The 8 Best Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Greece

December 16, 2024 4 min

Greece is a dream destination for both snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and a mix of ancient and natural wonders beneath the surface, the country offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer the relaxing drift of snorkeling or the depth and thrill of scuba diving, Greece’s coastlines have you covered.

Let’s explore the top snorkeling and diving spots, catering specifically to both types of underwater explorers.

What you need to know about snorkeling in Greece

What is diving and snorkeling in Greece like?

Snorkeling in Greece offers calm, clear waters, teeming with vibrant fish and shallow reefs that are easily accessible from beaches and bays. The warm Mediterranean waters provide excellent visibility, making it easy for snorkelers to spot marine life near the surface, including colorful fish, sponges, and unique rock formations.

Diving in Greece opens up even more possibilities. Greece’s underwater world includes shipwrecks from antiquity and World War I, submerged caves, and volcanic rock formations. The depths offer incredible biodiversity, with everything from turtles and seals to octopuses and vibrant coral gardens.

No matter your preference, Greece’s combination of rich history and marine beauty makes it a destination like no other.

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

For Greek snorkeling and diving, the ideal time to visit is between May and October, when water temperatures range from 68°F to 81°F. This period offers optimal conditions for visibility and marine life activity.

For snorkelers, calmer seas and warm temperatures make for a comfortable experience, while divers will appreciate the clear, warm waters that make deep dives more enjoyable.

The cooler months from November to April are best left to experienced divers, as sea conditions can become more challenging for casual snorkelers. For the best snorkeling in Greece, stick to the warmer months.

Best Snorkeling Spots in Greece

1. Sidari Canal d’Amour, Corfu

One of the most scenic landscapes you can find in Corfu, the Sidari Canal d’Amour is one of the best spots in Greece to go snorkeling and swimming. Enjoy the towering cliffs and rock formations as you take to the crystal-clear water. Aptly named the “Canal of Love”, it’s said that couples who visit here will be blessed with eternal love and happiness. But this is also a great place to bring children for snorkeling, as the waters are shallow and calm.

2. Paleokastritsa Bay, Corfu

A list of the best snorkeling spots in Greece would not be complete without a mention of Paleokastritsa Bay – this area on the west coast of Corfu boasts some of the most popular dive sites in the Mediterranean. Not only is there incredible marine life to discover and caves to explore, but there is also crystal-clear visibility. It’s the perfect place for beginners to embark on a journey with snorkeling. Nearby sites of interest include The Monastery and Rovinia Beach – see our blog on the best beaches in Corfu for more information.

3. Cape Sounion, Athens

Was the Temple of Poseidon already on your Athens sailing itinerary? Just below the temple, you’ll find the picturesque Cape Sounion, where visitors can swim and snorkel in one of the most historically and culturally rich places in the world. Many tours are available, or you can moor up nearby and see what you can discover – the clear waters and abundant marine life make Cape Sounion suitable for both first-time and experienced snorkelers.

4. Blue Caves, Paxos (and Antipaxos)

The Blue Caves in Paxos offer a unique snorkeling experience with dazzling blue waters reflecting sunlight from the cave walls. These shallow caves are home to vibrant marine life like fish, sponges, and coral, all easily visible near the surface. Easily accessible from the shore, they’re a stunning spot for a peaceful snorkel. Best of all, when the sun shines into these caves the waters glow a beautiful vibrant blue, making for a uniquely magical snorkeling experience.

Best Diving Spots in Greece

1. HMHS Britannic, Kea

For experienced scuba divers, the HMHS Britannic wreck is a bucket-list dive. As the sister ship to the Titanic, this shipwreck sits over 400 feet below the surface near the island of Kea. Although this deep dive is only suitable for advanced divers, the marine life and historical significance make it an unforgettable experience. You can do some shallow dives in the surrounding waters, boasting vibrant marine life and great visibility.

2. Anna II Wreck, Mykonos

Another option for adventurous wreck divers, the Anna II Wreck near Mykonos is a 62-meter cargo ship that sank in 1995. The wreck is still in amazing condition, and some parts within the “light zone” are actually accessible to divers. The areas around the wreck are also beautiful – for example, nearby Paradise Reef is great for snorkeling, with plenty of colourful marine life like octopuses, wrasse and groupers to admire.

3. Tragonisi Cavern, Kea

If you’re a more advanced diver, Tragonisi Cavern is a must for diving in Greece. The complex cave system offers many tunnels, chambers and submerged caverns to explore. It’s also a protected nature reserve, and therefore a great spot for spotting rare marine life – if you’re lucky, you might see the rare and endangered monk seal!

4. The Hole of Ha, Corfu

World-renowned, The Hole of Ha is a spectacular place to visit for cave divers. We consider it one of the best dive sites in Greece thanks to its beauty alone. No matter your skill level, you’ll easily be able to access this cave. There’s no ceiling, so sunshine pours down from the mountains above and makes the pristine waters sparkle. Since the visibility is so good, you’ll also see stalactites and fossilized conch shells lining the cavern walls.

Other things to do in Greece

When you’re not exploring Greece’s stunning underwater world, there are plenty of activities on land to enjoy in this part of the Mediterranean.

Visit Ancient Ruins: Explore Greece’s rich history by visiting iconic archaeological sites like the Acropolis in Athens or the ruins of Knossos in Crete.

Island Hopping: Sail between the beautiful Cyclades or Ionian Islands, where you can relax on secluded Greek beaches or discover picturesque villages.

Savor Greek Cuisine: After a day in the water, enjoy authentic dishes like fresh seafood, moussaka, and souvlaki at a local taverna by the sea.

From exploring ancient history to savoring local flavors, Greece offers endless ways to unwind after a day of snorkeling or diving.
Ready to explore Greece’s underwater wonders? Charter a yacht with The Moorings and experience these incredible snorkeling and diving spots your way.