Diving

THE ISLAND OF CRETE, FIFTH IN SIZE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN, IS SITUATED BETWEEN THE IONIAN, THE AEGEAN AND THE LIBYAN SEA.

The abundant waters of the Atlantic that supply the Mediterranean lose a large part of their components and evaporate until they arrive here. As a result, the sea water in Crete is low in nutrients and has a high salinity. This means that the populations of fish are smaller but the biodiversity is not affected. The waters are extremely clear. In fact, they are clearer than the waters in the world’s most famous diving destinations.

Crete retains its rugged terrain below sea surface, forming imposing abysses, caves and reefs. Under the sea level there are gorges, rocks, vertical walls, plains, caves and ship wrecks, hidden under the quiet surface. Numerous shipwrecks and airplane carcasses are scattered around Crete, a reminder of the island’s history. However, apart from these sunken cities, the ordinary swimmer can easily discover the beauty of the seabed and the rich marine life in most of the beaches of Crete.

The morphology and the relatively small surface of the Mediterranean render the tides and the consequent strong currents virtually absent, offering the divers the ideal conditions for pleasant diving experiences. Furthermore, the temperature is high in summer and winter, with an average temperature around 20°C.

Guests of Crete have the opportunity to escape to the magical underwater world by choosing among a large number of diving clubs, that operate throughout Crete (mainly in the northern part of the island), ready to serve divers of all categories, in any period, with safety and responsibility. Besides diving, visitors can explore coasts through snorkeling or participate in fishing trips or bottom-glass boat excursions.

Enjoy the beautiful underwater world of Crete and explore the numerous diving sites.

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Sites where diving is permitted

CHANIA

Souda Bay and the rocky coastline from Kalyves to Georgioupolis are home to spectacular diving sites with many caves and rocky abysses. Among them stands out the underwater cave of Elephants, which took its name after the petrified bones of elephants that are still at the bottom. Other famous diving sites are the shores around Cape Spatha and the Peninsula Gramvousa.

RETHYMNON

Almost all diving schools offer diving excursions to Skinaria beach by Plakias. Indeed, the seabed at Skinaria is one of the most impressive on the island, with thriving sea life and horizontal visibility exceeding 40 meters. Additionally, the rocky coast between Skaleta and Geropotamos in northern Rethymnon is full of caves and is ideal for underwater exploration.

HERAKLION

In Heraklion, the areas preferred by the diving schools are located in the area of Ahlada, west of Heraklion. Diving centers are based on the beaches of Ligaria and Mononaftis. Several diving schools also operate at Hersonissos and Malia, usually offering diving excursions to the island of Dia.

LASITHI

The diving spots of Lasithi include the town of Agios Nikolaos, the island of Agioi Pantes and Voulisma beach. At the wild shores of Cape Sidero, visitors can admire possibly the richest seabed of Crete, while trips are organized to Dionysades islets from Sitia. Around Ierapetra, scuba diving schools frequently visit the rock of Agia Fotia. The ancient submerged settlements of Koufonisi, Itanos and Elounda are also very interesting places to explore while snorkeling.