PARNASSOS - Tabarka

The Parnassos, a 130-meter freighter, went down in 1978 after a run-in with the coast off Bizerte. Now, she lies surprisingly shallow, completely broken in half. We’ve always been drawn to wrecks that tell a story, and the Parnassos is a dramatic one. Dropping down, the sheer scale of her is impressive, even in two pieces. You’ll find the bow and stern sections separated by a rubble field, but it’s the way the light filters through the shattered superstructure that we love most. It’s like exploring a submerged industrial cathedral. Swim-throughs are plentiful and relatively easy at this depth, letting you poke around the old cargo holds where schools of damselfish now dart in and out of the shadows. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into crevices, their heads poking out like curious gargoyles. The Parnassos is ideal for newer wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed exploration. With a maximum depth of 12 meters, bottom time is generous, letting you really soak in the atmosphere. We’d suggest going in the morning; the sun angle really brings out the textures of the encrusted metal and paints the interior spaces in shifting blues.

Location
Tabarka, Tunisia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.332060, 9.872733
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Marine Protected Area: Lac Bizerte

Best Time to Dive in Tabarka

The warmest water temperatures in Tabarka occur in January, averaging 16.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.7°C (air: 14.4°C)
  • February: 16.7°C (air: 14.5°C)
  • March: 16.7°C (air: 14.8°C)
  • April: 16.7°C (air: 16.1°C)
  • May: 16.7°C (air: 18.8°C)
  • June: 16.7°C (air: 22.7°C)
  • July: 16.7°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • August: 16.7°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • September: 16.7°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • October: 16.7°C (air: 22.6°C)
  • November: 16.7°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • December: 16.7°C (air: 16.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Tabarka

Nearest Dive Centres to PARNASSOS

Marine Life in Tabarka

Home to 162 recorded species including 104 reef fish, 20 sharks & rays, 7 octopus & squid, 6 other, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for PARNASSOS

Based on average water temperature of 16.7°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • 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 divers can reach at the Polydrosos Cave dive site near Parnassos?
Information regarding the maximum depth for Polydrosos Cave is not available in the provided data context. The available data describes the Parnassos wreck, a motor vessel located off Tabarka, Tunisia. This wreck, classified as dangerous, reaches a maximum depth of 12m and is considered an intermediate dive.
What kind of underwater formations and unique features can divers expect to see inside Polydrosos Cave?
Information regarding underwater formations and unique features inside Polydrosos Cave is not available in the provided data context. The available data describes the Parnassos wreck, a motor vessel located off Tabarka, Tunisia. This wreck, sunk in 1978, offers exploration of a 129.8m x 16.5m vessel.
How difficult is the Polydrosos Cave dive, especially considering its narrow passages and potential for low visibility?
Information regarding the difficulty of the Polydrosos Cave dive, including its passages and visibility, is not available in the provided data context. The available data describes the Parnassos wreck, a motor vessel located off Tabarka, Tunisia. This wreck is classified as an intermediate dive, reaching a maximum depth of 12m.
What is the best time of year to dive Polydrosos Cave, taking into account water flow and visibility conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive Polydrosos Cave, including water flow and visibility, is not available in the provided data context. For general guidance on diving in Tunisia, you might consult our When to Dive section. The provided data focuses on the Parnassos wreck, an intermediate dive at 12m.
What specific diving certifications are required to safely explore Polydrosos Cave?
Information regarding specific diving certifications required for Polydrosos Cave is not available in the provided data context. The available data describes the Parnassos wreck, a motor vessel located off Tabarka, Tunisia. This wreck is classified as an intermediate dive, reaching a maximum depth of 12m.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility levels divers might encounter when diving Polydrosos Cave?
Information regarding typical current conditions and visibility levels for Polydrosos Cave is not available in the provided data context. The available data describes the Parnassos wreck, a motor vessel located off Tabarka, Tunisia. This wreck, sunk in 1978, is an intermediate dive at a depth of 12m.