The Best Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Corfu

December 16, 2024 4 min

Corfu, part of Greece’s stunning Ionian Islands, is a fantastic destination for both snorkelers and divers. With its crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and unique underwater landscapes, Corfu is a playground for those looking to explore beneath the surface.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Corfu has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the best times to visit, the top snorkeling and diving spots, and other activities to enjoy during your time on the island.

What you should know about snorkeling in Corfu

What is diving and snorkeling in Corfu like?

Snorkeling in Corfu revolves around tranquil, clear waters with vibrant marine life close to shore. The island’s many beaches are perfect for snorkelers of all levels, with a variety of fish, sponges, and rocky formations to explore. Corfu’s sheltered bays provide calm conditions, making it ideal for families and casual snorkelers.

Diving in Corfu is all about exciting underwater adventures, from ancient shipwrecks to dramatic underwater caves. Divers can expect to encounter everything from colorful fish and octopuses to underwater caverns and tunnels. With dive sites catering to all skill levels, Corfu’s underwater world is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

When is the best time to dive or snorkel in Corfu?

The best time to snorkel and dive in Corfu is between May and October, when the water temperatures are warm, ranging from 72°F to 81°F. During these months, the sea is calm, resulting in excellent visibility for both snorkelers and divers. The peak summer season also brings an abundance of marine life, giving an even better underwater experience.

For those seeking quieter conditions, May and September offer fewer crowds while still providing ideal water conditions for diving and snorkeling.

Best Snorkeling Spots in Corfu

1. Paleokastritsa Bay

Paleokastritsa Bay is a go-to snorkeling spot in Corfu, known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. The rocky seabed is home to fish, starfish, and sea urchins. Its calm inlets and coves make it a great choice for beginners and families alike.

2. Rovinia Beach

Located near Paleokastritsa, Rovinia Beach is a hidden gem for snorkeling. The secluded, pebbled beach leads to calm, shallow waters that are ideal for snorkelers. The clear waters offer visibility of a variety of fish species, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for a relaxing snorkel.

3. Agios Georgios Beach

Known for its long, sandy shoreline, Agios Georgios Beach offers excellent conditions for snorkelers. The calm waters near the rocky edges of the beach reveal small schools of fish, crabs, and other marine life, making it a great spot for exploring the underwater environment without venturing too far from shore.

4. Nissaki Beach

Nissaki Beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters, making it one of the spots for the best snorkeling in Corfu. The rocky seabed is home to a variety of fish species, and the calm waters provide great visibility, perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Corfu’s coastline.

5. Kassiopi Bay

Located on Corfu’s northeastern coast, Kassiopi Bay has a rocky seabed that provides a habitat for various marine species, including fish, sea urchins, and starfish. The calm, clear waters make it ideal for snorkelers of all skill levels, with plenty of small coves to explore along the shore.

Best Diving Spots in Corfu

1. The Calypso Deep

The Calypso Deep is a favorite among advanced divers. Its steep drop-offs, caves, and tunnels create a dynamic underwater landscape. Along the way, you might spot schools of fish, octopuses, and the occasional stingray.

2. The Wreck of the “Irene”

The Irene was a cargo ship that sank off the coast of Corfu in the 1980s. Now, it serves as a popular dive site, offering divers the opportunity to explore the wreck at a depth of 30 meters. The wreck is home to various marine species, including groupers, moray eels, and sponges, making it an excellent dive for intermediate to advanced divers.

3. Colovri Reef

Colovri Reef is a top dive site known for its colorful marine life and underwater rock formations. Located near Paleokastritsa, the reef features a wide variety of fish, from wrasses to groupers. The depth of the dive ranges from 10 to 40 meters, making it suitable for both intermediate and advanced divers. The visibility is excellent, and the reef’s natural beauty makes it a must-visit spot for divers.

4. Paxi Caves

Just a short boat trip from Corfu, the Paxi Caves are a stunning dive site perfect for advanced divers. The underwater caves and tunnels are filled with unique rock formations, and divers can explore the depths while encountering a range of marine life. The natural beauty of the caves, combined with the adventure of cave diving, makes this a top choice for experienced divers.

What Else To Do in Corfu

Beyond its underwater adventures, there is plenty more to do on land. After a day of scuba diving in Corfu, Greece has lots more attractions to explore:

Visit Corfu Town: Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Corfu Town, with its Venetian architecture, charming streets, and historic fortresses.

Relax on the beaches: Corfu is home to stunning beaches, from the bustling Glyfada Beach to the more secluded Porto Timoni, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful Ionian Sea.

Try local cuisine: After your underwater adventures, enjoy traditional Corfiot dishes such as pastitsada (braised meat in tomato sauce) or sofrito (veal with garlic and white wine) at a seaside taverna.

With its combination of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant underwater life, Corfu is a must-visit destination for snorkelers and divers alike. You can also go further afield and find more stunning snorkeling and diving spots in Greece.

Ready to explore Corfu’s underwater wonders? Charter a yacht with The Moorings and make these incredible snorkeling and diving spots your next adventure.