wreck

Alonissos Marine Park, Greece

OROS OCHI – KAMPOS KARYSTOU – POTAMI – AKROTIRIO KAFIREFS – PARAKTIA THALASSIA ZONI

AGIOS IOANNIS

Best months: Jun–Oct

Protected Area

OROS OCHI – KAMPOS KARYSTOU – POTAMI – AKROTIRIO KAFIREFS – PARAKTIA THALASSIA ZONI

Why dive here

AGIOS IOANNIS is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins and sea turtles. Water ranges 14-27°C, warmest July, August, September.

Marine lifeDolphins and Sea Turtles

Water14-27°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 3m

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.

Typical AGIOS IOANNIS Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today05:4619:0513h 20m daylightGolden hour 18:30

AGIOS IOANNIS Wreck History

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

Resting in the crystal-clear, protected waters of the Alonissos Marine Park, the Agios Ioannis offers a dive into history that is accessible to everyone. Built in 1927 by the Burntisland Shipbuilding Co., this veteran motor vessel served for decades before meeting its end. Its final voyage was a passage from Sitia in Crete, bound for Volos with a full cargo. The journey was cut short when the ship ran hard aground off Cape Mandello, succumbing to the rocky coastline it failed to navigate.

Lying at a mere 3 metres, the wreck is a spectacular sight for snorkelers and novice divers alike. The shallow depth allows sunlight to flood the site, illuminating the ship's remains and the vibrant marine life that has claimed it. Photographers will delight in the easy conditions and the picturesque scene of an early 20th-century vessel reclaimed by the Aegean Sea. It's a perfect, gentle introduction to the world of wreck diving, offering a tangible connection to Greece's maritime past.