Apollonia II wreck
Protected Area
PARAKTIA KAI THALASSIA ZONI MAKRONISOU
Why dive here
Apollonia II wreck is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins and sea turtles. Water ranges 15-26°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical Apollonia II wreck 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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Apollonia II wreck Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to Apollonia II wreck
Dive shops near Apollonia II wreck
Planet Blue
SCUBALIFE DIVE CENTER
AQUALIZED DIVE ADVENTURES IKE
ATHENS DIVERS CLUB
Diveness
Athina Diving
Reviews for Apollonia II wreck
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Apollonia II wreck
Apollonia II wreck Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Apollonia II wreck, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (38.09, 24.15) (15km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
23°C
73°F · Range: 21–25.6°C
Current Speed
1.41 cm/s
Direction: SW (225°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.13 mg/m³
Clear water
Salinity
34.63 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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