What Marine Life Can You See Scuba Diving in Almyrida?
Discover the marine life you can encounter scuba diving in Almyrida, Crete — from octopus and moray eels to seahorses, grouper, and the occasional monk seal. A guide for all levels.
Category: Guides
Date: May 2026
Read time: 8 min read
One of the most common questions we hear at Kefi Divers is: "What will I actually see underwater?"
The honest answer? More than you'd expect. The waters around Almyrida, on the northern coast of Crete, are teeming with Mediterranean marine life — from curious octopus and camouflaged scorpionfish to protected seahorses and the rare Mediterranean monk seal.
Whether you're doing your first Discover Scuba Diving experience or you're a certified diver exploring the reefs, here's what you might encounter beneath the surface.
The Regulars — Species You're Likely to See
Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
One of the most intelligent creatures in the sea, and a firm favourite with our guests. Octopus are common on the reefs around Almyrida — look for them tucked into rocky crevices or moving gracefully across the seabed.
Moray Eels (Muraena helena)
Don't be put off by the teeth — moray eels are shy, not aggressive. They spend most of their time peering out from rocky holes, and spotting one is always a highlight of the dive.
Sea Bream (Diplodus spp.)
Schools of sea bream are a constant companion on Almyrida's reefs. Silvery, curious, and often surprisingly bold around divers.
Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
Masters of camouflage, cuttlefish can change colour and texture in an instant. Watch closely — they'll often hover and observe you just as intently as you observe them.
Nudibranchs (Flabellina affinis)
Tiny, vivid, and extraordinary. These sea slugs are a macro photographer's dream — their bright colours are a warning to predators, and once you learn to spot them, you'll see them everywhere.
Stingrays (Dasyatis pastinaca)
Often resting on sandy patches between the reefs, stingrays are a graceful and memorable sight. Give them space and they'll glide away effortlessly.
Squid (Loligo vulgaris)
Usually spotted in open water, squid move in coordinated groups and are especially active at dusk. A night dive is the best way to see them up close.
Anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus)
Vast, shimmering shoals of anchovies are a spectacular sight — especially when a barracuda or larger predator moves through and sends them swirling.
Flounder (Bothus podas)
Perfectly camouflaged against the sandy bottom, flounder are easy to miss — which is exactly the point. Your instructor will help you spot them.
Mediterranean Barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena)
Sleek, fast, and impressive. Barracuda are often seen patrolling the reef edges, and despite their fearsome reputation, they pose no threat to divers.
The Special Sightings — Protected Species
These species are protected under Greek and EU law. Encounters are special and always treated with respect.
Seahorses (Hippocampus hippocampus)
One of the most magical encounters in the Mediterranean. Seahorses cling to seagrass and algae with their tails — slow, delicate, and utterly captivating. Protected species.
Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)
Large, territorial, and surprisingly curious. Grouper are a sign of a healthy reef and are a protected species in Greek waters. Encounters with big individuals are genuinely memorable.
Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
One of the world's rarest marine mammals, with fewer than 800 individuals remaining. Sightings are rare but do occur in the sea caves of northern Crete — including the Elephant Cave . If you're lucky enough to see one, consider it a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
The loggerhead sea turtle is a protected species and an occasional visitor to Crete's waters. Sightings are rare but possible, particularly in summer.
The Invasive Species — Know Before You Dive
The Mediterranean is facing pressure from invasive species that have entered via the Suez Canal. Our instructors will brief you on these before every dive.
Lionfish (Pterois miles)
Strikingly beautiful but venomous. Lionfish are an invasive species in the Mediterranean and are spreading rapidly. Do not touch — admire from a distance.
Trumpetfish (Aulostomus strigosus)
Long, slender, and surprisingly well-camouflaged. Another Lessepsian migrant now established in Cretan waters.
Upside-Down Jellyfish (Cassiopea andromeda)
Found resting on the seabed with their bells facing down, these jellyfish can cause skin irritation. Your instructor will point them out so you can avoid contact.
Silver-cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus)
Highly toxic if eaten, this pufferfish relative is now common in the eastern Mediterranean. Not a threat to divers, but worth knowing about.
Scorpionfish — The One to Watch
Scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa)
Scorpionfish are masters of disguise, blending almost perfectly into rocky reef surfaces. Their spines are venomous, so the golden rule is simple: look, don't touch . Your instructor will always brief you on reef awareness before the dive.
What Level Do You Need to See This Marine Life?
The good news: most of these species are accessible to complete beginners. Our Discover Scuba Diving experience takes place at shallow depths where octopus, moray eels, sea bream, cuttlefish, and nudibranchs are all regularly spotted.
Certified divers exploring deeper reefs and the Elephant Cave have the best chance of encountering grouper, monk seals, and the more elusive species.
Dive with Us
Every dive with Kefi Divers includes a full briefing on the marine life you're likely to encounter, responsible diving practices, and — for Discover Scuba Diving guests — free underwater photos and video to take home.
Email us at
kefidivers@gmail.com
or message us on WhatsApp to check availability.
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