6 Top Scuba Diving Spots in Greece for All Skill Levels!

Greece is known for its beautiful islands, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Its magnificent underwater ecosystems and rare sea life are what divers' dreams are made of. 

Divers can expect to discover seals, dolphins, basking sharks, and seahorses at the various phenomenal Greek dive sites.

There are so many fantastic diving locations to experience in Greece, from the volcanic craters of Santorini to the oldest underwater town in Pavlopetri, Laconia. If you're passionate about marine life, then Greece is one for your travel bucket list. 

Scuba diving locations in Greece offer everything from wrecks to pastel coral reefs. Dust off your wetsuit, and let's dive in!

There are dive locations for all abilities, so pack your wetsuit and beach essentials and book your flights to Greece!

Why Should You Scuba Dive in Greece?

The warm waters and clear visibility make Greece the perfect diving location. There are miles of idyllic coastline with caves, reefs, and sandy beaches. 

Dramatic walls and underwater landscapes are plentiful and perfect for aquatic explorers. 

Divers can expect to see the following species in Greek diving locations:

• Caretta-Caretta turtles
• Parrotfish
• Reef fish
• Mediterranean monk seal

The growing popularity of scuba diving means there are diving centers on almost every island. Also, the sea temperatures ranging from 15-18°C means scuba diving in Greece can be enjoyed year-round. 

The great weather, water temperature, and sea life are just some reasons Greece is a magnificent place for scuba diving. 

Which Greek Island has the Best Diving?

Greece is the perfect scuba diving destination for divers of all abilities. Colorful reefs and vertical rocks teeming with underwater life await. Let's dive!

Zakynthos - Best for Spotting Sea Turtles

Zakynthos is a large island with numerous diving centers and sites scattered across the various seaside villages. 

One of the main attractions of Zakynthos Island and the Ionian Sea is the loggerhead turtles. The island is perfect for turtle spotting because it's a breeding ground from April to August. 

If you're lucky, you might spot baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea. You can do this by visiting the Marine Park beaches in the evening. 

The best way for divers to see turtles is by visiting Marathonisi or "Turtle Island." The island is located a few miles from the south coast of Zakynthos and is easily accessed by boat. 

Many diving centers will run guided tours of Marathonisis Island and the Keri Caves. The caves offer 2 unforgettable diving locations with various marine life, including sleeping monk seals. 

Top Diving Tip: Don't touch or reach out to turtles if you see one up close. They bite! The best way to experience a turtle encounter is to swim slowly alongside them and watch them in their natural habitat. 

Crete - Best for Cave Exploration

Crete is an exciting island to explore underwater and on land. It's the largest island in Greece, with vast Mediterranean shorelines and rare aquatic specimens. Crete's most popular dive site is Chania, with majestic stone archways, volcanic craters, and colorful, rocky reefs. 

The best places to dive in Crete are:

• Plakias
• El Greco Cave
• Blue Cave
• Kalypso Walls

Some dive sites require you to hold a PADI certification or equivalent to visit them. Contact the diving center to check if you need a qualification to experience local sites. 

Diving centers will ask about your experience level before taking you on a guided excursion. Crete is perfect for families or groups with a variety of diving abilities. Many dive centers in Crete offer lessons for children.

Santorini - Best for Wreck Diving

When you're not soaking up the striking landscape or enjoying the family-run Santorini wineries, you must visit one of the memorable diving sites in this fantastic city. 

Divers of all abilities can explore volcanic rock formations and witness plenty of marine life, including octopuses, sea snails, lobsters, and groupers. 

Dive sites to add to your list include:

• Kamari
• Nea Kameni
• Aspronisi
• Vlychada Beach
• Thrisassia

Beginners can book a half-day scuba-diving excursion in Santorini with a knowledgeable diving instructor to enjoy the watery delights of Santorini. 

Advanced divers will want to take advantage of the wreck diving locations. If you lack experience, you can enroll in an advanced diving course or take a wreck diving qualification to access more diving locations. 

Alonissos - Best for Reef Diving

Alonissis is home to Europe's largest marine park, with many impressive wall dives and caverns to explore. 

The park is divided into 3 zones, A, B, and C. It's for protecting local marine life, including endangered monk seals, the rarest seal on Earth. 

Reef spots in Alonissos to add to your map include the following:

• Agios Georgios South Reef
• Agios Petros Reef
• Mourtias North Reef

There are several unmissable authorized dive sites like the Alonissos Seacolors diving center, where advanced divers can see red and yellow gorgonians. 

If you hold advanced diving certifications, then the Gorgonian Gardens is one that you won't want to miss. 

Athens - Best for Marine Life

You may not think of mind-blowing scuba diving sites when discussing Athens. The scuba diving locations in Athens are some of the most spectacular in the world! 

Basking sharks and sea turtles can be seen during summer, along with bottlenose dolphins, stingrays, and sperm whales. Several caverns and archways are filled with fascinating marine life for divers to explore. 

The water temperature around Athens is also perfect for divers looking to escape Winter. Some of the best diving sites in Athens include:

• Panagis wreck
• Fleves Island wreck and cave
• Althea reef
• Vouliagmeni Lake

You'll find many dive centers as you hike along the coast in Athens. There are many opportunities to spot tuna, dolphins, and other sea creatures on the doorstep of this beautiful city.

Kalymnos - Best for History

Home of the famous sponge divers, Kalymnos is steeped in tradition and history. 

Kalymnos is also exempt from diving laws imposed on other Greek islands, so you can enjoy shipwrecks and underwater caverns without restrictions.

Some of the top dive sites in Kalymnos include the following:

• Amphoras Garden
• Castelli Cape
• Dentex Camp
• Emma's Reef

Speaking to the local diving center to find the safest places to dive is a good idea. Kalymnos Diving Club is operated by diving instructors who can pass on their knowledge and wisdom of the area. 

The island has cave sites and reefs that host everything from nudibranch species to colorful sponges. You'll be glad you included Kalymnos on your trip if you love history, archaeology, and fascinating marine life. 

Plan Your Underwater Adventure With Pilot!

Scuba diving in Greece is a dream come true. Now that you're familiar with the best scuba diving spots in Greece, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.