ALEX G - Alonissos Marine Park

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.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.487644, 23.899601
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Wreck History - ALEX G

Year Sunk
1983
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The M/V Alex G was a British-built carrier vessel with a long career that began in 1959. By the early 1980s, she was operating in Greek waters under the ownership of Athos Maritime Shipping. Her final voyage began on December 1, 1983, as she steamed from Piraeus, bound for the island of Milos. Her journey was cut short when she ran aground, succumbing to the sea and sinking into the clear waters of what is now the Alonissos Marine Park.

Unlike wrecks with more violent ends, the Alex G settled peacefully and now rests in just 9 meters of water, making it a spectacular and accessible dive for all levels. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times and floods the wreck with natural light, delighting underwater photographers. Divers can easily explore the ship's structure, which has become a thriving artificial reef, teeming with the vibrant marine life protected by the park.

Marine Protected Area: SOUNIO - NISIDA PATROKLOU KAI 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 ALEX G

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 ALEX G

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 at Alex's Cave in Malta?
The provided data is for the ALEX G wreck in Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, not 'Alex's Cave' in Malta. For the ALEX G wreck, the maximum depth is 9 meters. We do not have information regarding 'Alex's Cave' in Malta in our current database.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Alex's Cave?
The data provided describes the ALEX G wreck, a carrier vessel sunk in 1983 in Alonissos Marine Park, Greece. Divers can explore the remains of this 61m x 6.7m vessel, which is classified as a wreck showing portions of its hull or superstructure. Specific marine life details for this site are not available in the current context.
Is Alex's Cave considered a difficult dive site, suitable for all experience levels?
The ALEX G wreck in Alonissos Marine Park, Greece is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This means it is not typically suitable for all experience levels, particularly beginners, and usually requires some prior diving experience. Divers should ensure they have the appropriate skills for an intermediate-level wreck dive.
What is the best time of year or what are the ideal conditions to dive at Alex's Cave?
Information regarding the best time of year or ideal diving conditions for 'Alex's Cave' is not available in the provided data. Our current context focuses on the ALEX G wreck in Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, but even for this site, specific seasonal conditions are not detailed. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Alex's Cave in Comino?
The provided data pertains to the ALEX G wreck in Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, not 'Alex's Cave' in Comino. For the ALEX G, specific diving certification requirements are not detailed in the available information. Generally, an intermediate dive site like ALEX G would typically require at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, but always check with local dive operators.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at Alex's Cave dive site?
The provided data for the ALEX G wreck in Alonissos Marine Park, Greece does not include details on typical currents or general water conditions for diving. While the vessel ran aground in heavy seas when it sank in 1983, this does not reflect current typical diving conditions. Divers should always consult local dive centers for up-to-date information on site conditions.