AGIOS IOANNIS - Alonissos Marine Park

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.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.948833, 24.499332
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - AGIOS IOANNIS

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.

Marine Protected Area: OROS OCHI – KAMPOS KARYSTOU – POTAMI – AKROTIRIO KAFIREFS – PARAKTIA THALASSIA ZONI

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 AGIOS IOANNIS

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 AGIOS IOANNIS

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 typical diving depth at the Agios Ioannis dive site?
The Agios Ioannis dive site offers a shallow diving experience, with a typical depth of 3 meters. This makes it an accessible site for various dive levels to explore the wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Agios Ioannis?
Divers at Agios Ioannis can expect to explore a fascinating historical wreck. This motor vessel, built in 1927, measures 54.9m x 8.8m and ran aground off Cape Mandello. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks often attract a variety of local fish and invertebrates, making it a unique underwater feature to discover.
Is the Agios Ioannis dive site suitable for beginner divers, or is it more challenging?
The Agios Ioannis dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 3 meters is appealing, the nature of wreck diving often requires a bit more experience than basic open water dives. Therefore, it's more suitable for divers who have progressed beyond the beginner level.
What is the best time of year to dive at Agios Ioannis for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Agios Ioannis. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Agios Ioannis?
Given that the Agios Ioannis dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, divers should ideally hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. While the depth is only 3 meters, wreck diving often benefits from specialized training to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at the Agios Ioannis dive site?
The provided information does not detail the typical currents or specific underwater conditions at the Agios Ioannis dive site. Divers should always check local conditions with a dive operator before planning their dive to ensure safety and enjoyment.