6 Picture-Perfect Scuba Diving Places in Greece

female scuba diver looking at the fishes under water

Greece, located in Southeast Europe, is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes. Travelling to Greece is like blasting into the past with the country's aesthetics.

Of the many things that Greece is known for, it is also a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. With its clear blue waters, diverse marine life, and numerous shipwrecks, Greece offers a unique and unforgettable diving experience.

One of Greece's most popular diving destinations is the island of Santorini. Scuba diving in Santorini provides a unique underwater landscape with towering rock formations and stunning coral reefs because of the island’s volcanic terrain.

In this article, we will elaborate on scuba diving in Greece and some of the best places you must visit for an enriching experience.

Team Digit

6 Best Scuba Diving Places in Greece

1. Peloponnese

Peloponnese in Greece is a popular destination for scuba divers. The area has an abundance of historic shipwrecks, beautiful reefs, rock formations, and canyons that can be spotted across the region’s different dive sites. Loutraki is one of the recommended regions in the Peloponnese peninsula for diving, offering splendid variety, and Andros Wreck is one of the most famous wrecks in the country because of its easy access and shallow depth.

Greece's crystal-clear waters offer amazing snorkelling opportunities where you may see intriguing underwater scenery and marine life, even if you're not a certified diver. The ruins of the 5,000-year-old submerged city of Pavlopetri, which are in Vatika Bay's shallow waters serve as a magnificent example.

Popular Diving Spots: Loutraki, Andros Wreck, Blue Canyon, Atlas Reef, Pilos, Foneas Cave, Vromoneri Reef, Voidokilia, Skalakia, Pavlopetri.
Unique Underwater Attractions: Coral reefs, shellfish, crustaceans, wrecks, rock formations, canyons, dolphins, sharks, grouper, barracudas, wrasse, moray eels, octopuses, rays, sponges, starfish, anemones, scorpionfish, turtles.
Depth: 6m - 28m
Costs: Individual dives – $45 - $70 & Courses - $ 350 - $550

2. Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands in Greece offer some of the best scuba diving sites in the world, with a wide variety of underwater caves, wrecks, and the most beautiful coral reefs to explore. From the largest island of Corfu to the tiny uninhabited island of Marathonisi off Zakynthos, there are options for divers of all levels.

Paleokastritsa in Corfu is particularly popular for its clear turquoise waters and beautiful beaches, while Sivota boasts the impressive HMS Regulus wreck. Zakynthos is home to a marine park, safeguarding nesting loggerhead turtles and migratory birds and the stunning Cave Tunnel dive site. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, the Ionian Islands have something incredible to offer.

Popular Diving Spots: Sivota, Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, HMS Perseus, Kastos, Atokos, Arkoudi, Harry’s Place, Nikiana Beach, Blue Cave, Skeleton, Hills, Garden, Black Water.
Unique Underwater Attractions: Seals, corals, pinnacles, walls, turtles, giant shrimps, octopus, lobsters, sea urchins, sponges, blennies, wrasse, sea bream, parrotfish, anemones.
Depth: 12m - 30m
Costs: Individual dives – $35 - $70 & Courses - $ 350 - $550

3. North Aegean Islands

female scuba diver looking at the plants under sea

The North Aegean Islands in Greece offer some of the best scuba diving experiences in the country. With nine widely dispersed islands to choose from, it can be challenging to pick just one. However, Lesvos and Chios are considered top-rated diving spots. You can explore shipwrecks and underwater caverns and swim alongside sea walls teeming with vibrant underwater life.

Thasos is an island located just six miles off the Macedonian mainland of Kavala and is known as the Emerald Isle due to its lush greenery. The island's ancient white marble and gold resources made it prosperous, and you can still see remnants of the marble quarry at the archaeological site of Aliki.

Popular Diving Spots: Lesvos, Chios, Thasos, Aliki, San Antonio Rocks, Giola Archangelos, Samos, Ikaria, Limnos.
Unique Underwater Attractions: Shipwrecks, underwater caverns, sea walls, wrasses, perches, tunnies, tunas, swordfish, sperm whales, turtles, corals, sponges, anemones, scorpionfish, morays, groupers, salpas, sarguses, combers.
Depth: 12m - 36m
Costs: Individual dives – $35 - $70 & Courses - $ 350 - $550

4. Cyclades

scuba diver capturing coral reef with camera

The Cyclades in Greece are a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Santorini, known for its underwater lava formations and sea caves filled with marine life, is a favourite spot for divers. Nea Kameni, a small uninhabited island located within the flooded Santorini caldera, and Palea Kameni, its neighbouring sister island, offer great options for drop-offs and wall dives.

The Cycladic Island of Amorgos is also a top location for freediving, with its clear waters and accessible sites for freedivers of all levels. The Cyclades offer a unique and thrilling underwater experience whether you're a beginner or an advanced diver.

Popular Diving Spots: Ios wreck, Kea Island, Ksyla Bay, Santorini, Amorgos, Katapola, Aegial, Nikouria’s Cavern, Manina 3, Wreck of the Britannic, Theophille Gaulthier, the Burdigala, German Junker Airplane, Santa Maria.
Unique Underwater Attractions: Shipwrecks, basking sharks, blue sharks, sperm whales, seals, barracudas, damselfish, tunas, sponges, corals, spiral worms, macro-life, octopus, squids, seahorses.
Depth: 7m - 31m
Costs: Individual dives – $35 - $70 & Courses - $ 350 - $550

5. Crete

Crete, Greece, is a scuba diver's paradise. With over 100 dive sites spread throughout the island, there is plenty of marine life for divers to try and spot. Dive shops are dotting the entire shoreline of Crete, so you won't have difficulty finding a suitable place to drop anchor.

A particular favourite activity is night diving, taking the already surreal environment to new heights. One of Crete's most popular diving areas is Chania, which offers stone arches, fantastic volcanic rocky reefs, and abundant marine life. Elephant's Cave, a fascinating, semi-filled cave with fossilized remains of an extinct elephant and a few other animals, is a must-visit site for experienced cave divers with advanced certification.

Popular Diving Spots: Chania, Agia Pelagia, Hersonissos, Krikri, Pleora Point, The Wall, Kamini, Amphora Cave, Mantigo Wreck, Balcony, Chimney, The Island, Elephant Cave, Mononaftis, St George, Seagull Island, Schinaria.
Unique Underwater Attractions: Basking shark, blue shark, seals, turtles, black corals, dolphins, octopuses, blackfish, nudibranchs, lobsters, lionfish, stingrays, groupers, shrimps, rock formations.
Depth: 12m - 40m
Costs: Individual dives – $35 - $70 & Courses - $ 350 - $550

6. Dodecanese Islands

The Dodecanese Islands in Greece offer some of the best scuba diving experiences in the world. With crystal-clear waters, impressive rock formations, and abundant marine life, these islands are a paradise for divers of all levels. The Cave of Seal off of Rhodes Island is a must-visit. The cave is home to families of seals known to interact with divers in a friendly manner.

Rhodes Island is also home to the Plimmiri wreck, a popular spot for divers to get their wreck diving certification. Meanwhile, Kos Island and Nisyros Island boast impressive rock formations, volcanic underwater terrain and diverse marine life that will captivate any diver.

Popular Diving Spots: Cave of Seals, Plimmiri, Kos Island, Nisyros, Symi, Rhodes Island, Marine Park, Caves of Antony Quinn.
Unique Underwater Attractions: Shipwrecks, octopus, rays, morays, caverns, sea urchins, starfish, caves.
Depth: 5m - 30m
Costs: Individual dives – $35 - $70 & Courses - $ 350 - $550

Best Time to Visit Greece for Scuba Diving

The best time to go scuba diving in Greece is from June to August when the water temperatures are ideal, and diving is suitable for all experience levels. Also, this is the best time to explore different places in Greece and enjoy the picture-perfect vacation with your loved ones

Essential Items to Pack for Scuba Diving in Greece

Before you go scuba diving in Greece, be sure to carry these essential items:

Valid ID proof is a must
Swimwear, dry bag and towels
Scuba diving equipment, if you already have
Hats, sunglasses and sunblock
First aid kit

Scuba diving operators in Greece will also provide you with scuba diving equipment. Be sure to check your equipment before you're in the water to avoid malfunctions.

Tips to Remember Before Scuba Diving in Greece

Dive only in designated areas, respect your environment and always pay attention to the guidelines set by your instructor.
Wait for at least 2 hours after eating before you go scuba diving.
Avoid diving under the influence of substances or if advised against by a medical practitioner.
There should be a time gap of at least 12-24 hours between flying and going scuba diving.

Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with its stunning coastline, mesmerizing waters and life in it. It is a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation that you can visit year-round. From ancient shipwrecks to colourful reefs, scuba diving in Greece is an unforgettable experience. The warm waters of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea make it possible to dive year-round, providing divers with an endless variety of marine life to explore.

As thrilling as it is, you must be ready for any unanticipated events that may occur while travelling. For this reason, obtaining International Travel Insurance to Greece that covers adventure sports like scuba diving is essential before departing on your vacation! You can completely enjoy your scuba diving experience without worrying about money!

FAQs About Scuba Diving in Greece

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What are the top scuba diving destinations in Greece?

Greece boasts an impressive variety of dive sites. Some top destinations include - The wreck of the ‘Patris’, Alonnisos, Zakynthos, Santorini and many others!

When is the best time to dive in Greece?

The ideal diving season in Greece runs from June to September, with sea temperatures ranging from 22°C to 26°C.

What marine life can I expect to see when diving in Greece?

Greek waters are home to a variety of sea life, including seals, turtles, dolphins, blue sharks, seahorses, basking sharks, macro-life and corals. The waters are also famously known for its many shipwrecks.

Is Athens good for scuba diving?

Yes! Athens is a beautiful scuba diving location in Greece. The extensive coastline around Athens and the Attica region is home to numerous excellent shipwrecks. Two notable ones are Avantis II and Pylaros. The underwater landscape is also full of deep rocky formations that add immense beauty. You’ll encounter a variety of marine life, such as tunas, barracudas, octopus, squid, cuttlefish, reef fishes, etc.

Which Greek Island is the best for scuba diving?

The islands of Santorini, with its volcanic underwater caves, colorful sponges, and abundance of marine life, make it the best place to go scuba diving in Greece.

Close runners-up are Alonnisos Marine Park - with its ancient shipwrecks, clean waters and thriving marine life and Chios Island – with its caves, tunnels, wrecks and underwater formations.

How much is scuba diving in Greece?

The cost of scuba diving in Greece is $35 - $70 for individual dives and scuba courses cost around $350 - $550.