DRYADES - Alonissos Marine Park

Dryades is one of those wrecks that really gets under your skin. We love it because it’s a big, imposing beast, a carrier vessel that went down in ‘77. Dropping onto the deck at around 20 metres, you immediately feel the scale of the thing. It's not one of those broken-up piles of rubble; you can still make out the superstructure, the huge cargo holds, and even the bridge area if you know where to look. We always try to spend some time exploring the forward sections, where schools of damselfish hover around the mast like a shimmering cloud. Look closer, and you’ll often spot moray eels peeking from crevices, and big groupers patrol the deeper parts of the holds. The stern drops away a bit more dramatically, and that’s where we’ve had some fantastic encounters with amberjacks cruising past. It’s a dive that rewards multiple visits, each time revealing another layer of its history and the life that now thrives on its steel bones. Perfect for divers who appreciate a substantial wreck with plenty to explore and the opportunity to spot some serious Mediterranean residents.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.516666, 24.216667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: THALASSIA ZONI ANATOLIKIS EVVOIAS APO AKRA OKTONIA EVVOIAS EOS ZARAKES

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 DRYADES

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 DRYADES

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 is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Dryades?
The Dryades dive site, a fascinating wreck, is listed with a depth of 0m. This typically indicates that portions of the wreck, a 142.3m long carrier vessel, are accessible right from the surface. Divers exploring this site in Alonissos Marine Park can expect to encounter the wreck starting at this shallow depth.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Dryades?
At Dryades, divers will primarily explore the impressive underwater topography of a large carrier vessel, sunk in 1977. This 142.3m long and 18m wide wreck offers a unique environment for exploration, classified as a wreck showing any portion of its hull or superstructure. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How difficult is the diving at Dryades, and is it suitable for all certification levels?
Diving at Dryades is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have gained some experience beyond entry-level certifications. While not ideal for absolute beginners, divers with appropriate training and experience will find this wreck dive in Greece to be a rewarding experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at Dryades for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Unfortunately, the provided data for the Dryades dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on diving seasons in the Mediterranean Europe region, you might consult our When to Dive resource.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving at Dryades?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating for Dryades, it is highly recommended that divers possess certifications beyond entry-level, such as an Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent. While no specific certifications are explicitly required in the data, additional training in areas like wreck diving can enhance safety and enjoyment when exploring this 142.3m long carrier vessel.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Dryades dive site?
The provided data for the Dryades dive site does not include specific details regarding typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning to explore this wreck in Alonissos Marine Park should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on these environmental factors.