The Ultimate Guide To Scuba Diving In Greece
Welcome to your big fat Greek dive trip!! Surprisingly, Greece only began to really allowing diving in its waters in 2005 as the government was concerned about divers looting the priceless antiquities littered about on the country’s seabed.
But now that “the pool is open” for diving in Greece, the country has become a prime scuba destination – with its beautifully clear waters, historic sites and wonderful culture.
So read on and let’s take a look at scuba diving in Greece….OPA!!
Getting There
With 6,000 islands (227 inhabited) there are many dive opportunities and sites to choose from. We are going to look at some of the more popular diving destinations that scuba diving enthusiasts travel from all over the world to visit. These include sites around Athens, Santorini, Alonissos, Corfu, Naxos and Crete.
Unless taking a cruise there, most people will fly into El. Venizelos – the Athens International Airport – and travel on from there.
For traveling from Athens to the islands we will be discussing below, there is usually both ferry and flight options. Getting to the best scuba diving spots of Greece takes some doing, but for those who make the trek there is a scuba diver’s paradise awaiting.
Accommodations
There are many beautiful places to stay in Athens and the Greek islands. Since we’re on a scuba trip, let’s take a look at some that are friendly to us divers.
In Athens the Glyfada Riviera Hotel is a nice choice that is family friendly. It is close to the city center and pretty much right on Glyfada beach. Other places of note are the Polis Grand Hotel, Phidias Piraeus Hotel and Emmantina Hotel.
On Alonissos there is Paradise Hotel and Casa Nina that teams up with and is close by Alonissos Triton Dive Center. Another options is Kavos Hotel, which is just a little over 300ft from the port of Patitiri.
For a place to stay if visiting Santorini, you might want to check out Stelios Place. This hotel is close to the Santorini Dive Center and just 98ft from Paralia Perissa with its famous black sand beach. Other options are Hotel Iliada – close to Caldera Diving Center and the black sandy beaches of Perivolos – and Alesahne Beach Hotel – located in between Navy’s Waterworld Dive Center and Volcano Dive Center and close by the black sands of Kamari Beach.
On Naxos you might want to check out Liana Beach Hotel & Spa, which is close to the popular Blue Fin Divers. There is also the Naxos Hostel -if traveling on a tight budget – or Angel Suites by the Nima Diving Center. Looking to stay a little more North, check out Alkyoni Beach Hotel and Naxos Beach Hotel, which are both close to Flisvos Dive Center.
If heading to Corfu, look at a map first and you will see that various dive centers pretty much circle the island. If staying on the Southeast side of the island, you can find Erofili Hotel or Koulouris Beach Hotel, both close by Kavos Excursions. On the Northeast side of the island there is Dreams Corfu Resort & Spa or Paradise Hotel Corfu – built in an olive groove – both located by Corfu Dive Club.
If staying on the Westside of the island there is Akrotiri Beach Hotel and the private five bedroom Villa Kalysta that are both by Achilleon diving center.
If your travels are taking you to Crete – the largest Greek island and fifth largest island in Mediterranean – you will have many dive shops and accommodations to choose from.
On the North side of the Crete you have Villa Lavrys and Pasamathi by Chania Diving Center; Island Concept of Chania and Atrion Resort Hotel by Scuba World; and Melas Apartments and Niko Seaside Resort by Creta’s Happy Divers.
Over on the South coast of Crete you can check out Villa Melpomeni by the Sea Lover’s Diving Center; Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa and Palio Damnoni Houses by Kalypso Diving Center & School; and Coral Hotel and Astron Hotel by Lerapetra Diving Center.
Once you’ve found your place to stay, grab your scuba gear as the big blue water is calling!
Scuba Diving In Greece
One look at the crystal clear waters and you will quickly realize why Greece is becoming a popular diving destination. But it’s the diverse marine life, reefs, underwater caves and unique shipwrecks that really make scuba diving in Greece something very special.
Dive Operations
As you can probably tell from above, there are plenty of dive centers in Greece. Many of these shops offer an open water diver course and cater to various skill levels, from intermediate divers to technical divers.
A few more dive centers to consider for exploring the rich marine life of the underwater world of the Greek Seas are Scuba Life, Athens Divers Club and Seahorse Dive Center by Athens; Alonnisos Sea Coloures in Alonnisos; Omega Divers, Atlantis Diving Center, MARE SUD Diving Center and FunDive Center in Crete; Mediterranean Dive Club, Aegean Divers and Atlantis Diving Center in Santorini; and Poseidon Diving Center, Sea World Scuba Diving Center and Apollo Corfu Dive Center in Corfu.
Now that we have our dive centers covered, let’s suit up and check out some of the best scuba diving sites that Greece has to offer…
Diving Sites of Greece
Diving in the Greek Islands can be done almost year-round, although in the winter months you’ll most likely want at least a 7mm wetsuit. In the summer months sea temperatures range between 71 and 78 degrees.
Depending on where in Greece your adventure is taking you, there is no shortage of wonderful diving opportunities to see colorful marine life, wonderful geographic formations and perhaps a famous wreck or two. Below are some of the most popular dive sites around the Greek islands.
Athens
You don’t have to stray too far from the historic Parthenon to find some good diving. But it’s important to keep in mind that Greece has only allowed diving for less than 20 years due to a concern for its antiquities. The country strictly protects those antiquities both above and below the waves… so make sure to look and don’t touch.
Wreck Amphorae
On the West side of the Attica Peninsula can be found the Seaside village of Saronida – and not far off of that is the wreck Amphorae.
Amphora were invented by the Greeks and used for storage of such things like grain and wine. At this site you will go back in time and see the remains of broken amphorae that were being transported long ago.
Devil’s Hole
On the South side of the Attica Peninsula can be found the Devil’s Hole. While there is nothing to fear here, this is a site for advanced divers if venturing down into the hole. The entrance is at about 36ft deep and the hole bottoms out at about 95ft.
This dive can be done from shore and snorkelers can view the entrance of the hole from the surface. This is a popular and incredible dive site!
SS Kyra leni
For those that love wreck diving, off of the Southwestern part of the Attica Peninsula is the small island of Patroklos. Just off of the South coast of Patroklos is the wreck of the SS Kyra Leni.
The Kyra Leni was a Norwegian cargo ship that sank in a storm in 1978 after running aground on the Patroklos shoreline. She is broken in two, with the stern upright listing to port and the bow lying on its port side.
The bow of the Kyra Leni lies in about 55ft of water and her stern is at about 98ft. In between the two sections of the ship is a debris field with much to explore. Marine life that can typically be seen on this artificial reef includes various reef fish, stingrays, lobsters and eels.
The Kyra Leni is a relatively easy boat dive – bordering between intermediate divers and experienced divers – and is a dive worth taking.
Arsida Cave
The small uninhibited island of Arsida lies near to the southwest coast of Athens. But sometimes great things come in little packages!
The island is only accessible by boat, but it has a small cave that can be enjoyed by snorkelers and scuba divers alike. For divers, you can head down the vertical wall to the well lit cave. Once there, you will be treated to some very colorful fish and may even see an octopus.
Pothitos Reef
On the close-by Pothitos Island can be found Pothitos Reef. This is another great spot for all level of divers that boasts stunningly diverse marine life.
On the reef you can explore the wall and all the coral and sponges that make here there underwater home. In addition to the vibrant reef fish, you may come across some sea turtles.
Alonnisos
From historic archeological shipwrecks to an incredibly protected ecosystem, you will have no trouble finding great diving sites in Alonnisos. However, there is no airport on the island and you will have to take a ferry to get there. You can fly into nearby Skiathos and take a two and a half hour ferry ride, or from Volos – on the mainland – the ferry ride is between three to four and a half hours. Not easy to get to, but worth the effort!
Part of the Sporades in the Northern Aegean Sea, Alonnisos is home to the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades – which is the largest marine park in the Mediterranean Sea. So let’s check out some of the most popular sites to dive with their amazing marine species.
Underwater Museum of Peristera
Imagine getting into a time machine, diving on a shipwreck from around 425 BC and seeing its cargo of thousands of amphora. Now imagine you don’t need the time machine!
The ancient “Peristera” shipwreck was found by a fisherman in 1985. This large merchant vessel – 39ft by 82ft – lies in about 90ft of water. The amphorae have remained in situ just as they were stored when the ship set sail, allowing divers to see from their placement the shape of the vessel.
The “Parthenon of Shipwrecks” is a hugely important site and up until May 2021 only archeologist were able to dive on her. Now open to the public – with the accompaniment of an instructor – divers can truly dive into history at this site! An absolute must dive for history and non-history buffs.
The Blue Cave and Little Brother
You will actually enter the Blue Cave on the boat. Once you hit the water and descend the wall, be ready to see various marine life – including groupers and scorpionfish – among the sponges and coral.
This is a nice easy cavern dive, with a maximum depth of about 98ft. Most things of interest can be found between 50ft and 65ft, so plenty to see for intermediate scuba divers.
Lucky divers may even be able to see a cuttlefish in the cave, like in the video above. While at this site make sure to also check out Little Brother, a smaller cave with another nice wall to explore.
Two Brothers Wreck
Wreck diving enthusiast will want to explore the Two Brothers Wreck. This wooden ship was carrying immigrants when it went down, luckily with no loss of life. She lies upright in about 98ft of water, so more of an advanced dive site.
As you are taking in the wreck, make sure to look among the patches of seaweed on the sandy bottom. There you can find remnants of the possessions that were being carried by the ship’s passengers…and maybe even an octopus.
Agios Georgios South Reef and the chimney
Made up of two large pinnacles with cool swim-throughs and abundant marine life, the Southern portion of Agios Reef is a scuba diver’s dream.
Starting out on top of the pinnacle you can see colorful coral formations. Among the coral here roam reef fish, scorpionfish, groupers and eels.
Divers will usually begin this dive at the opening of The Chimney at about 45ft. From there, they will descend down a “tunnel” to about 72ft where there is an opening on a sponge and coral filled plateau.
This is a dive more suited for advanced divers as there can be a strong current here and you’ll want to have good buoyancy control for the swim-throughs.
Gorgonian garden
Advanced divers that brave the strong current will be in for a treat at Gorgonian Garden. This soft coral formation is like viewing fireworks underwater and is one of the best scuba diving spots on Alonnisos.
A swirl of purples, reds, oranges and yellows will go by as divers take in the sights at depths between 114ft and 131ft. Definitely one of the dive sites not to be missed.
Crete
Making our way over to Crete we find the largest and most populated of the Greek Islands. This was home to the ancient Minoan civilization, which thrived between 3000 BC to about 1100 BC. While the ferry may be the most scenic way to get there, the quickest ferry ride from Athens is about eight and a half hours. So those with limited time may opt for the approximate 50 minute flight instead.
Once there, your most difficult choice may be which of the many dive sites to visit, including many excellent underwater caves. Below are some of the best dive sites the island has to offer.
Elephant cave
Elephant Cave – or Elephant’s Cave depending who you ask – is perhaps the most famous scuba diving spot on Crete. Located on the West side of the island, this geographic formation is something to behold!
The depth upon entering the cave is about 39ft. Once inside the cave, the depth drops to only about 52ft, making this a great dive for all levels of scuba diving enthusiasts. Divers will be treated to beautiful stalactites and stalagmites colored in red and white. And make sure to look for the fossilized remains of an elephant, which gives the cave its name.
Minnewaska III
The Minnewaska was a British cruise ship built by famous ship manufacturing company Harold & Wolff in 1908 (FYI, the same company started construction on the Titanic in 1909). From 1909 to 1915, The Minnewaska made transatlantic cruises between London and New York. She sank in November 1916 after hitting a mine while transporting troops during WW I.
The ship was salvaged, but her remains are approximately 160ft long by 32ft wide and lie in waters between 39ft and 65ft deep. The Minnewaska has become an artificial reef attracting all sorts of sea life and is a dive for all level of divers.
Seitan Limenes Wall
Another dive that is a geographical wonder is the Seitan Limenes Wall. Located on the Eastern part of the Akrotiri Peninsula, divers will be amazed as they get on site at the cliffs stretching up almost 230ft above the water.
Heading on down below the waves, the drop-off continues. Ever want to go mountain climbing without a rope? Well you can underwater here as you feel like you are flying along a mountainside! The maximum depth is 131ft. Conditions are usually pretty good, so beginner divers can also check this site out within their limits.
Stavros
For a nice easy shore dive try Stavros. With a maximum depth just under 100ft, all divers can follow along the vertical wall on this dive site. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a multitude of anemones, sponges and sea slugs. This is a great spot for a night dive as well.
Seal Cave
For something a little different, head over to Seal Cave. In this partially filled underwater cave, divers will be able to dive in a halocline – salt water mixed with fresh from a spring.
Surfacing in the cave, divers will be treated to some cool stalactite and stalagmite formations. While the maximum depth is about 60ft, this can be a little challenging and more of a dive for advanced divers and above.
Santorini
Heading over to Santorini you may also want to take a flight from Athens, which is under an hour. Traveling by ferry can take between four and a half to nine hours…but hey, if you have the time, the ferry offers some beautiful sights.
Santorini is known for its stunning sunsets, volcanic beaches, blue domed churches and – oh yeah – one of the places believed to have been the location of Atlantis.
Kamari
You will find Kamari at the top of most “best of” dive site lists for Santorini, and for good reason. Home to three dive sites, there is a little something for everyone to be found off of Kamari Beach located on the Southeast side of the island.
You can start your dive with a nice checkout shore dive at Kamari Beach Rock. With a depth of just over 20ft, this is a good spot for beginners and snorkelers.
A short boat ride from the beach is Kamari Reef. This is another great spot for beginner divers and snorkelers, with a maximum depth of about 62ft. On the reef there are all sorts of colorful formations and marine life.
Finally, there is the Kamari Wall. Follow this vertical drop-off down to a depth of 85ft where you’ll land on a sandy plateau. Among the sea fans, you’ll be able to see some sea slugs and perhaps an octopus.
Aspronisi
Aspronisi is a small uninhabited island lying within the Santorini Caldera that was built by volcanic activity following the massive eruption that all but wiped out the Minoans. There are nine main dive sites off of this island that have amazing drop-offs with names such as Aspronisi waterfall or Spiderman Wall.
As there are drop-offs of various depths, all level of divers can partake in seeing the underwater wonders of Aspronisi.
Nea Kameni
Heading over to the uninhibited island of Nea Kameni, we will find several more dive sites including Lava Reef and not one, but three shipwrecks.
On Lava Reef divers will be treated to something they don’t see everyday…underwater volcanic formations. At a depth of between 55ft and 98ft, divers will take in the cool geographical formations. There is not much life to be found here, but you may spy some sea slugs or moray eels.
For wreck diving make sure to visit the Nea Kameni (Santa Maria) wreck, the WW II Steamboat wreck and the Palia Kameni wreck. The Nea Kameni was a passenger boat that sank in the small harbor of Taxiarchis in 1975. This 111ft long steel wreck lies in just under 60ft deep, so a great dive for new divers and snorkelers.
The WW II Steamboat was a cargo ship sunk in 1926. Not sure where the WW II reference fits in, but anyway the wreck sits upright at depths between 29ft and 55ft. Another great dive for everyone.
Last, but not least is the Palia Kameni Wreck. This old tugboat lies off of Nea Kameni’s sister island – yep you guessed it – Palia Kameni. She sits upright in depths between 55ft and 108ft. More for experienced divers, the hatches of the wreck are open so many portions of the wreck can be seen. Great photo opportunities can be found on this wreck.
Vlychada beach
Another excellent beach shore dive can be done at Vlychada Beach. This easily accessible beach is on the South coast of Santorini and is for all level of divers and snorkelers.
While there is a maximum depth here of about 85ft, the main attractions of the underwater artificial park can be found in the shallows. Among the statutes and amphorae you’ll see plenty of colorful fish and perhaps a sea turtle or octopus.
Thirassia
Off of the Northwest coast of Santorini is the island of Thirassia. There are several good spots off of this island, but the main go-to is Mansell Reef.
Starting at only 9ft deep, divers will be treated to a drop-off that plummets down to over 650ft! Cruise along the wall, but watch your buoyancy and depth. Along the way you may be able to see some dolphins, tuna and perhaps even a swordfish. A dive not to be missed!
Naxos
Moving on to Naxos we again have a ferry option (about four hours) or a flight (about 45 minutes) from Athens. This larger island has plenty of dive sites and also Mount Zas, where Greek God Zeus grew up. If it’s good enough for “The King of Gods” then it’s good enough for Scuba Jay!
Bristol Beaufighter
This one is for the history buffs. Located off of the Southwest side of the island can be found the remains of this old WW II aircraft that was shot down in 1943. The wreck is in good shape and the escape hatch remains open from all those years ago.
Among the wreck you’ll see large sponges that attract various marine life…definitely bring your camera! The wreck lies in about 108ft of water, so this is an advanced dive.
Graviera Reef
This reef is located on the Westside of the island and is a diver’s playground with swim-throughs, caverns, canyons and tunnels.
With a maximum depth of about 60ft all divers can enjoy this site and look for octopus, barracudas and moray eels among the coral and sea fans.
Marianna Shipwreck
An excellent dive site and one of the island’s best scuba diving spots is the Marianna. This cargo ship was just under 300ft long when she crashed on a shallow reef off of the West coast of Naxos on July 24, 1981.
The wreck was salvaged – with much of the bow broken up – but her pilothouse and stern remain intact. The broken up bow section is in between 16ft and 50ft of water. Her stern lies at a maximum depth of 78ft. This portion of the wreck is very impressive, being 108ft long and 82ft high! On a calm day, portions of the wreck can be seen rising up out of the water.
There is much to explore on this wreck and at least a two tank dive is needed to take her in! depending on depth of the dive plan, this can be a site for beginner divers. However, more experienced divers will really get to see all this wreck has to offer.
Amaras Reef
Right next to the Marianna shipwreck is Amaras Reef, so a scheduled day of diving at these sites may be in order. This is a great spot for diving and snorkeling as the reef starts just under the waves and only goes to a maximum depth of about 60ft.
Black Rock
Off of the South coast of Naxos is the tiny Black Rock Island. The large rock formations off of the island attracts various reef fish and barracuda. You might also be able to see some starfish, scorpionfish and octopuses.
This is a great spot for beginner divers and those going for their advance certification as the maximum depth is about 147ft. During your dive, make sure to look for the anchor from some long lost shipwreck at about the 62ft depth mark.
Corfu
Northwest of Greek Attica Peninsula in the Ionian Sea are the Ionian islands (yes, yes I know captain obvious). The capital of the Islands is the beautiful Corfu. This island is much easier to get to from the mainland and the ferry ride is just under two hours. However, check ferry times as they do not operate every day.
Colovri
Perhaps the most visited dive spot on Corfu is Colovri. This stunning reef has just about all a diver could want on a dive site including swim-throughs, large boulders and large drop-off.
On this site divers will see schools of barracuda, anthias and shrimp, as well as moray eels. While the general maximum depth of this site is suited for advanced divers, beginner divers can also enjoy this site staying more in the shallows.
Monastery
Another site that has just about everything except a shipwreck is Monastery. Divers will thoroughly enjoy the caves to be found at this site and their vibrant marine life.
At this site there is a deeper cave at about 70ft that has a maximum depth of about 82ft. There is also a nice cave with an open roof that has an entrance at about 10ft. More great spots to see some shrimp, octopuses and reef fish in the nice clear waters.
Theodoros Wreck
Naxos has been referred to as the “cavern diving capital of the world.” However, there is more than caves to be dove here, like the Theodoros Wreck.
This wreck lies in just under 60ft of water off of the cost of Othonoi island, which is just Northwest of Corfu. All level of divers can enjoy this old wreck and parts of the ship – like the engine room – are easily accessible. If not too busy looking at the parts of the ship, the sea life that now calls her home isn’t too bad either.
Chiment Wreck
Another wreck worth checking out is the Chiment. The name gives away what this wreck was carrying when it sank…yep cement. And the remnants of the cargo are still there to be seen.
Divers can hit the top of the wreck at about 40ft. Traveling down to just under 100ft, you can see the propeller. This is a spot little more suited for advanced divers and there is much marine life to be seen on her.
Hole of ha
Ok back to the caves. The Hole of Ha is exactly the type of cave that people go to Corfu specifically to dive. Another open cave that divers can enter and then look up and see surrounding trees!
At about 60ft is the narrow entranceway that opens up into the cavern that is at about 82ft deep. The way the above sunlight pours into the cave makes this a must do Corfu dive!
Other Activities
There are so many things to do in Greece outside of scuba diving. From boat tours to skydiving above Athens to catching the most amazing sunset of your life in Santorini, there’s truly something for everyone here.
Ruins
When one thinks of Greece, it’s difficult not to think of the Parthenon. However, Athens is not the only place where to find beautiful ruins. several of the other Greek Islands have some very cool ancient remains to visit as well.
The Acropolis
Since the Acropolis is the most famous of the Greek ruins, let’s start there. At about 500ft above sea level sits several remains with historical significance, the most famous of which is the Parthenon. It pretty much goes without saying that no trip to Greece is complete without a stop here.
Knossos Palace
On Crete sits the ruins of the Knossos Palace. Built by the Minoans between 1700 BC and 1400 BC, these ruins cover about 150,000 square feet. Mythology comes to life with a visit here as it is the location where the famous Minotaur roamed in search of sacrifices…until he meet Theseus that is!
Akrotiri
On the Southwest side of Santorini are the ruins of Akrotiri. At one point – long, long ago – this was one of the main ports in the Aegean Sea. Akrotiri is known as the “Greek Pompeii” because it was covered in volcanic ash from what is believed to be the largest volcanic eruption in the last 4,000 years!
You do not need to be an archeologist or even a history buff to enjoy this marvel of the ancient world and one of the most important archeological sites of Greece.
Shipwreck Beach
It will take some traveling to get there, but you will be blown away by Navagio “Shipwreck” Beach!
This amazing photographic beach is found on the Northwest coast of Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands. Sometimes referred to as Smugglers cove, the ship Panagiotis ran aground in a storm in 1980 and remains there to be seen today.
For those willing to take the trip, you’ll need a boat. Luckily, there are several boat tours that will take you out there and you’ll also get to see the beautiful famous Blue Caves.
The Oracle At Delphi
Back to the ruins, but with a twist…perhaps the future will be revealed to you at the Oracle at Delphi!
Back in ancient times, Delphi was considered the center of the world and people would come from all over to have the priestess of Apollo, Pythia, answer their questions about the future. The ruins are as spectacular as the surrounding scenery of Mount Parnassus. Defiantly worth a day trip from Athens to explore…and who knows what secrets will come to light.
Samaria Gorge National Park
For those travelers that like to hike, over on Crete can be found Samaria Gorge National Park. This gorge is over 10 miles long and is considered to be one of the most scenic European national parks.
A World’s Biosphere Reserve, located in the Southwest of Crete, nature lovers will not want to miss this stop with its numerous trails offering incredible views.
For what it’s worth, my brother Joe actually hiked this gorge during a 5-week trip he took to Greece. His number one pro tip is to bring a lot of water with you – especially if you hike it in the summer months as he did. There are no water fountains on the hike, so it’s important you’re well-prepared.
Wrapping Things Up
As I think you can tell, Greece has much to offer both divers and non-divers. The diving is spectacular and historic! The scenery above and below the waves is incredible and there are many islands and dive sites to explore. Pack your bags and get on to that big fat Greek dive trip!
“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay
