Andros Wreck - Alonissos Marine Park

The Andros Wreck, sitting upright on the seabed in the Alonissos Marine Park, feels like a proper discovery. We love it because it’s a relatively intact freighter, not just a pile of rubble. You drop down, and the whole ship is right there, bow to stern, covered in the most incredible gorgonian fans. We’re talking vibrant reds and oranges, thick as carpet. It’s an excellent dive for those who enjoy exploring structures. You can swim over the deck, peer into cargo holds that are now home to groupers, and trace the lines of the mast that rise toward the surface. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into every nook and cranny. On one dive, we watched a massive loggerhead turtle cruise right past the bridge. The visibility here is usually fantastic, so you get these long sightlines along the length of the ship, which really enhances the sense of scale. Our top tip: try to hit it in the morning before any wind picks up; the light filtering through the water into the holds is something else.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.982353, 22.969257
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Andros Wreck

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Often referred to as the 'Parthenon of Shipwrecks', the 'Andros Wreck' dive site in the Alonissos Marine Park is not a vessel of steel, but a breathtaking window into the ancient world. This site is the final resting place of a large Athenian merchant ship from the Classical period, which sank around 425 BC. The wooden hull has long since rotted away, but its precious cargo of several thousand wine amphorae remains, perfectly stacked on the seabed. The sheer scale of the amphorae mound, which still retains the shape of the ship, is a truly awe-inspiring sight. Recently opened to recreational divers under strict guidance, this is one of the world's most significant ancient shipwrecks accessible to the public, offering a unique opportunity to dive directly into history.

Marine Protected Area: KORINTHIAKOS KOLPOS

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 Andros Wreck

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 Andros Wreck

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