Elephant Cave Diving FAQ
Dedicated answers about certification, depth, fossils, safety and what to expect when diving Elephant Cave from Almyrida.
The Dive
How deep is the Elephant Cave dive?
The maximum depth is approximately 8–9 m.
How much of the dive is under an overhead environment?
Kefi's normal route includes approximately 20–25 m of overhead environment. This is the overhead section only, not the total cave length or the distance travelled before surfacing in the natural air chamber.
What is the cave passage like?
The passage is approximately 5 m high and 6 m wide, with no tight sections. There is no natural light inside, so the cave is completely dark. Every diver receives an individual torch, and the guide carries a backup.
What happens inside Elephant Cave?
The group passes through the overhead section and continues exploring underwater towards the back of the cave before surfacing together in the natural air chamber. Divers remain floating in their scuba equipment, but may remove their masks and regulators because the air is breathable. The guide explains the cave, fossils, history and formations. The group then descends and returns along the same route.
Certification & Experience
What certification do I need?
You need an Open Water Diver certification or a recognised equivalent. PADI Scuba Diver certification is not sufficient.
Can Junior Open Water Divers join?
Yes. Junior Open Water Divers can participate within the depth limits of their certification, subject to an individual suitability assessment.
Can newly certified divers participate?
Yes. There is no fixed minimum number of logged dives, but Kefi assesses each diver individually before the programme.
Do I need a cave-diving certification?
No cave-diving certification is required for Kefi Divers' Elephant Cave programme.
Do I need a refresher?
If you are a certified diver and have not dived for 12 months or more, Kefi requires you to complete a refresher first.
The Two-Dive Programme
How many dives are included?
The Elephant Cave programme always includes two boat dives when it operates. The first dive is Lighthouse Wall and the second is Elephant Cave.
What is the Lighthouse Wall dive like?
The normal route reaches approximately 20 m, subject to each diver's certification limits. Typical sightings may include dentex, trumpetfish, lionfish and octopus, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Why does Lighthouse Wall come first?
For divers not already assessed by Kefi, Lighthouse Wall allows the guide to observe comfort, buoyancy and general ability before Elephant Cave. A Kefi refresher already provides this assessment.
How large are the groups?
There are no more than 6 certified divers per guide, and the group may be reduced depending on experience. The guide remains with the group throughout. If someone is judged unsuitable for Elephant Cave, any available options depend on staffing and the circumstances; an alternative second guided dive is not automatic.
Fossils & History
Which elephant was found in the cave?
The remains belong to Elephas chaniensis, an extinct elephant endemic to Crete. They are estimated to be around 50,000–60,000 years old.
Which fossils can divers see?
Two elephant leg bones and two molar teeth are visible underwater and can also be pointed out from the surface in the air chamber. Remains of extinct deer are scattered around the cave and seen underwater.
Why is it called Elephant Cave?
The cave is named after the elephant remains found inside, not an elephant-shaped rock formation.
Who discovered Elephant Cave?
Local diver and spearfisher Manolis Efthymakis (Μανώλης Ευθυμάκης) discovered the cave in 1999.
Price, Equipment & Safety
How much does the Elephant Cave programme cost?
The programme costs €130 per person.
What is included?
The price includes two boat dives, a guide or instructor, tanks, full scuba equipment, an individual cave torch, water, a snack bar and Greek tea.
Are photos or videos included?
No. Photos and videos are not a standard inclusion.
Is there a discount if I bring my own equipment?
A diver bringing a complete personal scuba equipment set receives a €10 discount. Individual items alone do not qualify, and Kefi still supplies the cave torch.
What insurance and emergency equipment are required?
Certified recreational divers are responsible for having their own appropriate diving insurance. Kefi carries emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit on every trip.
Departure & Practical Information
Where does the programme start and end?
The programme starts and ends at Kefi Divers in Almyrida. Equipment preparation and the briefing take place at the dive centre, then everyone travels together to the boat.
How long is the boat journey?
Almyrida is the closest harbour to Elephant Cave. The boat journey takes approximately 10 minutes in normal conditions.
What happens between the two dives?
Guests remain aboard between dives, with the second cylinders carried on the boat. Refreshments are available throughout and are generally enjoyed during the surface interval.
How long does the programme take?
Allow approximately 4 hours in total. The programme is subject to suitable weather and sea conditions.
Does a normal boat-diving booking include Elephant Cave?
No. A normal boat-diving booking does not guarantee Elephant Cave. Guests who specifically want this programme should select or request the dedicated Elephant Cave experience.