Diving in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands

Explore 96 dive sites in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands, Greece. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Marine Life in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands

Home to 24 recorded species including 12 reef fish, 4 whales & dolphins, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 clams & mussels, 2 seagrass & algae, 1 other.

Dive Site Difficulty in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands

Zakynthos & Ionian Islands has 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for experienced divers.

Marine Protected Areas in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands

  • Ethniko Thalassio Parko Zakynthou - National Marine Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • Amvrakikos gulf - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Messolonghi lagoons - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Kotychi lagoons - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Paraliako dasos Nikopoleos - Mytika Prevezas - Aesthetic Forest (IUCN Category III)
  • Perioches Gyras kai Dimosari Lefkadas - Others (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Periochi dimon Argous kai Mideas (perioches 5 kai 5a) - Nature reserve area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Zones apolytis prostasias AP1, AP2, AP3 kai AP4 Ethnikou Parkou limnothalasson Mesolongiou - Absolute nature reserve zone in National Park (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Zones prostasias tis fysis PF1, PF2, PF3 kai PF4 Ethnikou Parkou limnothalasson Mesolongiou - Nature reserve zone in National Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • Zones A2, A3, Ia, Ib, P1, P2, P3, Y, kai Y’ Ethnikou Thalassiou Parkou Zakynthou - Nature reserve zone in National Marine Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ethniko Parko limnothalasson Mesolongiou – Aitolikou, kato rou kai ekvolon Acheloou kai Evinou kai nison Echinadon - National Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • Strofades Dimou Zakynthion - Wildlife Refugee (IUCN Category IV)
  • Vatatsa - Divari - Ormos Valtou - Drepano Dimou Igoumenitsas - Wildlife Refugee (IUCN Category IV)
  • Leichoura Dimou Pteleou - Wildlife Refugee (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ygrotopoi kai nisia kolpou Atalantis - Wildlife Refugee (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ekvoles Spercheiou-Anthlili-Roditsa - Wildlife Refugee (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ethniko Parko Ygrotopon Amvrakikou - National Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ethniko Parko Ygrotopon Amvrakikou - Periochi prostasias tis fysis - Nature reserve zone in National Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • Periochi Perivallontikou Elegchou Ethnikou Parkou Ygrotopon Amvrakikou (Zoni C) - National Park - Peripheral zone (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Ethniko Parko Ygrotopon Amvrakikou (Zoni B: Periochi Eidikon Rythmiseon) - Others (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ethniko Parko Ygrotopon Kotychiou - Strofylias - National Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • Perioches Prostasias tis Fysis Stenon kai Ekvolon Acheronta kai Kalama kai Elous Kalodikiou kai Perifereiaki Zoni - Nature reserve area (IUCN Category VI)
  • AMVRAKIKOS KOLPOS, DELTA LOUROU KAI ARACHTHOU (PETRA, MYTIKAS, EVRYTERI PERIOCHI, KATO POUS ARACHTHOU, KAMPI FILIPPIADAS) - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • EKVOLES (DELTA) KALAMA - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PARAKTIA THALASSIA ZONI APO PARGA EOS AKROTIRIO AGIOS THOMAS (PREVEZA), AKR. KELADIO - AG. THOMAS - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KOLPOS LAGANA ZAKYNTHOU (AKR. GERAKI - KERI) KAI NISIDES MARATHONISI KAI PELOUZO - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • NISOI STROFADES - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • ESOTERIKO ARCHIPELAGOS IONIOU (MEGANISI, ARKOUDI, ATOKOS, VROMONAS) - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PARAKTIA THALASSIA ZONI APO ARGOSTOLI EOS VLACHATA (KEFALONIA) KAI ORMOS MOUNTA - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • DYTIKES AKTES KEFALONIAS - STENO KEFALONIAS ITHAKIS - VOREIA ITHAKI (AKROTIRIA GERO GKOMPOS - DRAKOU PIDIMA - KENTRI - AG. IOANNIS) - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • NISOI PAXOI KAI ANTIPAXOI KAI EVRYTERI THALASSIA PERIOCHI - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PARAKTIA THALASSIA ZONI APO KANONI EOS MESONGI (KERKYRA) - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • DELTA ACHELOOU, LIMNOTHALASSA MESOLONGIOU - AITOLIKOU, EKVOLES EVINOU, NISOI ECHINADES, NISOS PETALAS - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PARAKTIA THALASSIA ZONI APO AKR. KYLLINI EOS TOUMPI - KALOGRIA - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • THALASSIA PERIOCHI KOLPOU KYPARISSIAS: AKR. KATAKOLO - KYPARISSIA - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KOILADA KAI EKVOLES SPERCHEIOU – MALIAKOS KOLPOS – MESOCHORI SPERCHEIOU - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • LIMNOTHALASSA PYLOU (DIVARI) KAI NISOS SFAKTIRIA, AGIOS DIMITRIOS - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • AMVRAKIKOS KOLPOS, LIMNOTHALASSA KATAFOURKO KAI KORAKONISIA - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • YGROTOPOS EKVOLON KALAMA KAI NISOS PRASOUDI - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • NISIDES STAMFANI KAI ARPYIA (STROFADES) KAI THALASSIA ZONI - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • DIAPONTIA NISIA (OTHONOI, EREIKOUSA, MATHRAKI KAI VRACHONISIDES) - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • DELTA ACHELOOU, LIMNOTHALASSA MESOLONGIOU - AITOLIKOU KAI EKVOLES EVINOU, NISOI ECHINADES, NISOS PETALAS, DYTIKOS ARAKYNTHOS KAI STENA KLEISOURAS - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • LIMNOTHALASSA KOTYCHI - ALYKI LECHAINON - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KATO ROUS KAI EKVOLES SPERCHEIOU POTAMOU - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ethniko Parko ygrotopon Kotychiou - Strofylias, Zoni A - Periochi Prostasias tis Fysis - Nature reserve zone in National Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • LIMNOTHALASSES STENON LEFKADAS (PALIONIS - AVLIMON) KAI ALYKES LEFKADAS - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • DYTIKES KAI VOREIOANATOLIKES AKTES ZAKYNTHOU - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • ALYKI LEFKIMΜIS (KERKYRA) - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • THALASSIA ZONI APO ARGOSTOLI EOS ORMO MOUNTA - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • THALASSIA PERIOCHI DIAPONTION NISON - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • NISIDES LICHADES KAI THALASSIA PERIOCHI - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KORINTHIAKOS KOLPOS - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • DYTIKES KAI VOREIOANATOLIKES AKTES ZAKYNTHOU - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • LIMNOTHALASSES STENON LEFKADAS (PALIONIS - AVLIMON) KAI ALYKES LEFKADAS - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • ALYKI LEFKIMΜIS (KERKYRA) - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Zakynthos & Ionian Islands - Nearest Airports

  • Aktion National Airport (PVK), Preveza - 43 km away, approx 62 min travel time
  • Corfu Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (CFU), Kerkyra (Corfu) - 143 km away, approx 171 min travel time
  • (Duplicate)Vlora International Airport (VLO), Vlorë - 260 km away, approx 299 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best months to go scuba diving in Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands, and what are the typical water conditions like?
While specific best months for diving in Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands are not detailed in our current data, divers can generally expect the diving season in the Mediterranean to offer pleasant conditions. The region is known for its crystal-clear Ionian Sea waters, providing excellent visibility for exploration.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see when diving in Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands?
Divers exploring Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands are particularly likely to have encounters with loggerhead turtles, a highlight of the region's marine life. While our data specifically mentions these magnificent creatures, the Mediterranean Sea is generally home to a diverse array of species. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
What are considered the top dive sites in Zakynthos and the wider Ionian Islands region for scuba divers?
The Zakynthos and Ionian Islands region boasts 96 dive sites, offering a variety of experiences for divers. Notable sites include the challenging Ducates cave and deep wall, the intriguing Swiss Cheese Paleo wreck, and the vibrant Scorpidi reef. Other popular spots like Space Cave and Zakynthos National Marine Park also provide unique underwater exploration opportunities.
Are the dive sites in Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands suitable for beginner divers, or are they more for experienced divers?
Based on the available data, many of the listed dive sites in Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands are categorized as intermediate or advanced, such as Ducates cave and deep wall or Space Cave. This suggests the region is well-suited for divers with some experience looking for more challenging explorations. However, with 7 dive centres in the area, it's likely there are also options available for less experienced divers.
What are the easiest ways to travel to Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands for a diving trip?
Our current data does not specify the easiest ways to travel to Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands for a diving trip. However, as a popular European destination, it is generally accessible via flights to local airports or ferries connecting from mainland Greece. We recommend checking international travel guides for the most up-to-date transportation details.
What is the typical underwater visibility and are there strong currents when diving around Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands?
Divers in Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands can anticipate excellent underwater visibility, thanks to the region's renowned crystal-clear Ionian Sea waters. While specific details on typical current strengths are not provided in our current data, conditions can vary by dive site and local weather. Always consult with local dive centres for real-time conditions.
Beyond marine life, what unique underwater topography or features, like caves or wrecks, can divers explore in Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands?
Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands offer a rich tapestry of underwater topography, including numerous caves and fascinating wrecks. Divers can explore sites like the Blue Caves of Zakynthos, Kefalonia's underwater caves, and specific dive sites such as Space Cave, Ducates cave and deep wall, Butterfly Cave, and Alexanders Cave. Additionally, historical wrecks like Swiss Cheese Paleo and AYIA ZONI provide captivating explorations for those interested in underwater history.
What are the average water temperatures throughout the diving season in Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands?
Our current data does not specify the average water temperatures throughout the diving season in Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands. However, divers planning a trip to the Mediterranean region can generally expect warmer waters during the summer months and cooler temperatures in spring and autumn. For precise temperature information, it is best to contact one of the 7 local dive centres directly before your visit.