AIKATERINI - Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
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.
- Location
- Zakynthos & Ionian Islands, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
- Coordinates
- 38.259666, 21.737112
- Type
- wreck
- Maximum Depth
- 3m
Wreck History - AIKATERINI
- Vessel Type
- cargo ship
- Cause
- grounding
The wreck of the motor vessel AIKATERINI is a dramatic and exceptionally accessible dive site in the clear waters of the Ionian Islands. Lying in a mere 3 meters of water, this massive 127-meter ship is suitable for novice divers, snorkelers, and freedivers. Its shallow grave means that parts of the hull and superstructure actually break the surface, creating a striking sight from both above and below the water. Divers can spend hours exploring the vast structure, swimming through openings in the hull, and observing the diverse marine life that has quickly colonized this artificial reef. Its accessibility and sheer size make the AIKATERINI a must-see for anyone visiting Zakynthos.
Marine Protected Area: Ethniko Parko Ygrotopon Kotychiou - Strofylias
Nearby Dive Sites in Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
- AGHIOS ANDREAS - 5m (wreck)
- Agni Reef (reef)
- Alexanders Cave (cave)
- ALUX (PROBABLY) - 2m (wreck)
- Anker
- Antipaxoi Beach
- Arch of the temple - 10-25m (cave)
- Aris Place
- AYIA ZONI - 1m (wreck)
- Barracuda Reef (reef)
- Big Moray reef (reef)
- Blue Pot
- Bournias
- Butterfly Cave (cave)
- Canyon
Nearest Dive Centres to AIKATERINI
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.
Notable Species
- Marbled Spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus) - Reef Fish
- loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
- Wrasse (Coris julis) - Reef Fish
- Red lionfish (Pterois miles) - Reef Fish
- Painted Comber (Serranus scriba) - Reef Fish
- Parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense) - Reef Fish
- Ornate Wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) - Reef Fish
- Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) - Reef Fish
- Garrupa (Serranus cabrilla) - Reef Fish
- Silver-cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) - Reef Fish
- Blue-white Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) - Whales & Dolphins
- Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Salema (Sarpa salpa) - Reef Fish
- Native oyster (Ostrea edulis) - Clams & Mussels
- Mediterranean tapeweed (Posidonia oceanica) - Seagrass & Algae
- Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
- anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) - Reef Fish
- Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Species code: Hs (Halophila stipulacea) - Seagrass & Algae
- Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) - Whales & Dolphins