Explore Dodecanese

The Dodecanese islands offer a unique diving experience in the southeastern Aegean Sea, where history and natural beauty converge beneath the waves. With 15 larger islands and numerous smaller ones, divers can explore a variety of underwater landscapes. The islands' vibrant marine life includes playful seals, especially at the famous Cave of the Seal near Rhodes, along with fascinating rock formations and magnificent wrecks. These wrecks, nestled in relatively shallow waters, make the Dodecanese an ideal destination for both beginners and seasoned divers looking to hone their skills. Beyond the vibrant marine life, the Dodecanese islands are steeped in history, enhancing the diving experience with a sense of timelessness. Divers can encounter ancient archaeological sites underwater, offering a glimpse into the past. Seasonal highlights include the presence of dolphins in deeper waters, adding to the excitement and allure of the region. Whether you choose to dive from the shore, take a boat excursion, or embark on a liveaboard adventure, the Dodecanese promises a diverse and captivating underwater journey, making it a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts.

Places to Explore

Rhodes

19 Divesites 5 Centers

Rhodes offers a variety of different underwater habitats including volcanic rock formations, small and large caverns, historical artifacts and plenty of wrecks.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Anthony Quinn Bay

The most beautiful Bay on the Island and the most popular, this bay took its name from the actor who loved the place at first site and filmed scenes of the classic movie “The Guns of Navarone” here. The scenery of the bay is breathtaking, combining a fantastic natural port under a pine forest.

1,738
Logs
616
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Jesus

A wonderful reef type dive ending on a surprise spot. Maximum depth of the dive is 18 meters and minimum required level for participants is Basic diver.

32
Logs
31
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Makri Island

Located on the western side of Rhodes, this is a small island with fish farms. A great dive with a wooden shallow wreck. You will have the opportunity to dive with tunas and dolphins and do some snorkeling inside the fish cages and be surrounded by thousands of fish.

404
Logs
84
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Seal Cave

One of the most wonderful dives on Rhodes a truly amazing marine cave combined with a wonderful deep reef. You will find a lot off descriptions videos and other on the internet but nothing compares diving it. Maximum depths in the cave is 19 meters and outside can exceed 30 meters.

102
Logs
94
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
24.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Pancake Rhodes

A wonderful dive site right outside the beach of Mandomata.An ideal place for adventure not only for new divers but for experienced too featuring some very nice shallow caverns and swimthroughs!

64
Logs
39
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Kolymbia harbour

Easy location, mooring by the beach, start in shallow water, current can be found just outside of the bay, changing often. Rocky dive site, you can find a little cave.

134
Logs
47
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Ladiko Wall South

Another wonderful wall dive relatively easier from the north part featuring a stiff wall, starting from 6 meters and dropping to 30 meters. It is one of the most popular dive sites because difficulty level and maximum depth can be arranged. Minimum certificate required is Open Water Diver.

246
Logs
178
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Ladiko Wall

A wonderful wall dive exciting, atmospheric and full of surprises. The dive combines a stiff wall and a deeper part of the reef featuring very nice cavities full of marine life and more. The maximum depth of the dive can be arranged between 24 and 30 meters. The minimum level required for participants is Advanced.

395
Logs
248
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Ladiko

A wonderful dive combining all reef types (flat, drop off, wall) ending on a surprise spot. Maximum depth of the dive is 18 meters and minimum required level for participants is Open Water diver.

379
Logs
174
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
23.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Trooper

A wonderful dive combining all reef types (flat, drop off, wall) ending on a surprise spot full of lion fish. Maximum depth of the dive is 18 meters and minimum required level for participants is Open Water diver.

228
Logs
132
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ GhostNet

Ghost net is a deep dive designed for advanced divers. Ghost net is lying on the bottom of a stiff wall starting from 18 meters and going all the way to 3 meters. As a relic it keeps a lot of marine life that finds shelter in its abandoned layers.

22
Logs
19
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Anchor Forest

Not all captains know how to anchor, so a lot of anchors are being damped in the sea, great material for a nice installation such as the anchor forest. The maximum depth of the dive is 18 meters and the minimum required level for participants is Open water diver.

27
Logs
22
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
23.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Eros Reef

Eros reef takes its name from a statue of God of Eros placed there from a couple of divers who met, fall in love and married on this particular reef. The dive itself is a combination of cavities and a steep drop off. Maximum depth of the dive can be between 24 and 30 meters.

62
Logs
44
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Paola Cavern

Paola cavern is a wonderful cavern located at the end of a stiff drop off. Penetration is possible from experienced divers and the reward for this - is a wonderful atmospheric light display in the deepest point. Maximum depth can be adjustable and the minimum required experience is Advance Open Water plus not less

19
Logs
15
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
30.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Rhodos Kalithea Bay

Kalithea is a Historic place a few km south of Rhodes City and a few more north of Faliraki resort. Actually the bay is located inside the monument of Kalithea completing the iconic scene of the area!

1,571
Logs
634
Divers
12.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Dodecanese

The Dodecanese islands offer a mesmerizing dive experience, from shipwrecks to vibrant marine life. Kalymnos stands out with its pristine waters and the famous "Italian Wreck," a captivating site for those intrigued by history. Another gem, Leros, provides the "War Museum Dive" with remnants from World War II, perfect for wreck enthusiasts. For shore diving, Symi offers beautiful spots accessible directly from the beach, while the dramatic underwater landscapes of Rhodes invite exploration. Unique encounters like night dives reveal the bioluminescent wonders of the Aegean Sea. Both shore and liveaboard diving options cater to different preferences, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all divers.

The best Months to dive in Dodecanese

The Dodecanese offers diving opportunities year-round, with varying conditions across seasons. Water temperatures range from 16°C–25°C/61°F–77°F. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, making it ideal for underwater exploration. In summer, calm seas and warm water provide the best conditions for divers. During winter, cooler temperatures and occasional strong winds, especially the Meltemi, can affect diving conditions, leading to rougher seas and currents. However, diving remains possible throughout the year, with spring and autumn offering a pleasant balance of mild weather and good visibility, though less favorable than the summer months.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

KARPATHOS DIVING CENTER

DIAFANI, 85700 KARPATHOS, GRC

Krithoni, 85400 LEROS, GRC

BLUTOPIA MARINE PARK

108 G SEFERI, 85100 RODOS, GRC

BLUE LAGOON DIVERS

GYALOS SYMI, 85600 SYMI, GRC

H2O Diving Center

Anthony Quinn Bay, 85100 Rhodes, GRC

V DIVE RHODES

FALIRAKI, 851005 RODOS, GRC

SSI Service Center Greece

Metamorfossi, 11527 Athens, GRC

CRABDIVERS DIVE CENTER

KOLYMPIA MIKRI POLI-STEGNA, 85103 RODOS, GRC

AZZURRO DIVING

SKALA NEA MARINA, 85500 PATMOS, GRC

SILENT EXPLORERS

MASTICHARI, 85300 KOS, GRC

Arian Diving Centre

Kardamena, 85302 KOS, GRC