IOANNIS M - Alonissos Marine Park

The *Ioannis M* is one of our favourite Mediterranean wrecks, though not for its depth or complexity. Lying upright in just 20 metres, this cargo ship went down in 1985 after a rough patch of weather, spilling its wheat cargo. We love how accessible it is; even newer wreck divers can enjoy a good exploration. You’ll find the bow section relatively intact, still pointed towards the surface as if trying to break free. The stern, however, is a fascinating jumble, crumpled and twisted, leaving swim-throughs and pockets of darkness that are perfect for macro hunting. Look closely along the plates for nudibranchs and flatworms, especially where the light filters through the rust. The deckhouse is a highlight; we often find scorpionfish perched on the rails, blending perfectly with the encrusted metal. Visibility here is usually great, often 20 metres or more, making for some dramatic wide-angle shots against the blue. Dive it in the late morning when the sun is high for the best light penetration into the holds.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.092285, 24.582800
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Marine Protected Area: OROS OCHI – KAMPOS KARYSTOU – POTAMI – AKROTIRIO KAFIREFS – PARAKTIA THALASSIA ZONI

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 IOANNIS M

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 IOANNIS M

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 maximum depth of the IOANNIS M (Giannis D) shipwreck dive site?
The maximum depth of the IOANNIS M shipwreck dive site is 20 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the IOANNIS M (Giannis D)?
Divers exploring the IOANNIS M can expect to see the remains of a 59.1m x 9.4m carrier vessel that sank in 1985. The wreck itself, a former cargo ship carrying wheat, provides an interesting structure to explore. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks typically become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is the IOANNIS M (Giannis D) wreck dive, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The IOANNIS M wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty and is considered a Dangerous wreck. Due to its classification and potential hazards, it is not suitable for all experience levels and is best undertaken by divers with appropriate training and experience in wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive the IOANNIS M (Giannis D) for optimal conditions?
Our current data for the IOANNIS M does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. However, for general information on diving in Greece and the Alonissos Marine Park, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section for typical seasonal conditions in the Mediterranean.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the IOANNIS M (Giannis D) shipwreck, especially for wreck penetration?
Given the IOANNIS M is an intermediate and Dangerous wreck dive, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, along with specialized wreck diving training. For any form of wreck penetration, advanced certifications like Wreck Diver Specialty are absolutely essential to ensure safety and proper procedures.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the IOANNIS M (Giannis D) dive site?
Our provided data for the IOANNIS M dive site does not include specific details regarding typical currents or visibility conditions. It is always advisable to check local dive center reports or current conditions immediately before your dive for the most up-to-date information.