The rugged landscape of Crete continues below the surface of the sea, creating reefs, walls, rocky slopes, underwater caves and deep passages. Shipwrecks and aircraft remains found in different parts of the island also reveal aspects of Crete’s more recent maritime and military history. Visitors can discover this underwater world through recreational scuba diving, introductory dives and snorkelling excursions organised by licensed diving centres.

Beginners can participate in supervised introductory experiences that include basic instruction and a dive in shallow, sheltered water. Certified divers can choose excursions suited to their qualification and experience, including reef, wall and wreck diving. More demanding environments, particularly underwater caves and enclosed passages, require specialist training, suitable equipment and experienced professional supervision.

Chania offers several interesting diving areas around Souda Bay, Akrotiri, Cape Spatha and the Gramvousa Peninsula. One of the most remarkable sites is the Elephants’ Cave near Cape Drapano, where fossilised bones of an endemic elephant species have been discovered. The cave is a specialised diving site and should only be approached with properly qualified guides.

In southern Rethymno, the rocky seabed around Skinaria Beach is particularly popular for diving and snorkelling. Springs, rocky formations and clear water support a varied underwater environment. Other suitable areas can be found along the coast around Plakias and between Skaleta and Geropotamos, where reefs, rock formations and small marine caves shape the seabed.

Several diving centres operate along the northern coast of Heraklion, especially around Agia Pelagia, Ligaria, Mononaftis, Hersonissos and Malia. Excursions may also be organised around the island of Dia, depending on weather and sea conditions. These areas provide a combination of sheltered sites for beginners and deeper rocky locations for more experienced divers.

In Lassithi, diving and snorkelling opportunities can be found around Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, the island of Agii Pantes, Ierapetra and the coast of Sitia. The rocky shores near Cape Sidero and the Dionysades islets have a particularly wild character, while the submerged remains near Koufonissi, Itanos and Elounda are of archaeological interest. Ancient remains should only be observed and photographed, as their removal or disturbance is strictly prohibited.

Always choose an authorised diving centre and provide accurate information about your training, experience and health. Weather, currents, visibility and accessibility can change rapidly, so the final choice of diving site must be made by the responsible professionals. Divers and snorkellers should avoid touching marine organisms, entering unprotected archaeological areas or removing shells, rocks and other objects from the seabed.