Diving in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
Why dive here
Zakynthos & Ionian Islands is a diving destination where divers can encounter dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola), sea turtles and sperm whales.
When we talk about diving in the Ionian, we’re talking about Zakynthos, specifically. This place isn't about megafauna, it’s about the quiet magic of the Mediterranean. Think clear, calm water, sunbeams piercing through cave entrances, and a surprising density of smaller, colourful creatures. We’ve spent hours drifting through the Blue Caves of Zakynthos, the light show alone is worth the trip, painting the walls with electric blues. Our favourite dives here are the deep wall dives, particularly around Marathonisi. You’ll often find loggerhead turtles cruising by, completely unfazed. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff - the Risso's Crabs tucked into crevices, or the flash of a Broadnosed pipefish hiding in eelgrass beds. The Red Coral here is particularly striking against the white rock. We generally prefer diving early morning for the best light and fewer boats. The currents can pick up, making some of the cave dives more suited for advanced divers, but the rewards are there for those who know their stuff. Don't expect dramatic currents or massive pelagics, but if you appreciate intricate cave systems and a relaxed pace, you'll love it.
Zakynthos & Ionian Islands Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
Zakynthos & Ionian Islands Dive Sites
96 dive sites in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
AGHIOS ANDREAS
Aghios Andreas is a funny one. Not much depth, just 5m, which usually means it's one for the snorkelers, but this wreck holds its own for divers looking for something a bit different. She’s a wooden fishing vessel, went down in '77 after a fire near Patras, and now she’s settled comfortably on the seabed. We love the way the light filters down, hitting the wooden hull, making the whole scene feel a bit like stepping back in time. What you'll find here is a wreck that’s been thoroughly claimed by the sea. The wood is softening, creating all sorts of nooks and crannies for small blennies and gobies. Keep an eye out for octopus tucked into crevices; they’re often camouflaged so well they’re almost invisible until they move. While there isn't much to penetrate, swimming around the outline of the hull, imagining her working life, is genuinely engaging. It’s an easy, relaxed dive, perfect for a longer bottom time, ideal if you're dialling down the intensity after some deeper dives or just want a chill explore.
Agni Reef
Agni Reef, off Zakynthos, is a solid Mediterranean reef dive. We usually find decent visibility here, letting you appreciate the rock formations and the smaller creatures that call them home – think nudibranchs, octopuses, and the occasional moray eel peeking out. It’s a good spot for a relaxed dive, suitable for divers wanting to explore typical Ionian sea life without strong currents.
AIKATERINI
The *Aikaterini* isn't a deep dive, sitting at just three metres, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's not worth your time. This isn't about crushing depth, it’s about accessibility and history. We think it’s one of the most evocative shallow wrecks in the Ionian, a substantial motor vessel almost completely intact, just waiting for snorkelers or very relaxed divers. You’ll find the *Aikaterini* listing heavily, its superstructure broken but still recognisable. Sunlight filters through the shallow water, illuminating the rust-coloured hull. We love tracing the deck, imagining the vessel in its prime. Schools of tiny silversides often shimmer around the remains of the bridge, darting into the shadows. The sheer scale, even in such shallow water, is impressive; it’s a great site for photographers wanting to capture that interplay of light and decay without any pressure. Head here mid-morning; the light is usually best then, painting the wreck in gold.
Alexanders Cave
Alexanders Cave, on Zakynthos, is a solid cave dive for those looking to explore overhead environments. The entrance is wide, leading into a series of chambers where light penetrates from openings above. We’ve found barracuda often hang around the mouth, and inside, look for spiny lobsters tucked into crevices. It’s a good choice for divers comfortable with cave procedures, but not overly challenging.
ALUX (PROBABLY)
Alright, let’s talk ALUX. This isn't your typical deep-blue Greek dive, and that’s precisely why we love it. What you’ve got here is an Italian submarine, a casualty from 1944, sitting in barely two metres of water. Two metres! It's a proper wreck, surprisingly intact given its age and location, but it’s more snorkel or freedive territory than full scuba. We’ve spent hours drifting over the wreck, peering into what's left of the conning tower and imagining the crew’s final moments. The bow section is surprisingly defined, a hulking shadow just below the surface. What really makes ALUX special, though, is how much life has moved in. Schools of tiny silversides dart in and out of the openings, and you’ll spot gobies and blennies tucked into every crevice. Our favourite find was a small octopus camouflaged against the hull plating, barely visible until it pulsed colour. It’s perfect for a lazy afternoon; bring a mask, fins, and a snorkel. No heavy gear needed, just curiosity.
Anker
The Anker site in Zakynthos offers a straightforward Mediterranean dive. You'll likely find small groups of damselfish and perhaps a moray eel tucked into the rocks. It’s a good option for divers looking for a relaxed exploration without strong currents or deep profiles, suitable for newer divers or those wanting a calm dive.
Antipaxoi Beach
Antipaxoi Beach is a simple shore dive, good for an easy entry into the Ionian Sea. The seabed slopes gently, a mix of sand and scattered rock, providing cover for smaller Mediterranean reef fish. It’s a decent spot for newer divers looking to practice skills or just enjoy a relaxed swim in calm conditions. Not one for big pelagics, but plenty of blennies and gobies if you look closely.
Arch of the temple
The Arch of the Temple on Zakynthos offers an interesting architectural dive, with a substantial natural archway providing a swim-through experience. Sunlight filters through the opening, illuminating the rock formations. It’s a site that suits divers looking for unique topography rather than abundant marine life, though you'll find the usual Mediterranean reef fish and invertebrates clinging to the walls. We’d suggest it for an easy second dive or for newer divers.
Aris Place
Aris Place on Zakynthos offers a straightforward Mediterranean dive, good for getting wet and stretching the fins. You’ll find typical rocky topography with some smaller swim-throughs, home to the usual suspects like bream, gobies, and the occasional octopus tucked into a crevice. It’s a reliable spot for less experienced divers or those looking for an easy second dive, generally calm and without strong currents.
AYIA ZONI
Forget everything you thought you knew about shallow wrecks. Ayia Zoni, just off Zakynthos, sits at a ridiculously accessible 1-meter depth, making it our pick for an easy, rewarding dive or even a snorkel. We love how the hull, a former fishing boat, has completely softened with age, draped in an emerald cloak of algae and tiny mussels. You can trace the outline of its deck, see where the wheelhouse once stood, now just a shadowy impression. Sunlight filters through the surface, dappling the metal, and it’s a constant parade of small fish – iridescent damselfish darting in and out of every crevice, blennies peering from rusty holes. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs grazing the algae; they’re often tucked into the shadier spots. It’s not about grand scale here; it’s about the intimacy of decay and new life, perfect for photographers or those who just want to unwind underwater without the pressure of depth.
Barracuda Reef
Barracuda Reef is a straightforward shore entry dive in Zakynthos, ideal for less experienced divers or those looking for a relaxed afternoon. The reef plateaus around 12 meters, offering gentle slopes and small overhangs. We often spot octopus tucked into crevices and schools of ornate wrasse flitting between the rocks. It's a pleasant dive, unchallenging and perfect for a slow exploration.
Big Moray reef
Big Moray reef offers divers a straightforward look at Mediterranean coral formations. It's a relaxed dive, good for getting your bearings in the Ionian Sea. We’ve spotted morays here, as the name suggests, along with smaller reef fish tucked into the crevices. If you’re looking for a low-key dive in Zakynthos, this spot delivers.
Zakynthos & Ionian Islands Dive Centres
7 dive shops and operators in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
Ocean Wildlife in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
22 species recorded in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
Zakynthos & Ionian Islands Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Zakynthos & Ionian Islands, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
04:59
Sunset
18:21
Daylight
13h 21m
Golden Hour
17:45
First light (dawn) at 04:32 · Last light (dusk) at 18:48
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:54 | 16:39 | 9h 46m |
| Feb | 06:29 | 17:15 | 10h 46m |
| Mar | 05:49 | 17:44 | 11h 54m |
| Apr | 05:03 | 18:12 | 13h 9m |
| May | 04:27 | 18:41 | 14h 14m |
| JunLongest | 04:13 | 19:03 | 14h 50m |
| Jul | 04:24 | 19:02 | 14h 38m |
| AugNow | 04:50 | 18:34 | 13h 44m |
| Sep | 05:18 | 17:49 | 12h 31m |
| Oct | 05:45 | 17:02 | 11h 17m |
| Nov | 06:19 | 16:25 | 10h 6m |
| DecShortest | 06:48 | 16:17 | 9h 30m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands.
Where to Stay near Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
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Marine Protected Areas near Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
55 protected areas near Zakynthos & Ionian Islands - please respect local regulations when diving
KORINTHIAKOS KOLPOS
NISOI PAXOI KAI ANTIPAXOI KAI EVRYTERI THALASSIA PERIOCHI
ESOTERIKO ARCHIPELAGOS IONIOU (MEGANISI, ARKOUDI, ATOKOS, VROMONAS)
AMVRAKIKOS KOLPOS, DELTA LOUROU KAI ARACHTHOU (PETRA, MYTIKAS, EVRYTERI PERIOCHI, KATO POUS ARACHTHOU, KAMPI FILIPPIADAS)
Periochi Perivallontikou Elegchou Ethnikou Parkou Ygrotopon Amvrakikou (Zoni C)
Messolonghi lagoons
Ethniko Parko limnothalasson Mesolongiou – Aitolikou, kato rou kai ekvolon Acheloou kai Evinou kai nison Echinadon
Zones prostasias tis fysis PF1, PF2, PF3 kai PF4 Ethnikou Parkou limnothalasson Mesolongiou
DELTA ACHELOOU, LIMNOTHALASSA MESOLONGIOU - AITOLIKOU KAI EKVOLES EVINOU, NISOI ECHINADES, NISOS PETALAS, DYTIKOS ARAKYNTHOS KAI STENA KLEISOURAS
DELTA ACHELOOU, LIMNOTHALASSA MESOLONGIOU - AITOLIKOU, EKVOLES EVINOU, NISOI ECHINADES, NISOS PETALAS
Amvrakikos gulf
DYTIKES AKTES KEFALONIAS - STENO KEFALONIAS ITHAKIS - VOREIA ITHAKI (AKROTIRIA GERO GKOMPOS - DRAKOU PIDIMA - KENTRI - AG. IOANNIS)
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Getting to Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
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