SPIO - Alonissos Marine Park

SPIO isn't your typical Alonissos dive, given it’s a wreck. This old trawler went down in 1975 after a fire, and she now rests in just 5 metres of water, making it a cracking spot for an extended safety stop or even a snorkel if you’re keen. We often find her bow is still quite intact, with the stern more collapsed, but the sheer size – over 54 metres long – means there’s plenty of structure for groupers and schools of damselfish to hang around. It’s a shallow, easy dive, perfect for photographers or anyone wanting to spend some real time exploring a piece of history. Just be mindful of the "dangerous wreck" classification; we’d suggest keeping a respectful distance from any obviously unstable areas.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.940666, 23.549334
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 SPIO

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 SPIO

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 diving depth range at the SPIO dive site?
The SPIO dive site, located in the Alonissos Marine Park, offers a typical diving depth of 5 meters. This makes the wreck of the SPIO, a 54.3m trawler, an accessible and interesting shallow dive.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at SPIO?
The primary underwater topography at the SPIO dive site is the wreck of a 54.3m x 9.1m trawler vessel, sunk in 1975. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs, attracting local fish and invertebrate species. Divers can anticipate exploring the structure of this historic vessel.
What is the difficulty level for diving at SPIO, and is it suitable for beginners?
The SPIO dive site is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. Given this rating and its designation as a "Dangerous wreck," it is generally not recommended for beginner divers. Divers should possess the necessary experience and certifications for intermediate-level wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at SPIO for optimal visibility and conditions?
The provided data for the SPIO dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions. To plan your trip, we recommend consulting general information on diving seasons in the Mediterranean Europe region for typical weather and water conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at SPIO?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly listed for the SPIO dive site, its intermediate difficulty rating suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Given it is a wreck dive, a Wreck Diver specialty certification is highly recommended for safe and enjoyable exploration of the 54.3m trawler.
What are the typical currents and water conditions, such as temperature and visibility, at SPIO?
The provided data for the SPIO dive site does not include details on typical currents, water temperature, or visibility. For the most current information on these conditions, it is always best to consult local dive centers in the Alonissos Marine Park area.