Apollonia II wreck - Alonissos Marine Park

The Apollonia II wreck in Alonissos Marine Park is one of our top picks, especially for divers who appreciate a good historical narrative with their fish. The wreck itself is a relatively shallow cargo ship, sitting upright and mostly intact on a sandy bottom. We love how light filters down, illuminating the cargo holds, which are now completely open and accessible. Inside, the play of light and shadow is incredible, and you’ll find schools of damselfish darting between the metal beams. It’s perfect for exploring slowly, allowing time to peek into every nook. For those who enjoy a bit of penetration without anything too technical, the Apollonia II offers just enough. We’ve spent many dives just circling the superstructure, watching the resident groupers eye us from shadowy corners. Keep an eye out for the occasional moray eel peeking from a pipe. Visibility here is usually excellent, making it a dream for photographers wanting to capture the scale of the wreck against the clear blue. We suggest timing your dive for late morning, when the sun is high, really making the most of that internal light show. It's a genuinely relaxing dive, rewarding patient exploration.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.764404, 24.130354
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Apollonia II wreck

Year Sunk
1980
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm

The M/V Apollonia II is a modern casualty of the sea, offering a different kind of wreck diving experience compared to the ancient amphorae carriers found elsewhere in Greece. This general cargo vessel was navigating near the island of Alonissos in 1980 when it was caught in severe weather. Laden with construction materials, the ship was unable to withstand the storm's fury and ultimately foundered, sinking to the seabed within the boundaries of what is now Greece's first National Marine Park.

Lying on its port side at depths ranging from 18 to 30 meters, the Apollonia II is a fantastic multi-level dive. The wreck is remarkably intact, allowing certified divers to explore its superstructure, bridge, and empty cargo holds. The exceptionally clear Aegean water provides superb visibility, revealing the ship's features in great detail. Over the decades, it has been colonized by a host of marine life, and divers can expect to see schools of fish, moray eels, and colourful sponges, all thriving in the protected environment of the Alonissos Marine Park.

Marine Protected Area: PARAKTIA KAI THALASSIA ZONI MAKRONISOU

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 Apollonia II 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 Apollonia II 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