NEREUS - Crete

The Nereus wreck, near Sitia, is one of our favourites for a relaxed exploration. It’s an old roll on-roll off ferry, sunk back in '89, now sitting upright on a shallow sandy bottom at just six metres. That depth means long bottom times, perfect for photographers or new divers looking to get comfortable on a wreck. You can easily swim the entire length of her 78-metre deck. We love dropping down into the bow's vehicle deck, where shafts of sunlight cut through the openings, illuminating schools of small silversides that flicker and move like a liquid curtain. Around the stern, the propeller is still intact, encrusted with sponges and home to various small gobies and blennies. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for moray eels – they’re often tucked away, just their heads peeking out. The shallow depth means ambient light is plentiful, and the visibility here is generally excellent, often 20 metres plus, making for a truly enjoyable dive without feeling rushed. It’s a gentle wreck dive, offering plenty of time to really soak it all in.

Location
Crete, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.207170, 26.111166
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Marine Protected Area: VOREIOANATOLIKO AKRO KRITIS: DIONYSADES, ELASA KAI CHERSONISOS SIDERO (AKRA MAVRO MOURI – VAI – AKRA PLAKAS) 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

Nearest Dive Centres to NEREUS

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 NEREUS

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 is the typical depth range for recreational diving at the Nereus dive site?
The Nereus dive site in Crete, Greece, offers recreational diving at a depth of 6 meters. This shallow depth provides an accessible opportunity to explore the historical wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Nereus?
The Nereus dive site is primarily a wreck dive, featuring the substantial remains of a 78.6m x 16.5m roll on-roll off vessel that sank in 1989. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, divers can expect to explore the hull and superstructure of this classification wreck. For general information on marine species, you can visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Nereus dive site, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The Nereus dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This makes it suitable for divers with some experience, rather than absolute beginners, but it does not typically require advanced certifications.
What is the best time of year to dive at Nereus for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the Nereus dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive at Nereus?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers visiting the Nereus dive site should possess a foundational level of diving experience. While specific certifications beyond open water are not explicitly stated as required, an intermediate skill level implies comfort and proficiency in various diving conditions.
What are the usual current conditions and water visibility like at the Nereus dive site?
Information regarding the usual current conditions and water visibility at the Nereus dive site is not available in our current dataset. Divers should always consult with local dive operators in Crete for real-time conditions before planning their dive.