Where to Find the Best Snorkelling and Diving in Greece

22 October 2024 6 min

Greece is perfect for snorkelling and diving. Clear waters, colourful sea life, and cool underwater sights make it a top pick for anyone looking to dive in. Whether you’re a novice snorkeller looking to explore shallow waters or an experienced diver ready to plunge into the depths, Greece’s coastlines have something to offer everyone.

Let’s dive into the top snorkelling and diving spots, and other activities to enjoy during your time in Greece.

Best time to go snorkelling in Greece

Hit Greece’s waters from June to September for the best snorkelling—warm waters and clear skies await. During this time, the waters are warm, visibility is excellent, and the seas are generally calm, making it perfect for snorkelling. The Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters reveal an abundance of marine life near the shore, providing a delightful experience for snorkellers of all ages and abilities.

While snorkelling is possible in the shoulder months of May and October, the peak summer season offers the best conditions for enjoying the underwater world.

Best time to dive in Greece

The best time to dive in Greece is from May to October, when water temperatures range between 20°C and 27°C. These warmer months offer ideal conditions for diving, with excellent visibility and calm seas making it easier for both novice and advanced divers to enjoy the underwater wonders. The summer months also bring more vibrant marine life to the reefs and shipwrecks scattered across Greece’s waters.

While diving in the winter months is possible, it’s typically reserved for more experienced divers, as the water temperatures drop and conditions become more challenging. Overall, the late spring to early autumn period is the sweet spot for diving enthusiasts seeking optimal conditions.

Find out more about when to visit Greece and the best time to sail around the Mediterranean on an exhilarating yacht charter.

Best Spots for Diving in Greece

Dive sites for novice divers

Nea Kameni, Santorini

Located in the volcanic caldera of Santorini, Nea Kameni is an ideal spot for beginner divers due to its calm, shallow waters and gentle currents. The island itself is volcanic, and divers can explore the submerged formations that were created during past eruptions.

The visibility here is fantastic, and although the dive is relatively shallow, you’ll encounter an interesting variety of marine life, such as small schools of fish and vibrant coral formations. The warm, clear waters make it an excellent introductory dive, allowing new divers to gain confidence while exploring a unique underwater landscape.

Skinaria Beach, Crete

Skinaria Beach (also known as Shinaria or Schinaria Beach) is a renowned spot for novice divers, especially those looking to get comfortable with the sport. Located on the southern coast of Crete, Schinaria’s shallow, protected waters offer the perfect setting for beginner divers to explore.

The seafloor is rocky, but easy to navigate, with plenty of nooks and crannies housing marine life such as octopuses, starfish, and colourful sponges. This is a calm and scenic site where beginners can focus on honing their diving skills while still being treated to a rich and diverse underwater environment.

Dive sites for intermediate divers

Amphorae Reef, Paros

For divers with a bit more experience, Amphorae Reef in Paros offers a fascinating dive that combines both history and marine biodiversity. The site is named after the amphorae – ancient Greek jars – that litter the sea floor, remnants of sunken trading ships.

The reef is home to an abundance of marine life, from colourful reef fish to larger species such as groupers and moray eels. The depths here range from 10 to 30 metres, providing a great balance for intermediate divers who want to push their limits while exploring both natural and archaeological wonders.

Marathonisi Island, Zakynthos

Marathonisi Island, also known as Turtle Island, is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and is famous for its nesting loggerhead turtles. The waters around the island offer a range of dive depths, making it perfect for intermediate divers.

As you descend, you’ll encounter beautiful reefs, large seagrass meadows, and plenty of marine life, including the chance to spot sea turtles. The diverse underwater terrain and excellent visibility make it a rewarding dive for those looking to experience both marine life and interesting underwater formations.

Dive sites for advanced divers

HMHS Britannic, Kea

For the seasoned pros, the Britannic wreck off Kea is a must-see. It’s deep, it’s epic, and it’s totally unforgettable. The Britannic was the sister ship of the Titanic, and it sank during World War I. The wreck rests at a depth of over 120 metres, making this dive suitable only for highly experienced and certified divers.

For those able to make the descent, exploring the remains of this colossal ship is an unforgettable experience. In addition to the shipwreck itself, divers will encounter an array of marine life that has made the wreck its home, adding to the allure of this iconic site.

Elephant’s Cave, Crete

Located near Chania in Crete, Elephant’s Cave is a stunning underwater cavern that advanced divers will find particularly fascinating. The cave is named after the fossilised remains of an extinct elephant species that were discovered here, and the cave formations are truly spectacular.

Stalactites and stalagmites line the interior, while the entrance to the cave is teeming with marine life. Diving in Elephant’s Cave is an exhilarating experience, with depths reaching up to 30 metres, offering a rewarding challenge for seasoned divers.

Best Places for Snorkelling in Greece

Snorkelling in the Ionian Islands

Antipaxos Island, Ionian Islands

Antipaxos Island is a snorkeller’s paradise with its pristine waters and abundant marine life. The shallow reefs surrounding the island offer a vibrant underwater experience, with colourful sea plants and a range of fish species. This relatively quiet spot provides a peaceful snorkelling adventure.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Myrtos Beach, one of the best beaches in Greece, and one of the top beaches in the Mediterranean more generally, offers stunning visibility in its crystal-clear waters. Snorkellers can explore rocky outcrops and see a variety of marine life close to shore, making it perfect for a relaxing yet captivating snorkelling experience.

Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu

Paleokastritsa Beach in Corfu is one of the island’s top snorkelling spots, known for its clear, turquoise waters and rich marine life. The underwater landscape features fascinating rock formations, caves, and plenty of colourful fish to discover just a short swim from the shore. The calm, shallow waters make it a great spot for snorkelers of all levels, offering an immersive experience in one of Corfu’s most beautiful bays.

Agiofili Beach, Lefkas

Agiofili Beach in Lefkas is a hidden gem for snorkelers, offering crystal-clear waters and a wealth of marine life. The rocky seabed and surrounding cliffs are the perfect environment for snorkelling, with plenty of underwater life to explore. The calm waters and excellent visibility make Agiofili Beach perfect for both beginners and more experienced snorkelers looking for a serene spot on the island.

Snorkelling in the Cyclades

Agios Sostis Beach, Mykonos

Agios Sostis Beach is one of the most tranquil snorkelling spots in Mykonos, offering clear, shallow waters with a variety of marine life. The lack of crowds makes it perfect for snorkellers who want to explore the vibrant underwater world in peace. While the waters here are calm, they’re also rich in fish species and colourful sea flora, making it an ideal location for both beginners and more experienced snorkellers.

Kavouri Beach, Athens

Kavouri Beach, located just south of Athens, offers excellent snorkelling opportunities with its clear waters and rocky seabed. The shallow areas around the rocky coves are home to various marine life, including small fish and sea urchins, making it an ideal spot for snorkelers looking to explore underwater without venturing too far from the city. The calm, protected waters ensure a relaxed snorkelling experience, perfect for all skill levels.

Where Will You Choose?

No matter which region you choose to explore, Greece’s diverse underwater landscapes offer snorkellers and divers the chance to experience stunning marine life, crystal-clear waters, and unique geological formations.

From the tranquillity of Crete’s hidden beaches to the vibrancy of the Ionian Islands and the calm waters of the Cyclades, Greece has something for everyone.

Don’t miss out—add these awesome snorkelling and diving spots to your trip, whether you’re cruising by Corfu, Lefkas, or Athens. You’re in for some incredible underwater sights!

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