PYTHEAS - Dodecanese

The Pytheas is one of those wrecks we always come back to, a proper piece of history lying just off the Dodecanese. She went down in ‘66 after hitting something submerged, a big steamship at 134 meters long, built for wartime in California. Now, she’s a scattering of metal across the seabed at a consistent 10 meters, so it’s a brilliant site for newer wreck divers or those who just want a long, relaxed bottom time. We love finning over the debris field, trying to imagine her full shape. You can still make out her ribs, the plates long gone in places, creating these fantastic swim-throughs where damselfish flit in and out. The light filters through, bouncing off the sandy patches, and often we’ll spot octopus tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you pass. Our favourite part is the bow section; it’s more intact, and you often find schools of barracuda hanging in the slight current, shimmering silver. It’s not a deep dive, but it feels like you're exploring a real ghost from the past, completely taken over by the sea.

Location
Dodecanese, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.333300, 27.884068
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Kremastis - Paradeisiou Dimou Petaloudon Nisou Rodou

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 PYTHEAS

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 PYTHEAS

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Pytheas Wreck dive site and is it suitable for all diver levels?
The Pytheas Wreck dive site, located in the Dodecanese, reaches a maximum depth of 10 meters. Classified as an intermediate dive, it is not suitable for all diver levels, especially beginners. Divers should possess the necessary experience and certifications for this type of wreck exploration.
What kind of marine life and historical features can divers expect to see when exploring the Pytheas Wreck?
When exploring the Pytheas Wreck, divers can expect to encounter significant historical features. This steam ship vessel, built in 1943, sank on January 3, 1966, after striking a submerged object between Rhodes Island and Crete. Its substantial dimensions of 134.4m x 17.4m provide a fascinating historical exploration; however, specific marine life details for this site are not available in our current database.
How challenging is the Pytheas Wreck dive, and is it considered a beginner-friendly site?
The Pytheas Wreck dive is classified as having an intermediate difficulty and is further noted as a "Dangerous wreck." Due to these classifications, it is not considered a beginner-friendly site. Divers should possess the necessary experience and certifications suitable for challenging wreck explorations.
What is the best time of year to dive the Pytheas Wreck for optimal sea conditions and visibility?
We currently do not have specific data regarding the best time of year for optimal sea conditions and visibility at the Pytheas Wreck. For general guidance on diving seasons in Greece, please consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to explore the Pytheas Wreck?
While specific certification names are not explicitly listed, exploring the Pytheas Wreck, an intermediate and "Dangerous wreck," requires appropriate advanced diving certifications. Divers should possess specialized training for wreck diving beyond basic open water certification to safely navigate this site. Always ensure your equipment and training are suitable for the dive conditions.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like at the Pytheas Wreck dive site?
We do not have specific data available regarding the typical water conditions, currents, or visibility at the Pytheas Wreck dive site at this time. Divers planning to visit should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions.