ANTHOS
Protected Area
RODOS: AKRAMYTIS, ARMENISTIS, ATTAVYROS, REMATA KAI THALASSIA ZONI (KARAVOLA-ORMOS GLYFADA)
Why dive here
ANTHOS is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales. Water ranges 18-27°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
ANTHOS Wreck History
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.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ANTHOS
ANTHOS Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ANTHOS, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (36.89, 27.33) (33km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
25°C
76°F · Range: 22.7–26.4°C
Current Speed
11.18 cm/s
Direction: W (280.3°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.08 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
39.53 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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