ANTHOS - Dodecanese

Anthos, a carrier vessel that ran aground in 1974, is one of our favourites in the Dodecanese for a reason. This isn't just a pile of metal; it’s a proper wreck dive, 86 metres long, sitting in the blue and inviting you in. We love dropping down and seeing the sheer scale of it emerge from the gloom, its bow angled slightly upwards, stern settling deeper. You can spend a good chunk of your bottom time exploring the deck and superstructure, poking into cargo holds where schools of damselfish now swirl. Look closely at the metalwork for nudibranchs, and keep an eye out for octopus tucked into crevices. The visibility here can be superb, giving the wreck a ghostly, almost surreal presence. It's a great spot for advanced divers who appreciate a substantial wreck and want to really take their time exploring, rather than just doing a fly-by. We’d suggest going in the morning before any wind picks up, when the light penetrates beautifully into the holds.

Location
Dodecanese, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.856766, 27.892511
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ANTHOS

Year Sunk
1974
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
2,145 GRT

The M/V Anthos had a long and storied career before its dramatic end in the Greek islands. Built in 1949 in Denmark as the Gurli Mærsk for the world-renowned Maersk shipping line, this 87-meter cargo carrier sailed the world's oceans for a quarter of a century under several different names. Its final chapter began under the ownership of Nikolaso Fokas. On January 12, 1974, while navigating the Dodecanese, the Anthos ran hard aground on the treacherous Khina Shelf, sealing its fate. The vessel was a total loss and was abandoned to the elements.

Today, the wreck of the Anthos is a spectacular sight, lying partially submerged with its rusting superstructure breaking the surface of the Aegean Sea. This makes it an incredible site for divers, snorkelers, and photographers alike. The shallow sections are bathed in light, revealing a structure that has been transformed into a bustling artificial reef, teeming with fish and invertebrates. Divers can explore the submerged cargo holds and decaying decks, witnessing firsthand how the sea has colonized this once-proud ship. Its exposed position creates a dynamic environment, offering a different experience with every change in weather and light.

Marine Protected Area: RODOS: AKRAMYTIS, ARMENISTIS, ATTAVYROS, REMATA KAI THALASSIA ZONI (KARAVOLA-ORMOS GLYFADA)

Best Time to Dive in Dodecanese

The warmest water temperatures in Dodecanese occur in August, averaging 28.7°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 17.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 18.6°C
  • February: 17.4°C
  • March: 17.0°C
  • April: 17.8°C
  • May: 20.3°C
  • June: 23.2°C
  • July: 26.5°C
  • August: 28.7°C
  • September: 27.7°C
  • October: 25.5°C
  • November: 23.5°C
  • December: 21.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Dodecanese

Nearest Dive Centres to ANTHOS

Marine Life in Dodecanese

Home to 26 recorded species including 8 reef fish, 4 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ANTHOS

Based on average water temperature of 22.3°C, currents 8 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 22°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