Cape Saint Fokas Shipwreck - Alonissos Marine Park

Cape Saint Fokas is one of those Mediterranean wrecks that just *feels* ancient. You drop down, and the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the water, illuminating fragments of amphorae scattered around the wreck. It’s believed to be an ancient merchant ship, lying broken on the seabed, and it absolutely delivers on atmosphere. We love exploring the larger sections of pottery that still hold their shape, imagining the cargo they once held. Schools of damselfish often hover over the deeper parts of the wreck, almost like they’re guarding the secrets below. Look closely in the crevices and you’ll find moray eels peeking out, while octopus are often camouflaged against the encrusted pottery. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, letting you soak in the history. We'd suggest going in the morning; the visibility often feels a little crisper, and the currents tend to be calmer. It's an ideal dive for anyone who appreciates a wreck with a story, rather than just a structure.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
39.024944, 26.145111
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Cape Saint Fokas Shipwreck

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Diving on the Cape Saint Fokas shipwreck is like traveling back in time. Located within the protected waters of the Alonissos Marine Park, this is not a modern steel wreck but the ancient remains of a Byzantine-era merchant vessel that sank between the 9th and 12th centuries. The ship was carrying a cargo of plates and amphorae when it likely fell victim to a storm or navigational error, coming to rest on the seabed where it would remain undisturbed for nearly a thousand years.

This is a unique underwater archaeological site, often referred to as an 'underwater museum'. The wooden hull has long since disintegrated, but the ship's cargo remains, with stacks of plates and jars now concreted into the seabed by marine growth. Diving here is a privilege, conducted under strict supervision by authorized dive centers to preserve the site's integrity. For divers, it offers a rare opportunity to witness ancient history firsthand in the crystal-clear Aegean waters, connecting with the maritime traders who plied these same routes centuries ago.

Marine Protected Area: LESVOS PARAKTIOI YGROTOPOI KAI KOLPOS KALLONIS

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 Cape Saint Fokas Shipwreck

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 Cape Saint Fokas Shipwreck

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