NAWARA - Crete

The Nawara, off Crete, isn't one of those ancient wrecks encrusted beyond recognition. She’s a relatively modern cargo ship, 70.5 meters long, that went aground in 1999. We love that she's still very much a ship, not just a pile of metal. You can see the cargo holds, the bridge area, even parts of the engine room if you’re careful and properly trained for wreck penetration. Our favorite part is the stern, where the prop is still visible, sitting on the sand at around 18 meters. Shoals of barracuda often hang motionless above the deck, and we've seen moray eels peeking from every nook. The light plays beautifully through the superstructure, creating these fantastic shafts of blue that just draw you deeper into the wreck's story. It's a proper adventure dive, especially if you like exploring rather than just admiring coral. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best visibility and fewer other divers. Just be mindful of the currents; they can pick up, particularly around the bow.

Location
Crete, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.498833, 23.666000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: IMERI KAI AGRIA GRAMVOUSSA - TIGANI KAI FALASARNA - PONTIKONISI, ORMOS LIVADI - VIGLIA

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 NAWARA

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 NAWARA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving at Nuarro dive sites?
The reported depth for the NAWARA wreck is 0m, suggesting its shallowest point is at the surface. This makes it an exceptionally accessible site, allowing divers to explore the 70.5m long motor vessel right from the surface. This unique characteristic provides a fascinating experience off the coast of Crete.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Nuarro?
Information regarding specific marine life and corals at the NAWARA dive site is not available in the provided data. However, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species over time. For general information on marine life in the region, you can visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the diving at Nuarro, and are there sites suitable for beginners?
Diving at the NAWARA wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its 0m depth makes it very accessible, the nature of wreck diving often requires some experience. Therefore, it may not be ideal for absolute beginners, but divers with basic certification and some experience will find it a rewarding exploration off Greece.
What is the best time of year to dive at Nuarro for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the NAWARA dive site. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Mediterranean, you might consult our when to dive section. We recommend checking local conditions with dive operators in Crete before planning your trip.
What dive certifications are recommended or required for diving at Nuarro?
Given the NAWARA wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, a minimum of an Open Water Diver certification is generally recommended. While no specific advanced certifications are explicitly stated in the data, divers should possess adequate experience for wreck exploration. Always consult with local dive centers in Crete for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Nuarro dive sites?
Information regarding typical current conditions and visibility at the NAWARA dive site is not provided in the available data. As with any dive, conditions can vary, so it's always best to check with local dive operators in Crete for the most up-to-date reports before planning your dive.