ADAMAS - Crete

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.

Location
Crete, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.332170, 25.249500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ADAMAS

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.

Marine Protected Area: Agioi Pantes Lasithiou

Best Time to Dive in Crete

The warmest water temperatures in Crete occur in August, averaging 25.1°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 16.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 17.3°C
  • February: 16.4°C
  • March: 16.4°C
  • April: 17.0°C
  • May: 19.2°C
  • June: 22.3°C
  • July: 24.1°C
  • August: 25.1°C
  • September: 24.6°C
  • October: 22.9°C
  • November: 20.9°C
  • December: 18.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Crete

Nearest Dive Centres to ADAMAS

Marine Life in Crete

Home to 11 recorded species including 5 reef fish, 1 other, 1 sea urchins, 1 worms, 1 seagrass & algae, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ADAMAS

Based on average water temperature of 20.4°C, currents 5 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