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Scuba Diving Holidays In GreeceThanks to Greece's ancient history, scuba diving here can be especially fascinating to those of an historical bent. Underwater archeology is everywhere, and you may spot an amphora or two amongst the shoals!Country Description They may be popular with sun worshippers but Greece and its islands offer far more than good weather and great beaches. There's the club life, the bars and the scenery. The Greek Islands are scattered across the Aegean, Ionian and Cretan Sea in the Mediterranean. There are 2,000 islands, although only about ten per cent are inhabited. The rest are little more than rocky outposts. These islands are grouped into regions; Cyclades, Dodecanese, the Northeastern Aegean, the Sporades and the Saronic Gulf islands. Two of the country's largest islands, Crete and Evia are on their own. Diving Description For many years recreational diving in Greek waters was frowned upon. The Department of Underwater Archaeology feared for the ancient wonders that lay beneath the waters. Divers must subsequently seek permission from the local port police before embarking on a dive. Diving with a recognized dive center means you are covered by their license, however diving independently without permission will result in your equipment being confiscated. What you will find if you get your papers in order are islands of stunning dives. Rich in life - with grouper, octopus and a number of smaller fish - interesting topography and even a little ancient history thrown in for good measure Dive Sites Crete, Rhodes and the Aegean Coast Crete is the most geared-up Island for diving it has a number of dives, with some scattered with 2,000-year-old amphorae (storage pots used by the ancient Greeks and Romans) which were carried on merchant ships that sank in these waters. But be aware, you are not allowed to touch the pots! Cave Diving Also in the Crete, Rhodes and the Aegean Coastal regions are some spectacular cave systems. They are quite deep so you will need to be experience before attempting to explore them. The caves are open to the outside world, you can always see the entrance, and the walls are encrusted with pink sponges. Zakynthos and Corfu The Ionian Sea islands are particularly popular with Brits. The seas are calmer here so boat trips are usually comfortable. The dive sites are subsequently calmer too. The underwater scenery is often breathtaking with walls, drop-offs and caves. Marine life too is plentiful with octopuses, shoals of damsel fish, grouper, moray eels and jacks all around. Old Father wreck Although there are many ancient wrecks in the Greek waters, most are off limits to all but official archaeologists. However just off Paxos (close to Corfu) lies this modern ship, which has become a home to a host of different species of marine life. The West Coast of Corfu also boasts a spectacular ancient wreck that is open to all. Other info Diving facilities are very good in the Greek Islands with a number of operators offering training for beginners and loads of services for experienced divers.
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