Diving

Deep down the seas, in the deep blue, there exists a wonderful unknown world, one of enchanting beauty. The few that visit it experience the sensation of being accepted into a silent paradise, filled with infinite forms and colours and myriads of sea species. The Greek seas are recorded as the cleanest in the Mediterranean. Thus, diving into the "big blue" of Greece represents a unique experience for those who attempt it, provided they have prior training and special precautions are taken.

Scuba (Scuba=Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving using the proper equipment is allowed in all sea areas where no specific prohibition is in force for the protection of archaeological resources. Any discovery of an ancient object in the course of scuba diving must be immediately reported to the nearest Port Authorities. It is prohibited to bring to the surface or to move objects of archaeological or other significance, located in the deep. Underwater photography or cinematography requires the permission of the local Port Authorities, which is granted after the concurrence of the competent Underwater Archaeological Findings Inspection dept. of the Ministry for Culture & Tourism.

There are numerous scuba diving centres operating in Greece, as well as scuba diving schools, while there are also scuba diving vessels that combine a holiday with scuba diving and offer an infinite variety of sights both in and out of the water.

Here are some ideas for diving destinations.

• Discover a Volcano’s underwater beauty in Santorini.

The Aegean Sea is a very popular destination for divers, with magical waters that offer a wonderful selection of beautiful dive spots, colourful sea life, shipwrecks, caves, and many other unique underwater settings.
Seize the opportunity to explore them and discover Greece’s many hidden sides!

Santorini, with its volcanic past, truly stunning landscape of steep mountains, black sand beaches, and pure blue waters is a very popular dive site for divers from all over the world. The waters around Santorini offer a wealth of underwater charm and beauty, including craters and shipwrecks.

• Unveil the mysteries of Kalymnos, “The Sponge Diver's Island"!

Sponge fishery, processing and trading were the main professions on Kalymnos Island for hundreds of years. In fact, the use of sponges was described by Aristotle and mentioned in both Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.

In Kalymnos, there are a number of professional diving centers, offering you training facilities and the opportunity to be certified in scuba diving. Many of these centers organize excursions, and they even offer your children the chance to dive and get to know the underwater life, proving that the island can provide you and your family unforgettable underwater experiences.

Υou can obtain more info about scuba diving as well as the areas which have received clearance by contacting:

Greek Federation of Submarine Activity - Sports Fishing and Technical Swimming

16604 West Airport Mail Office

Tel: +30 210 9819961

Fax: +30 210 9817558 

The local Port Authorities or the competent Underwater Archaeological Findings Inspection department

30 Kallisperi str., 11742 Athens

Tel: +30 210 9293089, +30 210 9239038, +30 210 9235105, +30 210 9247249

Fax: +30 210 9235707, +30 210 9221888

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