Explore Sporades

Nestled in the northwest of the Aegean Sea, the Sporades islands offer a captivating diving experience that stands out for its pristine marine environments and diverse underwater landscapes. Among the 24 islands, Alonnisos and Skyros shine as premier diving destinations. Alonnisos, at the heart of a magnificent marine park, boasts one of the most well-preserved ecosystems in the Mediterranean. Its crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, ideal for beginners and seasoned divers alike. The area is renowned for its vibrant marine life, including playful dolphins and the rare Mediterranean monk seals. Exploring submerged wrecks adds an extra layer of intrigue to the diving adventure here.

Skyros offers a contrasting underwater experience with its network of caverns and caves, perfect for the more adventurous diver. The island's rugged underwater terrain mirrors its forest-covered landscape above. With each dive, the Sporades reveal a new facet of their hidden beauty, from colorful reefs to mysterious underwater formations. Seasonal variations bring unique encounters, ensuring that no two dives are ever the same. Whether you embark on a shore dive, a boat trip, or a liveaboard adventure, the Sporades promise an unforgettable dive journey that is as rich in natural wonder as it is in serene beauty.

Courses and Events

Assistant Instructor Trainer

Assistant instructor trainers prepare assistant instructors to teach theory and conduct on-water training. As an Assistant Instructor Trainer, you are also qualified to assist Instructor Trainers, providing you with valuable experience on the dive instructor path. When you're ready, you can complete the Instructor Training Course, allowing you to become an SSI Instructor Trainer. Start your journey to become a scuba diving instructor today.

05 April +2 More
€900.00

Basic Diver

In SSI's Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to experience diving to depths of up to 12 meters with an SSI Professional. It's a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try your hand at diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your diving adventure.

11 April +29 More
€110.00

Try Scuba

SSI's Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and supervised by your instructor, so you can enjoy those first unforgettable breaths underwater and experience the magic of diving. At the end of this short course, you will have obtained your SSI Try Scuba identification card and will undoubtedly want to go diving again. Endless diving adventures await you and this course is the one to start it all. Get started today!

01 May +23 More
€70.00

Essayez la plongée en bateau

SSI's Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and supervised by your instructor, so you can enjoy those first unforgettable breaths underwater and experience the magic of diving. At the end of this short course, you will have obtained your SSI Try Scuba identification card and will undoubtedly want to go diving again. Endless diving adventures await you and this course is the one to start it all. Get started today!

01 May +29 More
€90.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Sporades

The Sporades, a picturesque archipelago in the Aegean Sea, offers a captivating mix of shore and liveaboard diving options. Among the top dive sites is the wreck of the "Christoforos" near Skiathos, a sunken freighter resting at 23 meters/75 feet. This site draws adventurers with its vibrant marine life, including schools of fish and curious octopuses.

For unique underwater experiences, Alonissos is a highlight with thrilling night dives. Here, divers can witness bioluminescent plankton illuminating the dark waters. The marine park is also home to the endangered monk seal, offering a rare sighting opportunity. Whether you're diving from shore or aboard a liveaboard, the Sporades provides an unforgettable journey, seamlessly combining exciting wreck dives with serene marine encounters.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Sporades

The Sporades are a group of Greek islands offering rich marine biodiversity, ideal for diving enthusiasts. Common reef fish such as groupers, damselfish, and wrasses are found throughout the year, thriving in the vibrant underwater landscapes formed by rocky reefs and seagrass beds. These fish create a colorful spectacle, making every dive a unique experience for marine life observers. Seasonal highlights include sightings of loggerhead turtles, which are more common during the warmer months from May to October. Divers may also encounter the occasional sighting of rays gliding across the sandy seabed during this time. Sharks are less frequently seen but can occasionally be spotted in deeper waters, particularly the shy but impressive thresher shark. While encounters with larger marine animals are not guaranteed, the diversity of smaller species ensures a rewarding diving adventure in the Sporades.

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: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
102 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
9
J
39
A
33
S
19
O
2
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: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
52 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
16
A
22
S
12
O
1
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: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
119 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
2
J
6
J
50
A
30
S
28
O
2
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: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
32 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
4
J
10
A
0
S
17
O
1
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: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
18 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
4
A
12
S
0
O
1
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: 120

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Cuttlefish
9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
9
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: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
5
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: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
4
O
0
N
0
D
0

The best Months to dive in Sporades

The Sporades offer excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 14°C–26°C/57°F–79°F. Visibility is typically outstanding, often reaching up to 30 meters/98 feet, providing divers with a clear view of the underwater landscape.

During the summer, the weather is warm with minimal currents, making it ideal for diving. However, in winter, stronger winds and cooler temperatures may affect comfort levels, although diving remains possible. The less favorable period is usually from late autumn to early spring due to increased winds and lower temperatures.

Dive Centers

Skyros Diving, VASILIS TRAKOS

Linaria Marina, 34007 Skyros, Greece

Dive Sites

GORGONIA DIVING, 34007 Skyros

Agia matrona shipwreck (★4.9)

4 Miles away of Linaria Port, close to diavati islet , is Agia Matrona Wreck. It is a 84 meters Cargo Ship sunk in 1983. The wreck starts from 23 to 55 meters and it lays on her left side in excellent condition.
Gorgonia Diving Center, 34007 Skyros

Lakonisi (★4.8)

This is a small islet accessible by boat from Skyros Port. The site has a steep wall descending to 40 meters with access to a cavern at 8 meters. Amazing view of the deep blue are seen from inside the cavern.
Gorgonia Diving Center, 34007 Skyros

Lino (★4.8)

This is a great shore dive, perfect for inexperienced divers and training. The site has a beautiful cavern between 4 and 6 meters with an open roof and a 10 meter long swim through with an entrance and exit.
GORGONIA DIVING, 34007 Skyros

Alpha cave (★4.9)

A narrow cave measuring between 5 and 12 meters, shaped like a small canyon and seamlessly combined with a vertical wall. The rocky walls rise naturally on both sides, forming a dramatic passage. From inside the cave, the view toward the outside is stunning!
Gorgonia Diving Center, 34007 Skyros

Valaxa North (★4.9)

Valaxa is an islet close to Skyros Port. Drop off from 5 to 40 meters. Protected from West and North winds. One way drift dive by boat. From beginners to experienced divers.
Gorgonia Diving Center, 34007 Skyros

Kavos (★4.6)

This site boasts a beautiful drop off and is a quick boat ride from shore. It is one of the best spots in this area to locate marine life and is also an excellent night dive location.
Gorgonia Diving Center, 34007 Skyros

Pefkos (★4.6)

This site drops off to 40 meters and is easily accessed by a giant stride entry. This is a great deep dive training spot. Light current is possible. You will see old anchors and parts of ceramics.
Mares

Agios Nikolas Reef (★4.5)

Just Outside of Linaria Bay, protected from the North wind . The acess is very easy through the Platform.Divers can reach direclty 30 meters if they descend to the west side.Also perfect for Skills update and beginners if you dive at the slope to the East side.
Scubapro

Kalogeros (★4.7)

Protected from the north wind blowing between July and September. Perfect for beginners, we enter the water walking and progressively we reach a maximum depth of 22 meters.
Aqualung

Aherounes (★3.9)

This dive site is protected from north winds and rough weather during July and August. It is ver easy to access and an ideal site for confined water sessions and new divers.
Aqualung

Agios Nikolaos (★4.9)

Just outside of Linaria Marina with very easy access through the platform/LadderThe drop-off goes down directly to 30 meters if you descend directly to the west side.Sandy area up to 7 meters ideally for courses ,beginners and skills update. Highlight of the dive spot is a pinnacle between 25 and 32 meters.
Mares

Diatripti (★5.0)

Large pinnacles can be found outside the cave, along with a beautiful wall along the side of the site. The cave begins at a depth of around 7 meters, making it ideal for completing the safety stop