Diving in Alonissos Marine Park
Why dive here
Alonissos Marine Park is a diving destination where divers can encounter dolphins and sea turtles. Water ranges 14-27°C, warmest July, August, September.
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece's sanctuary for the elusive Mediterranean monk seal, holds a quiet charm. We often find ourselves drawn to the deeper walls and the ancient amphora fields - they tell a story you can almost hear bubbling through your regulator. Diving here isn't about megafauna, though a fleeting glimpse of a dolphin is always a thrill. It's about spotting the Aegean tube worms waving from the rock face, tracing the path of a marbled spinefoot, or finding a carefully camouflaged cowfish peering out from the seagrass. The real magic, for us, lies in the quieter moments and the historical context. The Peristera shipwreck is a standout, especially when the light filters just right through the water, illuminating the ancient cargo. We’d suggest a morning dive there, before the dive boats from Skopelos start arriving. Visibility can be excellent, especially in early summer, and the thermoclines are less pronounced. Keep an eye out for the Silver-cheeked Toadfish; they're an invasive species, yes, but undeniably striking. It’s a place that rewards patience and a keen eye for the smaller things, a true European Mediterranean experience without the usual crowds.
Alonissos Marine Park Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Alonissos Marine Park
Alonissos Marine Park Dive Sites
148 dive sites in Alonissos Marine Park
AES GIORGIS
AES GIORGIS is a personal favourite of ours in the Alonissos Marine Park, though calling it a "wreck" might be a bit generous. It’s more a scattering of ancient amphorae, pottery shards, and the ghostly outline of what was once a ship, lying in barely 5m of water. We love it because it feels like diving through a museum exhibit, but one that’s been reclaimed by the sea. You'll spend your time here finning gently over centuries-old clay jars, some still intact, others broken open to reveal their dark interiors. Look closely and you’ll spot small octopus tucked into the crevices of the pottery, their eyes watching you. Moray eels often peek out from under the larger fragments. The light plays beautifully on the sandy bottom, making the amphorae glow, and schools of damselfish flit around them like guardians. It’s a site that rewards slow, deliberate exploration, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in a tangible piece of history without the pressure of depth or strong currents. Early morning, before the day boats arrive, is our pick for the best visibility and a real sense of solitude.
Aghios Petros
Aghios Petros is a solid choice for a relaxing dive within the Alonissos Marine Park. We often see schools of sea bream here, along with octopus tucked into the rocks and the occasional moray eel peering from crevices. It’s generally a gentle site, making it a good fit for newer divers or those looking for a leisurely second dive. Visibility is usually reliable, offering clear views of the rocky seabed.
AGIA MATRONA
Agia Matrona, a carrier vessel that went down in '83, is one of our favourite deep dives in the Alonissos Marine Park. This isn't some ancient ruin; it's a proper shipwreck, sitting upright and mostly intact on a sandy bottom at 40 metres. We love dropping down the line and seeing that massive silhouette emerge from the blue. The sheer scale is what gets you first-83 metres of steel hull, still holding its shape. We'd suggest taking a moment to hover mid-water and just appreciate the whole scene before you get closer. Schools of damselfish shimmer around the superstructure, and the open cargo holds are home to groupers, often lurking in the shadows. Penetration is possible for experienced wreck divers, but honestly, there's so much to see on the exterior. Look for moray eels poking their heads from pipes and crevices. The bridge section is particularly interesting, with various instruments still hinting at its operational past. It’s a dive for those comfortable with depth and who appreciate the solemn beauty of a modern wreck. Visibility here can be excellent, often making that 40-metre mark feel more accessible.
AGIOS IOANNIS
Agios Ioannis isn't your typical deep, dark wreck dive. This is an accessible piece of history, just 3 metres down, making it perfect for an extended no-decompression exploration or even a really good snorkel. The motor vessel, built in 1927, ran aground off Cape Mandello, and while the official data lists it as Euboea, the Alonissos Marine Park folks have adopted it into their dive roster. We love that you can see the entire 54.9-metre length of it from the surface on a good day. What strikes you first is the sheer scale, even in such shallow water. You can follow the hull's curve, imagine the decks, and picture it moving cargo. Schools of damselfish shimmer around the rusted plating, and we've spotted a few inquisitive octopus tucked into crevices in the propeller area. The light here is incredible, filtering through the surface and illuminating every detail, from the barnacle-encrusted metal to the little sea anemones clinging on. It’s less about penetration, more about appreciating the wreck as an artificial reef, a time capsule resting gently on the seabed. This site is a truly unique experience, whether you're a new diver finding your fins or a seasoned pro looking for something a bit different.
AGIOS NICOLAOS
The Agios Nicolaos wreck is a proper piece of history, just waiting to be explored. We've always been drawn to wrecks that tell a story, and this 70-meter tanker, sunk in a fiery explosion back in '89, definitely has one. Descending onto the main deck, you can almost feel the heat of that day. The sheer scale of the ship is impressive, with a collapsed superstructure that's a labyrinth of twisted metal and shadows. We love exploring the hold areas, where schools of amberjacks hang in the gloom, and curious dusky groupers eye you from dark corners. Look closely at the deck plating; it's practically coated in colourful sponges and small anemones, a real testament to how quickly the Mediterranean reclaims things. For experienced divers, we'd suggest taking the time to penetrate some of the larger, safer sections of the wreck. Just be mindful of the silt and keep your buoyancy dialled in. It’s a site that rewards careful exploration, a captivating look into maritime history, now a thriving artificial reef.
Agios Romanos
Agios Romanos offers a relaxed dive in the Alonissos Marine Park, making it a good spot for newer divers or those looking for a gentle exploration. We've often seen octopus here, tucked into the rocky crevices, along with schools of damselfish flitting through the seagrass beds. It’s a pleasant afternoon dive, best enjoyed when the sea is calm, offering decent visibility for spotting smaller critters.
ALEXANDROS Z
We’ve got a soft spot for the Alexandros Z. This wreck is a real beast down at 54 metres, and it makes you feel tiny next to its sheer scale. You're dropping onto a massive cargo ship that went down in 1929, and the history hits you as soon as you see its ghostly outline appear out of the blue. The main draw here is the bow, especially the anchor chains draped across it, now completely encrusted with sponges and some seriously large gorgonians. If you’re a technical diver, this is a playground. We love poking around the cargo holds – they’re wide open and surprisingly clear of debris, making for some dramatic swim-throughs if you're comfortable with the depth and overhead environment. We've seen some impressive schools of damselfish flitting in and out of the superstructure, and the occasional grouper lurking in the shadows. The visibility here can be incredible, sometimes pushing past 30 metres, which really lets you appreciate the full impact of the wreck. Dive it in late morning for the best light penetration into the holds. Just remember, 54 metres is serious depth, so come prepared and check those gas mixes.
ALEX G
The Alex G, a 61-meter carrier vessel, has been resting in the shallows of Alonissos Marine Park since 1983. We love a good shipwreck that doesn’t demand deep air, and this one, at a max depth of just 9 meters, is perfect for a relaxed dive. Built in 1959, her bow and stern are pretty broken up, but the midsection still offers some decent penetration for those comfortable ducking inside. We usually find schools of glasseye fish hovering in the darker sections, their big eyes reflecting our torch beams. Out on the deck, you’ll spot nudibranchs grazing on the algae, and octopuses are often lurking in crevices, their eyes watching you curiously. It’s a site that feels alive, not just a static piece of history. The visibility here is often fantastic, letting the Mediterranean sun stream down and illuminate the entire wreck in a hazy blue. We’d suggest going early in the morning to avoid any boat traffic if you’re planning a surface interval nearby. It's a great spot for newer wreck divers or anyone who just wants to enjoy a long, easy dive exploring a piece of maritime history.
Alonissos National Marine Park
The Bill Boyd wreck in the Florida Keys sits in a shallower spot, making it a good pick for newer wreck divers or those looking for an extended bottom time. You’ll find schools of grunt and snapper hanging around the structure, with the occasional barracuda cruising by. It’s a straightforward dive, not overly dramatic, but reliable for some easy exploration and fish spotting.
AMALIA
The Amalia wreck in Alonissos Marine Park is a real trip back in time, and one of our favourite shallow wrecks in the Med. This 88-metre motor vessel went down in 1977, and it’s a remarkable experience to glide over her deck, seeing how the years have softened her edges and invited the sea to reclaim her. We love how the light plays on the structure at just 6 metres, illuminating the wheelhouse and cargo holds, making for fantastic visibility on most days. You’ll spend your time exploring the sprawling deck, peeking into open hatches where schools of damselfish flit in and out. The stern, in particular, is captivating; you can really make out the ship's lines, now draped in sponges and anemones. It’s perfect for new wreck divers or anyone who appreciates a long, relaxed dive where you can truly soak in the atmosphere. Bring a good torch to peer into the darker corners, though much of the magic here is in the sunlit upper structure. Keep an eye out for octopus tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you pass.
ANDREAS
Andreas has always been one of our favourite dives in the Alonissos Marine Park, a proper atmospheric wreck that feels like a discovery. She’s a modern fishing trawler, sunk in 2007, and while she’s not ancient history, there’s a real charm to her intact state. We love dropping down and seeing the bridge, the mast, even parts of the fishing gear still recognisable. It’s a site that tells a story even without a centuries-old provenance. The wreck sits upright at 25 metres, and because she’s been down for a while, marine life has really moved in. You’ll spot damselfish darting through the wheelhouse, groupers lurking in the holds, and often a moray eel or two peeking from beneath a deck plate. We’ve had some cracking dives here, finding nudibranchs on the rails and schools of barracuda hanging in the blue just off the stern. It’s a comfortable dive for most certified divers, offering plenty to explore without being overly demanding. Definitely one to add to your list if you’re in the Northern Sporades.
ANDROS
We’ve dived a few wrecks around Greece, but the *Andros* is special. This old hospital ship, bombed and sunk in 1941, rests upright in 36 metres, giving it a commanding presence on the seabed. Descending onto the bow, you can still make out the distinctive red crosses painted on its hull, a stark reminder of its tragic end. We love how the light filters through the clear Aegean water, illuminating the bridge and the cargo holds which are now home to some impressively large groupers. Look closely and you’ll spot nudibranchs crawling along the corroded metal plates. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration. The *Andros* offers a poignant dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts. You’ll spend most of your bottom time admiring the ship’s structure, imagining its past, and observing the marine life that has claimed it. The visibility here is usually excellent, making the scale of the 79-metre wreck truly apparent. We’d suggest going in late morning; the sun angle seems to hit just right, highlighting the ship’s features beautifully.
Alonissos Marine Park Dive Centres
65 dive shops and operators in Alonissos Marine Park
Ocean Wildlife in Alonissos Marine Park
13 species recorded in Alonissos Marine Park
Alonissos Marine Park Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Alonissos Marine Park, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:48
Sunset
19:09
Daylight
13h 21m
Golden Hour
18:33
First light (dawn) at 05:20 · Last light (dusk) at 19:36
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 07:41 | 17:28 | 9h 47m |
| Feb | 07:17 | 18:03 | 10h 46m |
| Mar | 06:37 | 18:32 | 11h 54m |
| Apr | 05:51 | 19:00 | 13h 8m |
| May | 05:16 | 19:28 | 14h 13m |
| JunLongest | 05:01 | 19:50 | 14h 49m |
| Jul | 05:13 | 19:49 | 14h 37m |
| AugNow | 05:39 | 19:22 | 13h 43m |
| Sep | 06:06 | 18:37 | 12h 31m |
| Oct | 06:33 | 17:50 | 11h 17m |
| Nov | 07:07 | 17:14 | 10h 7m |
| DecShortest | 07:35 | 17:06 | 9h 31m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Alonissos Marine Park.
Where to Stay near Alonissos Marine Park
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Marine Protected Areas near Alonissos Marine Park
64 protected areas near Alonissos Marine Park - please respect local regulations when diving
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