wreck

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VASILISSA OLGA

The *Vasilissa Olga* isn't your typical Mediterranean wreck dive. For a start, it’s not really a dive site in the traditional sense, but rather a shallow, historic site that’s better appreciated with a mask and snorkel. This Greek destroyer, sunk by German air attacks in 1943, lies in Leros Harbour, and while the data suggests 5m, we found parts of her superstructure almost breaking the surface. It’s an incredible experience to swim over such a significant piece of history. We remember seeing the ghostly outlines of her deck guns and torpedo tubes, just below the dappled sunlight. Schools of damselfish shimmer around the twisted metal, and the occasional octopus peeks from a shadowy crevice. It’s definitely more about the history and the sheer presence of the wreck than big pelagics or colourful corals. Our tip? Go early in the morning before the boat traffic picks up. Visibility here can be a bit variable, especially if there’s a breeze stirring things up, but on a calm day, it’s surprisingly clear over the main sections. It suits anyone with an interest in naval history, or snorkelers looking for something genuinely unique beyond a patch of seagrass. You’re not exploring deep, dark corridors, but rather gliding over the remains of a powerful warship.