Are you seeking an adventurous scuba diving trip aboard a luxurious chartered yacht in a Mediterranean destination? Does your dream vacation incorporate tranquillity and indulgence? Then, scuba diving in Greece is the perfect solution for you!
Greece has always been a desirable place to travel. Travellers are often fascinated by Ancient Greece’s history, philosophy, culture, religion and beautiful geography. As a result, tourism in Greece today is one of the most profitable sectors, contributing to approximately 59% of GDP.
One of the most popular choices is to voyage through the Greek islands via a chartered yacht. In addition, the most famous Greek architecture and prominent Greek art from the Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and modern times can be visited by boat.
History of scuba diving in Greece
Scuba diving originated in the primitive days when a primary food source was that which came from the sea. This was confirmed when scientists found depictions of divers in ancient Greek drawings. Although diving was much different in the primitive ages, as men did not have the equipment we have today, they still found ways to hold their breath for extended periods to hunt for food underwater.
Scuba divers have patiently been waiting for the Greek Government to rid the diving bans throughout the Greek Seas. Finally, in October 2005, the Greek Government did just that. As a result, scuba diving in Greece is permitted everywhere, including among numerous underwater archeology sites.
In response to Greek scuba diving centres and scuba diving tour operators petitioning against such tight regulations, the Greek authorities made a drastic change in October 2005. As a result, scuba diving in Greece is no longer restricted!
Scuba diving in Greece: Shipwrecks
The Greek coastline is also known as the site of several shipwreck locations. So why is there such a strong interest in the discovery of shipwrecks? Why are people so fascinated with something that happened so long ago?
Shipwrecks are so fascinating to people because they represent something rich and enchanting, yet strange and unknown. Much of the fascination lies in the stories, such as the world-renowned story of the Titanic. People are fascinated by the tragedy these awful events produced and the treasures waiting for discovery at the bottom of the ocean.
The discovery of lost ships is increasing radically. It has been said that there is a wrecked ship for every mile of Greece’s coastline. This is probably an exaggeration; however, it is not far off. Hundreds of boats and marine vessels have met tragedy throughout the Greek seas.
Greece’s geography is beautiful
Greece is a European country at the tip of the Balkan Peninsula. It has land boundaries with Bulgaria, Albania and Turkey. The total area of Greece is 310,000 square kilometres: 136,000 square kilometres of land (mainland and islands) and 174,000 square kilometres from the Aegean basin and islets.
The Greek seas offer perfect conditions for scuba diving, with over 4,000 islands and 12,000 miles of coastland. Average water temperatures around the Greek islands range from 15° – 30° Celsius. The aquatic life is magical, with numerous species of fish, octopus, grouper and other colourful marine life. Divers often stumble across shipwrecks and discover hidden treasures.
Scuba diving in Greece: Thousands of islands
Thousands of sites around the Greek islands are waiting for divers to discover. Crystal clear blue waters, an exciting underwater world, and the potential to discover valued antiquities are just a few reasons divers are drawn to the Greek shores.
Greece comprises more than 4,000 islands, the largest of which are Crete and Evia. The remaining islands are divided into 6 groups:
- Cyclades
- Dodecanese
- Islands of the Northern Eastern Aegean
- Sporades
- Ionian
- Saronic Gulf Islands
Scuba Diving Certification
An Open Water certification allows you to scuba dive internationally without an instructor. To become a certified scuba diver, you must be in good health, at least 10 years old, and should be a reasonably good swimmer. You should visit a local PADI or NAUI-certified diving centre to obtain your certification. Once you get your Scuba Diving certification you may dive anywhere.
Spots for scuba diving in Greece
Some of the most popular sites to dive in Greece are listed below.
- Santorini – Great visibility
- Chios Island – Small shipwrecks, colourful reefs and underwater caves
- Kontokali, Corfu – Average visibility of 20 metres
- Elounda, Crete – Beautiful aquatic life
- Evia – Beautiful underwater life, shipwreck location
- Mykonos – Great visibility
- Rhodes – Magical diving, warm waters
- Halkidiki – Crystal clear waters
- Glyfada – Average water temperature 20°-25° Celsius
Scuba diving in Greece: Aquatic life
Scuba diving in Greece has become a new destination for diving since the restrictions are fading. Greece offers divers the ability to dive in crystal clear waters with maximum visibility. In addition, divers are always amazed at the warmth of the Greek seas, with average temperatures ranging from 25°-30° Celsius or 65°-80° Fahrenheit. The aquatic life is vibrant, consisting of:
| brills | gapers | loggerhead turtles | saddled breams | Shore Crabs | St. Peters Fish |
| combstars | ircinias | moray eels | scorpionfish | Stripped Mullets | White Breams |
| Turkish Wrasses | greater weevers | rock cod | seahorses | Spiral Tube Worms | Monk Seals |
| dolphins | green wrasse | painted combers | spinous murex | Yellowtails | Swordfish |
| jellyfish | mantas | mantis shrimp | Needlefish | damselfish | Anchovy |
Scuba diving in Greece and yacht chartering
A yacht charter in Greece is the best way to go for a truly magical vacation. The beauty of chartering a yacht is that you can choose the destinations you want to cruise. So come experience the glories of Greece both above and below the waters. Experienced crews are always available to lead you to some of the most beautiful and secluded spots in Greece to make your vacation adventurous.
Cruise the Greek islands with a yacht, and relax in the sun. Let the trained crew pamper you, dine under the stars, experience luxury at its finest, and add a new dimension to your scuba diving experience.
