Diving Holiday in Crete

Crete抯 scuba diving scene goes from strength-to-strength

Visibility and variety draw scuba divers to Crete抯 clear water.

Ten years ago Crete might not have been near the top of every diver抯 wish list due to its protective regulation of the dive industry, but now things have changed and it抯 no secret that Crete抯 scuba scene is extremely healthy. A more relaxed approach has led to the opening up of this mystical underwater Aegean landscape, which now offers an excellent dive alternative to the Red Sea.

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Sea walls, caves, canyons and holes, shipwrecks and Minoan settlements give the experienced diver plenty of variety, whilst learners can undertake almost any course, with most dive centres being PADI affiliated. The lack of strong currents or tides means that diving in Crete offers excellent conditions for beginners and is also a location of choice for learners due to it抯 history of high dive safety standards.

Divers are attracted to Crete due to its crystal clear waters which give excellent visibility ?between 30 - 40 metres is common ? and, with hot sun, blue skies and sea temperatures of 27篊 in the summer months, the island is fast becoming a firm favourite on the dive circuit. Its location is also a winner, allowing divers from UK easy and fast access, without having to undertake lengthy flights.

Although you will find many dive sites around the entire island, most scuba diving Crete operators are centred on the north coast. Dive boats head out from here to locations all around the island including popular southern destinations such as Dia抯 wreck in Agrilla Bay. Diving sites off the south coast also allows you to explore ocean walls, dropping straight down from 15m to 40m, and magnificent volcanic rock formations. For those opting to shore dive, deep water can be found within 50m to 60m of entry.

Some of the best known diving on the island is accessible from dive centres in Agia Pelagia, Amoudara, Malia, Panormo and Adelianos Campos. Key dive sites in this area include Mononaftis or Lonely Sailor ?a hug rock erupting from the sea around 50m offshore, the stunning El Greco Cave and Reef, Blue Cave ?with its fabulous stalagmites and stalactites, and Anchor Valley ?where turtles have been sited. In the Gulf of Mirabellou, you抣l find interesting Minoan sites dating back 4,000 years, where boats sunk with their cargoes of amphora.

Sea life you抮e likely to encounter whilst diving Crete抯 crystal waters includes octopus, lobster, seahorses, moray and conger eels, schools of barracuda, salemas, bream and snapper, red and black scorpionfish, sea rabbits, cuttlefish, squid, stingray, and colourful sponges. Various dive locations here are well known as being home to some seriously large grouper, and tuna ?along with other silvery pelagics ?are commonly sighted. Whilst the fish may not be as immediately colourful as the Red Sea, the variety of volcanic rock formations, plant life and dive experiences on offer, coupled with the clarity of the water make Crete a fantastic underwater playground for divers.

We have partnered with Divers Club Crete, to provide you with the complete Scuba Diving experience.? Please ask at time of booking for more details.