Greece is a country with over sixteen thousand kilometers (9,942 miles) of spectacular coastline, which makes it a scuba diver’s paradise, offering diving enthusiasts the time of their lives. Here, Greek Reporter offers you some of the top spots for scuba diving in the country.
The volcanic island of Nea Kameni near Santorini
The area surrounding the volcanic island of Santorini provides marvelous opportunities for scuba diving enthusiasts.
One of the best spots, known as Nea Kameni, is an uninhabited island across from Santorini, which was also the site of a gigantic ancient volcanic eruption.
There are plenty of things to explore in this area, including diverse and fascinating marine life, underwater sea caves, and even a shipwreck.
The wreck of the “Santa Maria,” a steel passenger ship measuring 34 meters (111 feet) long, lies southeast of the island in Taxiarachis Bay.
The ship, which sank in 1975, lies at a depth of only eighteen meters (59 feet), which makes it ideal for scuba divers of all experience levels.
An ancient volcanic eruption not far off has created beautiful sea caves and underwater lava formations which are another treat for divers.
The Wreck of the Anna II off Mykonos is perfect for expert scuba divers
Mykonos may be justifiably known as the “Greek party island,” but scuba divers can also enjoy an underwater party there, as well!
Lovers of wreck diving can really get their fix in this scuba paradise.
The Anna II, at 62 meters (203 feet) long, is a cargo ship which sunk to the southeast of Mykonos.
It makes a fun and fascinating playground for wreck diving experts. The ship, which lies 25 meters (82 feet) deep, is completely accessible for exploration and is still in great condition.
The nearby area is as equally as captivating as the ship wreck with its mesmerizingly lovely reef and colonies of sea sponges.
Mirmigi Reef, Lesvos: A unique scuba diving experience in Greece
Located off the northwest coast of Lesvos, Mirmigi Reef is a very well-known dive site for its underwater volcanic formations and abundant marine life, as well as its interesting topography.
Mirmigi is great for beginners as well as advanced divers since the reef starts at a depth of just five meters (sixteen feet) and progresses down to a depth of 36 meters (118 feet).
It makes for an extremely rewarding dive being as there are no currents and the crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility.
4. Schinaria, Crete
Another great spot for scuba divers is found off Schinaria Beach in northern Crete. This small area includes habitat for black-fish, octopus, moray eels, and many other marine species.
Schinaria Beach is a must if you’d like to experience diverse marine life within crystalline waters and great visibility. Most dive shops in Crete offer dive trips to this location.
5. Elephant’s Cave, Crete
How about experiencing an unforgettable, completely unique dive near Chania city in Crete? The “Elephant’s Cave” is a partially-filled underwater cave which has stunning white and red stalactites and stalagmites.
Once inside the cave, divers can view fossilized remains of an extinct type of elephant, including its teeth, vertebrae, and a single large tusk.
Scuba diving in the wreck of a WWI ship in Greece
The HMHS Britannic was a WWI hospital ship which sank in 1916 off the coast of Kea, a small Aegean island which is also known as “Tzia.”
This dive is quite complex and deep, and for this reason, dive trips to this location only accept those who are experienced divers.
The Wreck of the HMS Perseus in Zakynthos
The Ionian island of Zakynthos is a top destination for tourists of all stripes with its jaw-dropping beaches, steep cliffs, and pulsating nightlife.
However, it has even more to offer, as it is also a well-regarded scuba diving destination due to the famous wreck of the HMS Perseus.
This wreck is a very interesting and unique one. The Perseus was a British submarine, built in 1029, which sank in 1941 during the Second World War after it hit an Italian mine off the coast of Zakynthos.
The submarine lies 52 meters (170 feet) below the surface, so it is only accessible by very advanced divers who are certified in deep diving.
The Turtle Island of Zakynthos, where divers come face-to-face with sea turtles
A must-visit for all scuba divers is the uninhabited island of Marathonisi off Zakynthos.
This is one of the main nesting areas for loggerhead sea turtles, so divers are sure to be rewarded with sights of these magnificent creatures.
You may also get to view parrot-fish, flying fish, eels, and octopus in their natural habitats.
So how about enjoying a day under the crystal-clear azure seas with some loggerhead turtles?
Greece is not only a paradise above the surface of its waters. Its rich marine life and many fascinating shipwrecks offer unforgettable experiences to any scuba diver eager to explore the depths of its azure seas.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
