AGIA MATRONA - Alonissos Marine Park

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.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.815666, 24.566166
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - AGIA MATRONA

Year Sunk
1983
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
fire

The story of the Agia Matrona is one of sudden disaster in a pristine environment. This carrier vessel, built in Haifa, Israel in 1966, was on a routine passage from Ashdod to Piraeus in February 1983. The voyage turned catastrophic when a severe fire erupted in the engine room, crippling the ship and ultimately sending it to the seabed within the protected waters of the Alonissos Marine Park.

Lying at 40 meters, the Agia Matrona is a spectacular deep dive for advanced recreational or technical divers. Its location within Europe's largest marine protected area means the wreck is not just a historical artifact but also a thriving hub of biodiversity. Divers can expect to see an incredible abundance of marine life, including large schools of fish, groupers, and often passing pelagics, all set against the backdrop of a relatively modern and intact shipwreck. The combination of a dramatic history and a vibrant ecosystem makes this a premier wreck dive in the Aegean Sea.

Marine Protected Area: NISIDES SKYROU KAI THALASSIA PERIOCHI

Best Time to Dive in Alonissos Marine Park

The warmest water temperatures in Alonissos Marine Park occur in August, averaging 27.2°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 13.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 14.5°C
  • February: 13.9°C
  • March: 14.2°C
  • April: 15.4°C
  • May: 18.7°C
  • June: 23.5°C
  • July: 26.5°C
  • August: 27.2°C
  • September: 25.3°C
  • October: 22.8°C
  • November: 19.9°C
  • December: 16.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Alonissos Marine Park

Nearest Dive Centres to AGIA MATRONA

Marine Life in Alonissos Marine Park

Home to 16 recorded species including 3 whales & dolphins, 3 reef fish, 2 other, 2 hard corals, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AGIA MATRONA

Based on average water temperature of 19.9°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 20°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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving the Agia Matrona shipwreck?
The Agia Matrona shipwreck, located in the Alonissos Marine Park, reaches a maximum depth of 40 meters. This makes it an exciting deep dive for appropriately certified divers. It is a significant wreck site in Greece.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Agia Matrona dive site?
The Agia Matrona dive site is primarily a wreck dive, featuring a substantial carrier vessel measuring 83.8m x 12.5m. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. Divers can explore the structure of this non-dangerous wreck, which sank in 1983.
How challenging is the Agia Matrona wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Agia Matrona wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to its maximum depth of 40 meters. Therefore, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess advanced certifications and experience with deep diving to safely explore this site.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at the Agia Matrona dive site?
Our current data for the Agia Matrona dive site does not specify typical water conditions or currents. As with any dive, it's always recommended to check local conditions with a dive operator immediately before your dive in Alonissos.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended to dive the Agia Matrona shipwreck?
Given the Agia Matrona shipwreck's maximum depth of 40 meters and intermediate difficulty, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience for deep diving environments. Additional certifications like Wreck Diver or Deep Diver specialties would further enhance safety and enjoyment.
When is the best time of year to dive the Agia Matrona shipwreck for optimal conditions?
Our available data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Agia Matrona shipwreck. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you can consult our When to Dive section or local dive centers in Alonissos.