PANAGIA IMVROU - Halkidiki

The Panagia Imvrou wreck is one of our favourites in Halkidiki, not for its grand scale, but for its quiet charm and accessibility. It's a relatively shallow dive, topping out at 14m, which means plenty of bottom time and good light penetration on a sunny day. We love how the light plays off the hull, highlighting the soft corals and sponges that have taken hold since she sank in 1978. You'll find the wreck lying on her port side, mostly intact, with her bow pointing seaward. We always suggest taking your time to explore the main deck, where you can peer into the ghostly remains of the bridge and cargo holds. Schools of small silversides often shimmer around the superstructure, darting in and out of the shadows, and we've seen everything from moray eels peeking out of crevices to nudibranchs grazing on the hull. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for divers wanting a relaxed wreck experience without needing advanced skills. The Panagia Imvrou offers a genuine sense of history and marine reclamation, a testament to the sea's power to transform.

Location
Halkidiki, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
40.930485, 24.411333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Marine Protected Area: KOLPOS PALAIOU - ORMOS ELEFTHERON

Best Time to Dive in Halkidiki

The warmest water temperatures in Halkidiki occur in August, averaging 26.6°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 14.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 14.7°C
  • February: 14.5°C
  • March: 14.0°C
  • April: 14.6°C
  • May: 18.4°C
  • June: 23.4°C
  • July: 26.3°C
  • August: 26.6°C
  • September: 24.4°C
  • October: 21.2°C
  • November: 18.6°C
  • December: 16.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Halkidiki

Nearest Dive Centres to PANAGIA IMVROU

Marine Life in Halkidiki

Home to 22 recorded species including 5 reef fish, 5 hard corals, 4 other, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 soft corals, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for PANAGIA IMVROU

Based on average water temperature of 19.4°C, currents 6 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°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 diving at Panagia Imvrou?
The Panagia Imvrou dive site has a typical depth of 14 meters. This makes it accessible for divers looking for a relatively shallow wreck experience in Halkidiki, Greece.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Panagia Imvrou?
At Panagia Imvrou, divers can explore the impressive remains of a motor vessel, the 'SWANNY G', which sank in 1978. This wreck measures 57.9m x 8.8m, offering significant underwater features to discover. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species, making it a potential spot for marine life observation.
What is the difficulty level of the Panagia Imvrou dive site, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The Panagia Imvrou dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is best suited for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners. Divers should ensure they have the appropriate skills and comfort level for an intermediate wreck dive.
What is the best time of year to dive at Panagia Imvrou for optimal conditions and visibility?
Based on the provided data, specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at Panagia Imvrou is not available. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in Greece, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Panagia Imvrou?
Given that Panagia Imvrou is an intermediate level wreck dive, divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. While not explicitly stated, a wreck diving specialty certification would be highly recommended to safely and effectively explore this site, classified as a Dangerous wreck.
What are the usual currents and water conditions like at the Panagia Imvrou dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details about the usual currents or water conditions at the Panagia Imvrou dive site. It is always advisable to check with local dive operators in Halkidiki for the most current conditions before planning your dive.