Scuba Diving Greece – Best Places To Go Scuba Diving In Greece

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Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Here is your guide to scuba diving in Greece. We’ve listed all the best spots and details on where to go scuba diving Greece!

Greece Travel Blog_Scuba Diving Greece_Best Places To Go Scube Diving In GreeceGreece is fantastic for many reasons, but have you ever considered scuba diving? It’s not surprising that the waters around Greece are packed with colorful marine life; you can even spot turtles! But did you know there are also many shipwrecks to explore, some not even that far offshore?

While some Greek dive spots may be reserved for experienced divers, some are perfectly accessible for intermediate divers.

Let’s check out some of the most popular and beautiful scuba dive spots in Greece.

 

 

Santorini

Scuba Dive - Ammoudi Bay Santorini Greece

If you’re looking for some of the best scuba diving in Santorini, you’ll want to check out a few of the top spots. Ammoudi Bay is a great place to start, as it’s known for its clear waters and dramatic cliffs. There’s also a shipwreck here that’s perfect for exploring.

Plenty of Dive Centers allow you to learn to dive or take your first steps into the underwater world. The area is perfect for beginners, and there are several different dive sites to explore.

For something a little challenging, head to Palia Kameni Island, where you can find wrecks and reefs to discover. Finally, don’t miss the chance to dive at White Beach, where you can swim among stunning white cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

Zakynthos (Ionian Islands)

Turtle in the sea , Zakynthos island

Zakynthos, or Zante, is a famous Greek island that holidaymakers flock to yearly for fun in the sun. But its waters are packed with marine life, from stingrays and octopuses to barracuda and eels. Gerakas Beach is a breeding ground for the loggerhead turtle, but you can also head to the National Marine Park just off the Bay of Laganas and do more than your fair share of scuba diving.

Around Keri, a small village, you’ll find many specific dive sites with exciting spots under the surface, including giant shrimps. Marathonisi on the south coast is also a great spot with water so clear you won’t believe your eyes.

Rhodes

Best Beaches In Rhodes - St. Pauls Bay
If you’re looking for a fantastic scuba diving experience, look no further than Rhodes, Greece! This beautiful island is home to some of the best diving spots in the world. From the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea to the stunning underwater caves, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, plenty of diving schools on the island can cater to your needs. And if you’re not sure where to start, here are some of our top picks for the best scuba diving spots in Rhodes:

  • The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights: This historic site is located in the Old Town of Rhodes and is a must-see for any history buff. But it’s also an excellent spot for scuba diving, as there are plenty of interesting things to see underwater, including a shipwreck!
  • Anthony Quinn Bay: This secluded bay is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. And with its dramatic cliffs and crystal clear waters, it’s easy to see why! There are also several shipwrecks located nearby, making it an exceptional spot for exploring
  • Kalithea Springs: These therapeutic springs have been used since ancient times and are said to have healing properties. But they’re also a great place to go scuba diving! Beautiful coral reefs surround the springs, and there’s always something new to see

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Alonissos (Aegean Islands)

Aerial view over Patitiri town in Alonnisos island, Greece

Top divers will probably know about the diving just off Alonissos, and this is also part of a huge marine known to be one of Europe’s largest. There are endangered species of monk seal here, as well as dolphins and all manner of colorful fish. The Blue Cave is also known for its sponges, coral, and scorpion fish.

You’ll find organized trips from Patitiri, a town on the south coast, and be sure to head to the fifth-century shipwreck if you’re an advanced diver. This is one you won’t want to miss, and it’s basically an underwater museum.

Thasos (Northern Aegean Islands)

Things to do in Thassos island, Greece

You’ll hear Thasos called the Emerald Isle, but don’t be confused with Ireland, as this is undoubtedly in Greece. The island is so beautifully lush and green that it earned this new nickname. However, it’s also an excellent spot for scuba diving.

Just around the coast, you’ll find a submerged quarry that dates back around 2500 years. But if you’re not experienced with diving, San Antonio Rocks are a good starting point on the southwest coastline, packed with tuna, coral, and sponges.

However, if you’re a pro diver, you must head to the nearby Giola Archangelos. This is where many Second World War submarines were hidden, and you’ll find some seriously interesting marine life now, including turtles and even scorpion fish.

Pavlopetri (Peloponnese Islands)

The great thing about this particular region is that you don’t have to be an experienced diver to check out what lies beneath. Here you’ll be able to check out the ruins of a 5000-year-old city, which sits in relatively shallow water in Vatika Bay. However, you can only snorkel here, not scuba dive.

Despite that, the surrounding waters are a hotbed of beautiful marine life, and you’ll be more than blown away by what you see.

Lake Vouliagmeni

For something a little different, try scuba diving in Lake Vouliagmeni. This freshwater lake is in Athens and is home to several thermal springs. The water temperature is a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius all year round, making it perfect for diving. There are also several sunken ruins to explore, including an amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century BC.

Milos

Tsigrado beach, Milos island, Cyclades, Greece - Sandy Beaches In Greece
Tsigrado Beach, Milos Island

If you’re looking for spectacular underwater scenery, then head to the island of Milos. The island’s volcanic origins have created a unique landscape beneath the waves, with cliffs, caves, and canyons to explore. You can also see a wide variety of marine life here, including sponges and sea urchins.

Popular dive sites include Sarakiniko Beach, Kleftiko, and Filiatra Reef.

Amorgos (Cyclades Islands)

Shipwrecks in Greece - Aerial view of Shipwreck Olympia in Amorgos island

Amorgos is a small island in the Cyclades that was featured in The Big Blue, a film from 1988. You can take diving lessons in both Aegiali and Katapola, two port towns, but if you already know the basics, you can head out on your own free will.

The visibility around this area is crystal clear, and you can check out all sorts of marine life, including barracuda, tuna, and turtles. Be sure to check out Nikouria’s Cavern, which has a huge array of sponges and soft coral in all colors of the rainbow.

Around an hour away by boat, you can visit Kinaros, an island that is home to the shipwreck of Manina 3, a cargo ship that succumbed to the seas in 1981.

Crete

Snorkeling In Greece - Crete

The island of Crete is another outstanding place to go diving in Greece, with over 50 different dive sites to choose from. Crete is a scuba diver’s paradise with its crystal clear waters and dramatic coastline.

There are many incredible dive sites to explore around the island, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver. You’ll also find plenty of Dive Centers around Crete that can cater to your needs. Many of these centers offer PADI certification courses, so you can learn to dive while on vacation. And if you already have your PADI certification, plenty of Dive Guides can show you the best dive sites and help you make the most of your time underwater.

The top scuba spots on Crete are:

  • The Blue Lagoon: This lagoon is located on the north coast of Crete, and it’s known for its clear blue waters. The lagoon is home to various marine life, including turtles, rays, and eels
  • Dragonara Cave: This cave is located on the south coast of Crete, and it’s known for its dramatic rock formations. The cave is also home to a variety of marine life, including octopuses, squid, and fish
  • Crete wreck diving: Greece is home to many shipwrecks, and scuba divers can explore these wrecks around Crete. Some of the most popular shipwrecks include the HMS Britannic and the SS Thistlegorm

Naxos

The wreck of a Beaufighter aircraft from World War II Naxos

Naxos is an ideal destination for more advanced divers wanting to explore something remarkable. The renowned wreck of a World War II RAF Beaufighter, which was shot down near the island in 1943, awaits them. Local fishermen safely rescued the two-person crew, and the plane remains on the seabed at 34 meters, seemingly having made a perfect belly landing, with only parts of the nose and tail fin missing.

Chios

Agia Dynami Beach, Chios, Greece
One of the best places to scuba dive in Greece is Chios. With its crystal clear water and incredible underwater views, Chios is a scuba diver’s paradise.

There are plenty of dive sites to choose from in Chios, so you’ll never get bored. For example, there’s the popular Komi Beach, which is known for its beautiful coral reefs. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more challenging, there’s also the wreck of the Panagiotis ship, which is perfect for experienced divers.

No matter your experience level, there’s a dive site in Chios that’s perfect for you. 


Scuba Diving Greece FAQ

As you can see, few places on earth offer such clear, warm waters and such a variety of marine life as Greece. So it’s no surprise that scuba diving is one of the most popular activities here. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there are plenty of great spots to scuba dive in Greece.

FAQs ABOUT SUBA DIVING IN GREECE

When To Go Scuba Diving In Greece

Summers in Greece and the Greek islands are hot and dry, with water temperatures ranging from 22 to 26 degrees C from June through September. As a result, scuba diving in Greece is possible all year round, depending on your comfort level. In the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, temperatures rarely drop below 14 degrees; in winter, temperatures usually hover around 8 or 9 degrees.

What Wetsuit To Bring To Greece

You should bring a 3/5 mm wetsuit in the summer and a 5/7 mm wetsuit or semi-dry suit in the winter.

Padi Certification In Greece

To gain certification, PADI – the leading global provider of diving instruction – offers its Open Water Diver program in many dive schools located throughout Greece (roughly costing around €200). The course usually spans a timeframe of 4-7 days, depending on the climate and environment, leaving plenty of time for vacation activities!

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