2m
    Crete, Greece
    Agioi Pantes Lasithiou

    ADAMAS

    Best months: May–Dec

    Protected Area

    Agioi Pantes Lasithiou

    Why dive here

    ADAMAS is a wreck dive where divers can encounter sea turtles. Water ranges 16-25°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Marine lifeSea Turtles
    Water16-25°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 2m

    Adamas, grounded near Heraklion back in 1980, isn't a deep dive. In fact, it's barely a dive at all, with a maximum depth of two metres. But don't let that fool you. We love this site for its sheer accessibility and the way it introduces you to a proper wreck, right there in the shallows. What you'll find here is a motor vessel, its bow poking out of the water like a sleepy whale. The stern section is submerged, offering an easy exploration. It's a fantastic spot for snorkelers or freedivers, but for scuba divers, it’s a brilliant training ground for wreck penetration without the overhead. You can swim right into the hold, through what used to be the engine room, and along the deck. Sunlight streams in, illuminating schools of tiny damselfish darting between rusted bulkheads. We often see octopus tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you with mild curiosity. Look out for the nudibranchs inching across the metal, adding splashes of colour. The best time to visit is on a calm morning, before the day boats stir up the sand. It’s perfect for practicing buoyancy, getting comfortable in confined spaces, and just generally enjoying a historical piece of the Mediterranean without the pressure of depth or currents. It’s our pick for a relaxing afternoon dip with a fascinating twist.

    Typical ADAMAS Dive Profile

    Safety Stop0m2m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today05:4618:5913h 13m daylightGolden hour 18:25

    ADAMAS Wreck History

    Year Sunk

    1980

    Vessel Type

    motor vessel

    Cause

    grounding

    The story of the ADAMAS is a simple one of misadventure. On February 20, 1980, the motor vessel ran aground near Heraklion on the island of Crete. The damage was severe, and the ship was declared a total loss, left to be claimed by the sea. Today, its misfortune is a boon for divers and snorkelers visiting the Greek island.

    Resting in just two metres of water, the ADAMAS is an incredibly accessible wreck, with portions of its hull and superstructure breaking the surface. It serves as a perfect introduction to wreck exploration for novice divers, freedivers, and even snorkelers. The clear, warm waters of the Mediterranean provide excellent visibility, allowing for easy navigation and observation of the marine life that has colonized the wreck in the decades since it sank. It's a fantastic and effortless underwater playground, offering a glimpse into the world of shipwrecks without the need for deep-water certification.

    Nearest Dive Centres to ADAMAS

    Dive shops near ADAMAS

    View all dive centres in Crete

    Reviews for ADAMAS

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ADAMAS

    ADAMAS Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for ADAMAS, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data

    August Averages

    Sea Temperature

    25.05°C

    77°F

    Current Speed

    11.05 cm/s

    Direction: S (185.2°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.076 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    39.4 PSU

    Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)

    Book a dive trip in Crete

    Guided dives, courses & snorkel tours - instant booking

    Search trips

    Where to Stay near ADAMAS

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Crete