province’s coastal and mountain attractions.
Planning a coastal journey with Syrian Guides
Syrian Guides already includes Tartous, Arwad, Al-Marqab Castle, Ugarit, Latakia and other coastal destinations in selected private and group itineraries.