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.

Upcoming Events

    • Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    Now is the time to dive into the Open Water Diver course, the most popular dive course in the world!Throughout the course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of scuba diving, including everything you need to know about the dive equipment and techniques.You will also earn an Open Water Diver certification that is recognized worldwide. As a certified Open Water Diver you have the freedom to dive with a buddy without a diving professional accompanying you.The warm and clear waters of Crete, the brand new equipment reserved for you and our team of professional diving instructors guarantee an enjoyable and exciting training period.This course takes 3 days and consists of:6 theory sessions (about 40min each)6 confined water sessions (often combined together in 2 dives)4 open water dives (2 per day and at least one or two from the boat)If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a Junior Open Water Diver course available.The price of the package also includes full use of the diving equipment rental, transport to the dive sites with our boats and the certification card. All training days start at 09.30 and end at 15.30-16.00.

    Diver’s Club Crete, Agia Pelagia Beach, 71500, Heraklion, GRC
    May 14, 2026 +169 More
    $586.92
    €500.00
    Scuba Diver

    Scuba Diver

    Through online learning and open water and confined water dives, the SSI Scuba Diver course provides you with the perfect foundation to become an independent and safe diver. You will learn everything you need for open water dives to a maximum depth of 12 meters together with an SSI Professional. With this course you will complete about half of the Open Water Diver course and can upgrade your certification later. All you have to do is complete the remaining theory and limited open water units as well as two open water training dives.

    Diver’s Club Crete, Agia Pelagia Beach, 71500, Heraklion, GRC
    May 14, 2026 +169 More
    $410.85
    €350.00
    Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    This certification is recognized worldwide and is the best way to become a qualified diver on an adventure that will last a lifetime. The combination of personalized instruction and practical training sessions ensures that you gain the skills and experience of a confident, safe diver. At the end of the course you will receive the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

    Horizon Diving, MARINELI 15, 71202, HERAKLION, GRC
    June 1, 2026 +2 More
    $575.18
    €490.00
    Find Courses & Events

    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 approx.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    446 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    1
    M
    12
    A
    19
    M
    25
    J
    52
    J
    63
    A
    106
    S
    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 approx.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    352 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    2
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    19
    J
    63
    J
    64
    A
    76
    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 approx.: 300

    Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
    Octopus

    Octopus
    145 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    1
    M
    3
    A
    12
    M
    0
    J
    15
    J
    13
    A
    35
    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 approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    109 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    22
    J
    44
    A
    43
    S
    0
    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 approx.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    599 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    19
    M
    32
    J
    63
    J
    121
    A
    167
    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 approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    468 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    3
    M
    4
    A
    17
    M
    16
    J
    61
    J
    102
    A
    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 approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    387 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    12
    M
    27
    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 approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    191 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    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 approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    141 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    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 approx.: 3

    Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish
    93 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    14
    J
    1
    J
    20
    A
    28
    S
    14
    O
    15
    N
    1
    D
    0
    Show More

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    92 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    25
    J
    27
    A
    40
    S
    0
    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 approx.: 300

    Shutterstock_DiveIvanov
    Squid

    Squid
    54 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    33
    A
    0
    S
    21
    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 approx.: 120

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Cuttlefish

    Cuttlefish
    51 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    17
    J
    13
    A
    21
    S
    0
    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 approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    49 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    11
    J
    20
    A
    14
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    4
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
    Cornetfish

    Cornetfish
    43 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    11
    A
    18
    S
    13
    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 approx.: 7000

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Crab

    Crab
    39 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    16
    J
    0
    A
    18
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    5
    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.

    Dive Centers

    Diver’s Club Crete

    Diver’s Club Crete

    Agia Pelagia Beach, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
    Horizon Diving

    Horizon Diving

    MARINELI 15, 71202 HERAKLION, Greece
    Eco Diving Center

    Eco Diving Center

    Andrea Papandreou 137 St., 71414 Ammoudara, Greece
    POSEIDON DIVING CLUB

    POSEIDON DIVING CLUB

    91c PAPANASTASIOU, 71409 HERAKLION, Greece

    AQUADIVE, unique scuba experience

    2 EL. VENIZELOU, 71500 AGIA PELAGIA, Greece

    Dive Sites

    HORIZON DIVING CENTER, 71500 HERAKLION
    Mononaftis, Kreta <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Mononaftis, Kreta (★4.5)

    This is an ideal place for shore dives and is a confirmed diving park. Many ancient amphoras from Minoan civilization are seen here. You can hit several depths from a few meters to 40 meters deep. An ideal site for a try scuba and advanced level divers. It has a rocky bottom with Posidonia meadows and sand.
    HORIZON DIVING CENTER, 71202 HERAKLION
    Paximadi Island <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★5.0)</span>

    Paximadi Island (★5.0)

    One of the most famous diving site in Heraklion is the “Paximadi“ island. With a breathtaking wall which start from the surface and goes more than 60 meters deep very fast, great visibility and very interesting aquatic life makes it a great diving location for experienced divers.
    HORIZON DIVING CENTER, 71500 HERAKLION
    Mades <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Mades (★4.5)

    The reef around the peninsula forms different levels of depth, starting at 6m and going to the deepest point (northwest side), which reaches 30m. depth.Meet a marvelous tunnel, the entrance starts at 14m. and the exit of it at 8m depth. Perfect for both beginners and certified divers.
    Ioannis A. (#3117782)
    Big Anchor <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    Big Anchor (★4.1)

    Big Anchor is a 400 year old anchor laying at 32m depth in the reef of Mononaftis. Around the reef there are plenty of other older anchors and newer ones as well, showing us that this place used to be a very popular natural port.
    ECO DIVING CENTER, 71414 Ammoudara
    ammoudara <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    ammoudara (★4.1)

    Ideal underwater area for scuba training and Try Scuba for novice. Ideal also for Snorkeling. Shallow waters. Sandy bottom with some beautiful rocks.