CAVO SIDERO - Alonissos Marine Park

Cavo Sidero is an interesting dive, certainly not your typical wreck. It’s a carrier that ran aground in a storm back in '81, and what you see today is the scattered remains of that 93-metre vessel, spread over a shallow reef. We love it because it’s a site you can really spend some time exploring, poking around the metal ribs and twisted plates. The stern lies closest to the shore in only 5 metres, making it perfect for an extended no-decompression dive or even a really thorough snorkel. You'll find sections of the hull have become home to damselfish and small wrasse darting between the crevices, while the sunlight catches the shimmer of silversides schooling over the larger pieces of wreckage. Our favourite part is the way the light plays through the broken sections, illuminating the rust-coloured metal and giving it a ghostly feel. It's not a deep-water challenge, but a genuinely engaging archaeological hunt where you piece together the ship’s story yourself.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.935654, 23.582813
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: NISIDES SARONIKOU KOLPOU KAI THALASSIA PERIOCHI

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 CAVO SIDERO

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 CAVO SIDERO

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 are the typical depths for scuba diving at Cavo Sidero?
The typical depth for scuba diving at Cavo Sidero is 5 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow dive, ideal for extended bottom times and exploring the distributed remains of the wreck. Divers can comfortably explore the site, which is part of the Alonissos Marine Park.
What marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to encounter at Cavo Sidero?
Divers at Cavo Sidero can explore the fascinating underwater attraction of a sunken carrier vessel. The site features the distributed remains of the wreck, which was built in 1955 and sank on December 23, 1981, offering an intriguing historical dive. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. For more general information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
Is Cavo Sidero considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginner divers?
Cavo Sidero is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While not typically recommended for absolute beginners, divers with some experience will find it an enjoyable and manageable exploration of the wreck. It's always advisable to dive within your certification limits and with appropriate guidance.
What is the best time of year to go diving at Cavo Sidero for the best conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Cavo Sidero for optimal conditions or visibility. For general guidance on diving seasons in Greece and the Mediterranean Europe region, you might consult our When to Dive section on DivePlnr.
What level of diving certification is typically required to dive at Cavo Sidero?
Given that Cavo Sidero is an intermediate difficulty dive site, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures they have the necessary skills and comfort level to safely explore the wreck at 5 meters. Always dive within your certification limits and with a qualified guide.
Are there strong currents or challenging water conditions to be aware of when diving at Cavo Sidero?
The provided data does not explicitly detail typical current strengths or challenging water conditions specifically for diving at Cavo Sidero. However, the wreck was driven ashore during a storm, indicating that weather conditions in the area can be significant. It's always advisable to check local dive conditions and forecasts before planning your dive at Cavo Sidero.