Explore Heraklion
Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, offers an exceptional diving experience with its unique blend of history and underwater beauty. Divers can explore a variety of environments, from intriguing caves and stunning reefs to historically significant shipwrecks. One of the standout sites is the wreck of the Messerschmitt, a World War II German airplane resting upside down at 25 meters/82 feet. This site provides a fascinating glimpse into history, attracting divers eager to explore a piece of the past beneath the waves.
St. George is another must-visit dive site, renowned for its impressive wall that descends into the depths, offering a thrilling experience for more advanced divers. The vibrant marine life here, including colorful sponges and a variety of fish species, enhances the dive, making it a feast for the eyes. For divers of all levels, Amphorae Reef presents a treasure trove of historical amphorae pieces, offering a peek into ancient maritime trade. The combination of historical artifacts and rich marine biodiversity makes diving in Heraklion a truly unforgettable adventure.
Dive Activity
Diving in Heraklion
Heraklion, a captivating destination for diving enthusiasts, offers a diverse range of underwater adventures. Among the top dive sites is the renowned "Messerschmitt Wreck," a German World War II aircraft that rests in relatively shallow waters, making it accessible for divers of various experience levels. Another highlight is the "Elephant Cave," a mesmerizing site featuring stunning stalactites and fossilized remains of an ancient elephant. For those seeking vibrant marine life, "Panormos Reef" offers an impressive variety of species amidst its rocky formations. Divers can enjoy both shore and liveaboard options, providing flexibility and a balance in exploring the underwater wonders. Night dives in Heraklion reveal fascinating nocturnal behaviors, offering a unique perspective on the bustling marine ecosystem, making it a must-visit for avid divers.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Heraklion
Heraklion's marine environment is rich with a variety of species, offering fascinating encounters for divers throughout the year. Common reef fish such as damselfish, parrotfish, and groupers can be seen frequently around the rocky formations and reefs. Their vibrant colors and active movements bring life to the underwater landscapes.
During certain seasons, the waters around Heraklion become a hotspot for larger marine creatures. Loggerhead turtles are often spotted in the warmer months, providing a thrilling sight for divers. Additionally, rays glide gracefully through the water, and while shark sightings are rarer, they can occasionally be witnessed, especially in deeper waters. The likelihood of encountering these species increases during late spring and summer when the waters are warmest and visibility is generally at its best.
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: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
442 Sightings
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1
F
1
M
10
A
19
M
23
J
52
J
63
A
106
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73
O
78
N
13
D
3
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
346 Sightings
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0
F
1
M
1
A
0
M
15
J
63
J
64
A
75
S
56
O
61
N
10
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
140 Sightings
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1
F
1
M
1
A
12
M
0
J
15
J
13
A
32
S
27
O
28
N
8
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
109 Sightings
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0
F
0
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0
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0
M
0
J
22
J
44
A
43
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0
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0
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0
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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
592 Sightings
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1
F
0
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0
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17
M
28
J
63
J
121
A
166
S
113
O
68
N
11
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
467 Sightings
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1
F
2
M
4
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17
M
16
J
61
J
102
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127
S
74
O
58
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: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
385 Sightings
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0
F
0
M
0
A
12
M
25
J
52
J
79
A
100
S
65
O
43
N
5
D
4
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
191 Sightings
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0
F
0
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0
A
0
M
0
J
28
J
54
A
92
S
17
O
0
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: 40
iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish
141 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
0
M
0
J
18
J
22
A
43
S
31
O
27
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
92 Sightings
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0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
25
J
27
A
40
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The best Months to dive in Heraklion
Diving in Heraklion offers a year-round opportunity for enthusiasts, with conditions varying across the seasons. During summer, water temperatures range from 24°C–27°C/75°F–81°F, providing warm and comfortable diving experiences. In winter, the temperatures drop to about 15°C–17°C/59°F–63°F, which might require thicker wetsuits. Visibility remains excellent, typically around 20–30 meters/66–98 feet, allowing divers to enjoy the vibrant marine life and underwater landscapes.
Heraklion's diving is generally possible year-round, although the best conditions are found from May to October. During this period, calm seas and minimal rain make diving more pleasant. However, the Meltemi winds, occurring mainly in July and August, can affect surface conditions and cause stronger currents, especially in exposed areas. While winter months are less favorable due to cooler water temperatures and occasional storms, dedicated divers can still find opportunities to explore the underwater wonders of Crete.
