DYSTOS - Alonissos Marine Park

The Dystos wreck, a bulk carrier that went down in 1997, is our favourite kind of Mediterranean dive. It’s sitting upright on a sandy bottom at 30 metres, an impressive 107-metre long ship that just keeps going. As you descend, the sheer size really hits you. You can make out the huge hull looming out of the blue, and the visibility here is often good enough to see a fair chunk of it from above. We love exploring the superstructure, which rises to around 18 metres, offering plenty of time to poke around. The bridge area is a particular highlight; you can peer into what were once command centres, now just skeletal remains draped in colourful sponges. Look for schools of glasseyes darting through the darker recesses, and we’ve spotted moray eels peeking out from pipes. The cargo holds are open, a little too deep for casual penetration but dramatic to look down into. On the deck, expect to see nudibranchs moving slowly across the metal, and barracuda often cruise past in the blue. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the atmosphere of a relatively modern wreck and its developing marine life.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.570618, 24.192783
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

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 DYSTOS

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 DYSTOS

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 maximum depth for recreational diving at DYSTOS?
The typical maximum depth for recreational diving at the DYSTOS wreck site is 30 meters. This depth makes it an accessible dive for appropriately certified divers exploring this fascinating bulk carrier, which was sunk on January 2, 1997.
What kind of unique marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at DYSTOS?
The provided information for DYSTOS describes it as a bulk carrier vessel wreck, offering an interesting artificial reef structure measuring 107.9m x 15.8m. While specific unique marine life encounters are not detailed in the available data, wrecks like DYSTOS typically attract various local species over time, creating a vibrant ecosystem. For general marine life information, you can explore our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level of diving at DYSTOS, and is it suitable for less experienced divers?
Diving at DYSTOS is classified as an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some prior experience and appropriate training, rather than those who are less experienced or newly certified. Divers should ensure they are comfortable with wreck diving techniques and the 30-meter depth before attempting this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at DYSTOS for optimal weather and underwater conditions?
The provided data for DYSTOS does not specify the best time of year for optimal weather and underwater conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in Greece, you might consult our When to Dive section to plan your trip to Alonissos.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications or experience levels required to dive at DYSTOS?
Given that DYSTOS is an intermediate level wreck dive with a maximum depth of 30 meters, divers would typically need an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for deeper dives and wreck exploration of a non-dangerous wreck like DYSTOS.
What are the prevailing currents and visibility conditions usually like at the DYSTOS dive site?
The available data for the DYSTOS dive site does not include specific details regarding prevailing currents or typical visibility conditions. Divers should always check local conditions with a dive operator in Alonissos before planning their dive to this fascinating wreck.