Diving in Crete - Octopuses, Morays and Nudibranchs
Crete, Greece
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Crete - Greece
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60€ - 1 Dive (all included)
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6.75/10
Crete is mainly known for its spectacular beaches. However, beneath the sea, it also offers a unique exploration experience. Diving is an activity that is gaining increasing popularity on the Greek island, so if you are enthusiastic about the marine world, you cannot leave the island without diving.
What to expect - Fauna
Bear in mind that it is very, very unlikely that you will see macrofauna such as turtles, rays, or sharks. Furthermore, the lack of legal protection and overfishing have led to a decrease in the size and quantity of fish species.
The seabeds of Crete harbor fascinating rock formations and are a great destination for those looking to explore Posidonia meadows or encounter emblematic Mediterranean species such as the Spanish lobster or the dusky grouper. Additionally, you may spot octopuses, moray eels, nudibranchs, sponges and barracudas.
Its proximity to the Suez Canal opens the door to encounters with exotic species from the Red Sea (some of which are invasive), such as the lionfish, which, despite posing a threat to the marine ecosystem, is quite spectacular for divers.
Dive conditions
The diving season extends from late March to mid-November. Being in the Mediterranean, don't expect temperatures like those in the Caribbean or Southeast Asia. In fact, the lowest temperatures are in spring, around 16 degrees Celsius. In summer, temperatures hover around 25 degrees.
Overall, it is characterized by having safe conditions, with minimal currents and excellent visibility.
Night diving is also done under very good conditions. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to observe nocturnal fauna such as the Atlantic white-spotted octopus, cuttlefish or sepias.
Price
Diving in Crete is not cheap. The average price for a dive is around €60, including equipment. Additionally, you may need to pay an extra fee if you dive from a boat or if you go diving at night. Some dive centers offer hotel + diving packages, although honestly, it is usually more economical to arrange everything on your own.
Dive sites
Not only are boat dives offered, but favorable conditions and sandy beaches also make shore dives accessible.
Two popular diving areas can be distinguished in Crete: the North and the South: The latter offers more variety and quantity of diving due to more favorable conditions.
North
One highlight is the Elephant Cave, located near Chania at Cape Drapano. Accessible only by boat, it is reserved for experienced divers. There, you can see fossilized elephant bones and incredible rock formations within its wide tunnel.
Bali Beach is also a popular spot with abundant marine life, including moray eels and octopuses. Careful selection of a diving center is crucial, as some centers engage in practices that negatively impact the ecosystem by feeding wild animals.
On the north coast, you'll also find additional attractions such as shipwrecks from the First and Second World Wars. The Minnewaska, near Chania, is worth mentioning.
South
The southern coast is less crowded , and places like Plakias or Chora Sfakion offer more intimate diving experiences. As we've mentioned, conditions are often more favorable than in the north, which leads many diving centers from the north to choose destinations on the southern coast of the island.
In Plakias, the most spectacular diving sites include Shinaria Bay (accessible from the beach), Willy’s Wall, The Dragon’s Nose, and Paligremnos Wall.
Additionally, we would like to make a special reference to Dive2gether. It is a dive center located in Plakias run by a Dutch family. They provide quality service in multiple languages. The crew is delightful, always very attentive to ensure guests are well taken care of, and the quality and condition of the equipment are perfect. Moreover, they strictly adhere to PADI standards and are the only diving center in Crete with an in-house marine biology department, offering opportunities for clients interested in learning about the marine environment to participate in labs and presentations with marine biologists. "It must be said that the prices are higher compared to other dive centers.
In conclusion, even though the marine life may not be spectacular, spending one or two days diving in Crete is worth it. The favorable sea conditions also make it a great destination for obtaining a diving certification, although as mentioned earlier, you may not see major sights.
Comment if you have any question!
