Best Places for Scuba Diving in Greece
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Greece is one of those countries that boasts a lot of coastline. In fact, between the islands and mainland Greece, the coastline totals around 1600 kilometers, or just under 1000 miles. Because of this, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy water based sports such as scuba diving in Greece. Although diving can be done from pretty much anywhere in Greece, there are some locations that stand out more than others.
Here are some of the top places to dive in Greece:
Santorini
Boasting average visibility of 40 meters, it is no wonder that so many divers choose the idyllic island of Santorini for their jumping-off point for their dive. The unique volcanic step formations also distinguish Santorini from its other diving destination counterparts. There is simply nothing that compares to exploring the volcanic active caldera. In addition to the volcanic elements, divers will also enjoy the opportunities to cave dive and explore wall diving and the various shipwrecks scattered in the waters.
Mykonos
The diverse underwater landscape of Mykonos makes this island paradise a prime diving spot. The Tragonisi Island cavern and cave system give divers the chance to see the allusive yellow sea anemones. Or choose the Barracuda Reef and its massive amounts of Mediterranean Barracuda that swim with a plethora of colorful tropical fish. History enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to dive to the Anna II shipwreck, a 62-meter cargo ship that went down southeast of Mykonos in 1995. There are numerous diving centers that offer instructions and tours, making this a good place for both beginners and expert divers.
Zakynthos
Located only 20 kilometers from the mainland of Greece, Zakynthos makes the perfect escape from the city. A popular place to start a diving adventure is at the charming town of Keri, featuring 12 known dive sites within close proximity to its harbor. Divers can expect to get up close and personal with a variety of marine life. Highlights of a dive in Zakynthos include the chance to catch a glimpse of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal as well as exploring the famous Blue Caves. Visitors also enjoy discovering the nesting grounds of the Loggerhead sea turtles, located at the Bay of Laganas.
Crete
The iconic rugged terrain of Crete extends below the surface of its waters to provide an exhilarating dive experience. One of the most popular places to explore is the legendary Skinaria Beach. This seabed offers a wide array of marine life and exceptional visibility. Do not miss the chance to check out the ancient settlements of Koufonisi, Itanos, and Elounda while exploring the underwaters of Crete. The area between Skaleta and Geropotamos features an extensive network of submerged caves that provide a myriad of exploration opportunities. The areas around Cape Spatha and the Peninsula Gramvousa are also good places to dive in and see what you will find.
Regardless of where you decide to call home base for your diving adventure, you will be sure to be met with sunshine, stunning waters, and the inviting hospitality of the people of Greece. If you’re not an experienced driver don’t worry. These locations also have dive centers where you can rent equipment, take lessons, and dive with a qualified instructor who will show you around.
Categorized in: About Santorini, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
