Rhodes
Rhodes offers a variety of different underwater habitats including volcanic rock formations, small and large caverns, historical artifacts and plenty of wrecks.
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
Dive Activity
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.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Dodecanese
The Dodecanese, an enchanting cluster of islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea, is home to a diverse array of marine life. The vibrant reefs are bustling with colorful fish species like the ornate wrasse, damselfish, and the Mediterranean rainbow wrasse, making snorkeling and diving here particularly rewarding. Additionally, the islands are graced with occasional visits from loggerhead turtles, especially around the nesting sites in summer. For those intrigued by larger marine creatures, the Dodecanese offers the potential for encounters with rays and sporadic sightings of monk seals, though these are less frequent. While sharks are rare, small species such as the dogfish can occasionally be spotted. Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit for increased chances of observing such remarkable marine life, as the waters warm and visibility improves.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
188 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
M
2
J
17
J
18
A
63
S
50
O
38
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
158 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
2
M
9
J
12
J
7
A
48
S
51
O
24
N
5
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
148 Sightings
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2
F
0
M
0
A
3
M
13
J
25
J
14
A
42
S
39
O
8
N
2
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
1k Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
0
A
25
M
67
J
82
J
140
A
297
S
245
O
164
N
12
D
4
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
134 Sightings
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1
F
0
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0
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3
M
4
J
9
J
17
A
56
S
25
O
19
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 350
Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish
119 Sightings
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1
F
0
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0
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2
M
1
J
6
J
0
A
10
S
34
O
65
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
106 Sightings
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0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
12
J
10
J
1
A
24
S
16
O
43
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3
Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish
102 Sightings
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0
F
0
M
0
A
4
M
12
J
7
J
12
A
15
S
33
O
17
N
2
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
77 Sightings
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0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
1
J
3
J
3
A
54
S
6
O
8
N
0
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3
k
Cornetfish
68 Sightings
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0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
1
J
0
A
10
S
24
O
31
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
54 Sightings
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2
F
0
M
1
A
2
M
1
J
1
J
5
A
22
S
9
O
11
N
0
D
0
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.
