ACHAIOS (POSSIBLY) - Paphos & Coral Bay

Okay, the Achaios. Or what we think is the Achaios, anyway. It’s tricky because the site we dive has a similar profile to the historical wreck data, but it’s a bit shallower than some records suggest. Regardless, we love this spot for a gentle, easy dive. The whole wreck lies in just 3m of water, which makes it absolutely perfect for snorkelers or anyone keen on a really long bottom time without pushing deco limits. What you get here is the skeletal remains of a decent-sized cargo ship, lying broken up on a sandy seabed. You can trace the ribs of the hull, and some of the thicker plates are still substantial enough to provide good shelter. We’ve found barracuda often hang out in the shadowy sections, just off the main structure. Look closely for nudibranchs, especially around any parts with algal growth. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, with the sun high, the light filtering down into the wreck is quite beautiful, illuminating the rusted metal in shades of orange and brown. It’s a completely different vibe from a deep wreck dive, more like an archaeological exploration of a forgotten hulk. We’d suggest going early in the morning before any surface chop picks up; it really helps with the ambient light and makes spotting the smaller stuff easier.

Location
Paphos & Coral Bay, Cyprus, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
34.604720, 32.928890
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - ACHAIOS (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1976
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The motor vessel Achaios was built in 1932 in Porsgrunn, Norway. At the time of her loss, she was a Greek-owned vessel operated by the Akarnania Maritime Co Ltd. The uncertainty in her identification, noted by the '(POSSIBLY)' in some records, adds a layer of mystery for divers exploring her remains.

On December 3, 1976, the Achaios was on a passage from Yugoslavia to Jeddah with a full cargo of timber. While navigating the waters off Paphos, she was caught in heavy weather and ran aground. The powerful waves and rocky shoreline sealed her fate, breaking the ship apart and scattering her cargo.

Resting in just 3 meters of water, the Achaios is an incredibly accessible dive site, perfect for beginners, snorkelers, and even freedivers. Decades of exposure to the surf have left the wreck heavily broken up, but divers can still identify large sections of the hull, machinery, and the ship's boilers. The shallow, sunlit waters have allowed a vibrant ecosystem to flourish on the wreckage, making it a lively and fascinating site for an easy coastal dive.

Marine Protected Area: MPA Dasoudi

Best Time to Dive in Paphos & Coral Bay

The warmest water temperatures in Paphos & Coral Bay occur in January, averaging 18.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 18.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 18.1°C (air: 13.4°C)
  • February: 18.1°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • March: 18.1°C (air: 14.6°C)
  • April: 18.1°C (air: 18.4°C)
  • May: 18.1°C (air: 21.9°C)
  • June: 18.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • July: 18.1°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • August: 18.1°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • September: 18.1°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • October: 18.1°C (air: 23.0°C)
  • November: 18.1°C (air: 18.7°C)
  • December: 18.1°C (air: 15.2°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Paphos & Coral Bay

Nearest Dive Centres to ACHAIOS (POSSIBLY)

Marine Life in Paphos & Coral Bay

Home to 44 recorded species including 26 reef fish, 9 sharks & rays, 3 other, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 soft corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ACHAIOS (POSSIBLY)

Based on average water temperature of 18.1°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 18°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories