Ios Wreck - Crete
The Ios Wreck, resting off the coast of Crete, is one of those sites that really gets under your skin. It’s a purposeful wreck, sunk in 2000, which means it’s been prepped for divers and sits upright, relatively intact, at a depth we find perfect for an extended rummage. We love how the Mediterranean light filters through the superstructure, especially mid-morning, illuminating the shoals of damselfish that dart in and out of the corridors. We've spent hours exploring the bridge, the engine room, and the cargo holds; each section offers something different. Look closely and you’ll spot nudibranchs clinging to the metal, and octopus often tuck themselves away in crevices, their eyes watching you with intelligent curiosity. Our favourite moment is always finning through the main deck, feeling the cool current pull you gently along as you imagine the ship in its former life. It’s a dive that suits those who enjoy penetration, but even staying on the exterior offers plenty to see. Just remember to check the local dive centre for current conditions; visibility can shift with the winds.
- Location
- Crete, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
- Coordinates
- 36.712196, 25.265291
- Type
- wreck
Marine Protected Area: FOLEGANDROS ANATOLIKI MECHRI DYTIKI SIKINO KAI THALASSIA ZONI
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
- 5B-CCF - 18m (wreck)
- ABED AL SALEM - 5m (wreck)
- ADAMAS - 2m (wreck)
- ADRIAS - 25m (wreck)
- Aegean Divers
- Afalatosi
- Agios Pavlos Cliff and Caves (cave)
- Agios Pavlos Gold Mine
- Agios Pavlos Wall (wall)
- Akrotiri reef (reef)
- Alonaki
- Ammoudi Reef (reef)
- Ammoudi Reef Wreck (wreck)
- Ammoudi Wall (wall)
- Arado 196 A (wreck)
Nearest Dive Centres to Ios Wreck
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
- loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
- Marbled Spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus) - Reef Fish
- Red lionfish (Pterois miles) - Reef Fish
- Long-spined sea urchin (Diadema setosum) - Sea Urchins
- Silver-cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) - Reef Fish
- Studded Pufferfish (Torquigener flavimaculosus) - Reef Fish
- Bearded Fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) - Worms
- Species code: Hs (Halophila stipulacea) - Seagrass & Algae
- Elliptical File-Shell (Limatula subauriculata) - Clams & Mussels
- Redcoat (Sargocentron rubrum) - Reef Fish
- gribble (Limnoria lignorum) - Crabs & Lobsters
Recommended Packing List for Ios Wreck
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