Explore Lasithi
Diving in Rethymno offers an unforgettable underwater adventure suitable for both novice and seasoned divers. The region's crystal-clear waters provide perfect visibility for exploring its various dive environments, including both shore and boat-accessible sites. Beginners will find the tranquil lagoons particularly inviting, where they can marvel at the vibrant marine life without the need for advanced skills. These lagoons teem with colorful fish, octopuses, and the occasional sea turtle, creating a captivating underwater ballet that enchants all who visit. For more experienced divers, Rethymno boasts several remarkable sites featuring astounding natural structures. Dive into the canyons, adorned with spectacular cave openings, where the walls are lined with brilliantly hued corals and sponges. These sites, such as the Vertical Wall and Karavos Deep Challenge, offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean's diverse aquatic life. Seasonal dive experiences like encountering playful dolphins add to the allure, making Rethymno an exceptional destination for dive enthusiasts seeking both relaxation and exhilaration.
Dive Activity
Diving in Lasithi
Rethymno, on Crete's northern coast, offers diverse dive sites catering to both shore and liveaboard enthusiasts. One prominent wreck dive is the "Giannis D," a cargo ship teeming with marine life, including colorful corals and schools of fish. Shore dives like Panormos Bay provide easy access and are ideal for spotting octopuses and seahorses hidden among the seagrass. Unique experiences await with night dives at Plakias, where bioluminescent plankton creates a surreal underwater glow. Rethymno's waters are home to fascinating marine behaviors such as the courtship dances of cuttlefish. Divers can enjoy a balance between the accessibility of shore dives and the adventurous spirit of liveaboard trips, making Rethymno a versatile destination for divers of all levels.
Diving in Lasithi
Rethymno, located on the northern coast of Crete, offers a vibrant marine ecosystem, abundant with diverse marine life. Divers in the region are likely to encounter an array of colorful reef fish such as damselfish, parrotfish, and groupers. These species are commonly found around the rocky reefs and underwater caves that characterize the area, offering a captivating experience for underwater enthusiasts. Seasonal highlights in Rethymno include the occasional sightings of sea turtles, particularly the endangered loggerhead turtle, which are more common between May and September. Divers may also spot rays gliding gracefully along the seabed. Although shark sightings are rare around Rethymno, small species like the harmless dogfish might occasionally be seen, especially in deeper waters further offshore. The probability of encountering these creatures varies, with summer months often providing the best visibility and conditions for observing marine wildlife.
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
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Green Turtle
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Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
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Total number of species: 12
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Lionfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Shutterstock_DiveIvanov
Squid
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Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 150
Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts
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Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
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Total number of species: 120
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Cuttlefish
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Total number of species: 3000
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Nudibranch
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Total number of species: 30
Shutterstock-s_a_j
Sand Eel
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Total number of species: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 60
iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish
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The best Months to dive in Lasithi
Rethymno, located on the island of Crete, offers divers excellent conditions nearly year-round. The Mediterranean climate ensures mild water temperatures, ranging from 16°C–25°C/61°F–77°F depending on the season. Visibility is typically great, averaging 15–30 meters, allowing for clear underwater experiences. However, visibility can be affected by occasional storms, especially in winter.
Diving is possible throughout the year, although the best conditions are from April to October. During these months, the waters are warmer and the weather is more predictable, providing a comfortable experience for divers. In contrast, winter brings stronger winds and currents, which can make diving less favorable. Planning accordingly ensures a safe and enjoyable diving trip in Rethymno.
