10 Best Places For Scuba Diving In Greece

An engaging and breathtaking holiday in Greece takes many forms. And an underwater adventure is one of them. The Greek seas hide some of the most gorgeous spots for scuba diving and snorkelling. With over 230 inhabited islands, vast coastline, and stunning beaches, every slip into the water gives you an opportunity to enjoy a huge variety of wrecks, caverns, and reefs. Not forgetting the bountiful of marine creatures that have made this beautiful underwater world their residence. No matter where you go, diving in the clear, soothing waters of Greece will give you an experience of a lifetime. But the following 10 places will make your scuba diving in Greece unmistakably mind-blowing. 1. Kea Wreck, HMHS Britannic Looking to explore some sunken wrecks? Great! Greece houses some of the most famous shipwrecks in the world and you are just about to have your breath taken away. Grab your scuba tank or your best full face snorkel mask and head to Kea, one of the Cyclades islands group. The HMHS Britannic, a World War I hospital ship sank in 1916 off the coast of this little island, will be quite a feast to your eyes. You will enjoy an abundance of marine life too. Due to the complexity and depth of the wreck, however, this site is only suitable for advanced divers. 2. Schinaria In Crete Crete is a great destination for a scuba dive Greece getaway. And if you fancy marine life, Schinaria will make your stay even better. Located a few miles south of Rethymno, Schinaria is indeed home to the most amazing sea creatures. You will swim hand in hand with various local species like the blackfish, morays, and octopus, to mention a few. With its amazing water clarity, Schinaria is a spot you don’t want to miss when exploring the Crete Island. 3. Nea Kameni in Santorini Being a volcanic island, Santorini provides exciting underwater experiences. Scuba divers and snorkelers alike flock in Nea Kameni, one of the spots that resulted from a volcanic eruption. The 112 feet long Santa Maria wreck is 59 feet below the water’s surface and gives both beginner and advanced divers something to always come back for. Santa Maria was a steel passenger ship that capsized in Taxiarachis Bay back in the 70s and now accommodates a good deal of marine life. Moreover, the nearby sea caves, underwater lava formations, and rock are worth exploring. 4. Paleokastritsa In Corfu On the northwest of Corfu lies Paleokastritsa, yet another great site for scuba diving in Greece. Popular for its magnificent beaches and crystal clear water, Paleokastritsa registers thousands of divers every year. The reefs and rocks beneath form beautiful underwater gardens and provide the perfect playgrounds for diving junkies. Kolovri Beach will mesmerize you, as it houses corals up to 131 feet deep and a scenic underwater archway. 5. Zakynthos Wreck You have not set foot in Greece if you haven’t visited the island of Zakynthos. The spectacular beaches, incredible coastline, and diverse nightlife is not something you want to miss. But if you are an underwater enthusiast, it is the HMS Perseus wreck that will make your stay worth every while. This British submarine sank during World War II in 1941 and lies at a depth of 171 feet below the water’s surface. The marine life that has inhabited it since then and the nearby rock formations will definitely pamper you with unforgettable experiences. 6. Myrmigi Reef In Lesvos Located northwest of Lesvos, the Myrmigi Reef has been a popular snorkelling and scuba dive Greece site for years. Thanks to the spectacular volcanic formations and abundant marine life, this spot has something for both beginners and skilled divers. Don your scuba gear and snorkelling mask and explore the many corridors of coral, abundance of schools of fish and colourful sponges underwater. The few currents and excellent visibility will ensure a smooth swim through the 118 feet deep reef. 7. Marathonisi In Zakynthos How about a day with the gorgeous Caretta caretta sea turtles? Head to the uninhabited Marathonisi island off the Zakynthos coast and enjoy plentiful of these and bountiful of local species like the octopi, flying fish, parrotfish, and eels. The beautiful coral also hides a good deal of loggerheads turtles and manta rays. When you are not underwater, you can rest in the beach and admire the exquisite vegetation, the pines and green oaks, sprouts, olive trees, and the many marathos, from which the island got its name. 8. The Elephant’s Cave In Crete Do not leave Crete without checking out the Elephant’s Cave. This is a partially filled underwater cave located in Akrotiri, near the Deprano area that hosts remains of extinct animals. The Elephant’s Cave is a fascinating site for divers who love exploring fossils. You will find the vertebra, tusk, and teeth remain of an extinct elephant and other animals and an impressive series of stalagmites and stalactites. You will also find plenty of unique treasure. 9. Anna II Wreck In Mykonos Wreck diving enthusiast flock to Mykonos to see what lies under the waves. If you love exploring the wrecks, this is one spot that you too don’t want to miss. The famous wreck of Anna II that was sunk southeast of Mykonos is a fantastic site for exploration. The 203 feet long cargo ship lies 82 feet deep and provides the ideal playground for wreck divers. The surrounding area especially the healthy reef and its numerous colonies of sponges is equally captivating and will create everlasting memories. 10. Chios Last, but not least, we have Chios, a beautiful island located in the amazing Aegean Sea just four miles from Turkey. A visit to Chios will give you plenty of dive sites to discover, all housing a generous amount of underwater caves, breathtaking vertical walls, glorious shipwrecks, vibrant marine life, and colourful coral formations. Chios is great for both novice and experienced divers. The clear waters and reduced currents will make it easier for you to adventure the underwater beauty. When To Go For Scuba Diving In Greece Summer is generally the best time to go diving in Greece. This being Mediterranean climate, July to September will experience hot and dry weather, with temperatures averaging at 80˚F (30˚C). During winter, the temperatures will drop to about 43˚F (6˚C). The water temperatures will range between 60˚ and 74˚F (16 and 23˚C) depending on the island, sea, and site. Make sure to gather as much information as you can about your destination of choice before you go so you can acquire the appropriate thermal gear. When it comes to visibility, you will be able to see between 20 feet and just above 165 feet, depending on the time of the year and area you are visiting. Globo Surf