Scuba Destinations

 

Greece

The final resting place of the sister ship of the Titanic . . . .
Overview:

Greece is in southern Europe, bordered by the Aegean, the Ionian and the Mediterranean Seas. It's the only country in the EU that doesn’t have any border with the other members.  Here's the map.

Greece is not really known for its scuba diving. Until recently, the government warily restricted diving due to it's paranoia of ancient artifacts and important archaelogical items being removed from underwater sites. Thankfully, the Greek government has loosened many of its regulations on scuba diving, although it is still restrictive for specialty dives like night and wreck dives.

Because there hasn't historically been much recreational diving, much of Greece's underwater expanse is largely unexplored.  This is quite exciting because there are dozens of islands scattered around Greece in the Ionian and Aegean seas with hidden gems yet to be discovered. 

Diving opportunities are everywhere but probably Greece's most famous dive site is that of the HMHS Britannic (sister ship to the Titanic) - lying in about 400 ft (120 m) of water and first discovered and explored by Jacques Cousteau in 1975.  However, due to the depth of this dive, its for technical divers only.  Still, for those of you who aren't, here's the YouTube Video.

What to see:
  • Corfu:  The Nisopoulo wreck which is either a Greek or Roman wreck that is surrounded with amphora.  Also, in the same area are numerous good quality reefs. 
  • Crete: The Messerschmitt ME109 aircraft which lies to the west of Agia Pelagia at a depth of 24 metres is worth diving.
  • Zakynthos:  Marathonissi (Turtle Island) off the Keri Peninsula is probably one of the best dives, where if you're lucky, you will see giant loggerhead turtles, plus octopus, moray eels, cuttlefish, flying fish, grouper, bream, wrasse and parrotfish.
  • A must-dive destination is the island of Santorini which attracts many divers eager to hover above the abyss at one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. 

Need to know:
  • There ae heavy restrictions on where you can dive. The Greek government is attempting to protect unsalvaged ancient sculptures, walls, and other artifacts by limiting scuba diving to a few approved areas.  However, as scuba diving grows in popularity, it seems that some of the restrictions are "unofficially" easing.  See the Underwater Archaeology link below.
  • Due to over fishing, there are not many large fish, although plenty of starfish, octopus and groupers.
  • Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit, the weather has warmed up and the crowds have not yet arrived. However, diving is still relatively undeveloped in the country and you are unlikely to find diving groups fighting for prime sites at any time of year.
Useful stuff:
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro
Time: GMT +2
Climate: Mediterranean
Diving season: Mainly spring & summer, but year round diving is available
Water temperature: Winter 16C (61F)
Summer 27C (82F)
Air temperature: Winter 11C (52F)
Summer 30C (86F)

Europe - Greece: Latest User Reviews

Kallithea divng  Trident Scuba Diving School, Greece 5 Star Rating Added: 23rd April 2013 by killiekrankie
First dive in 2 years and was led by the hand by the team. Very professional, friendly and courteous. They even inspired my wife to snorkel - a woman who swims without getting her face wet.
Great with Kreta Maris in 2011  Dive Centre Creta Maris, Greece 5 Star Rating Added: 7th February 2013 by onedivemike
This should probably be entitled Wot I did on me holidays. Carol and I decided with six other people to book an all-inclusive holiday in Stalia near Hersonissoss in Crete. It was intended to be a gluttonous booze-fueled week and it worked out just as planned. However me being the...
A awesome Wreck Dive  GoDive Mykonos, Greece 5 Star Rating Added: 15th January 2013 by elemarine
A minute from the base and we were there...!I was surprised with this wreck because serves as spectacular artificial reef, attracting an incredible diversity of marine life. The crew are very professional, and they are focused in safety and procedures!  Also they dive with us in the water. Cold water...
Professional and friendly dive centre  GoDive Mykonos, Greece 5 Star Rating Added: 20th December 2012 by johnWood
I am not the most experienced diver, and I only dive when I am on holiday. But I have been diving since 2002 in Mykonos, and I have used many dive centers in Mykonos over the years. On my ADVANCED course, I was introduced to Kostas and Antonis, both with...
Best around! Even if it was my first time!  Apollo Dive Center , Greece 5 Star Rating Added: 22nd October 2012 by carolinerainford
I was quite apprehensive about even going on this course as it was my first ever time scuba diving! However when I got to the location, I just wanted to get myself in there! Although the nerves were kicking in, Chris and Maria guided me through everything as expected, but...
Surprising Greek Dive  Lefkas Diving Center, Greece 5 Star Rating Added: 21st October 2012 by MikeCollins01
Having dived in the Med before I was not expecting much, just a chance to "log a few" but what a great mornings diving. Much to see, loads of fish and soft corals, reefs and drop off's. Christos Chalikias - owner and guide, speaks excellent English and has a wonderful...
Fantastic  Apollo Dive Center , Greece 5 Star Rating Added: 1st October 2012 by steeeeveeee
Had a fantastic week with Chris and Maria, diving was really good, great tuition and guiding. Added bonus's were the bbqs on the beach. I would thoroughly recommend this dive school.
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