Diving in Almyrida & Chania Just Got Even Better: Discover the New Diving Park in Apokoronas, Crete
- Matt Shahid
- Apr 7
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
🚨 Urgent Update: The first ship was successfully sunk at 10am on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025! This marks a huge milestone in the creation of the Apokoronas Diving Park—Crete’s newest and most exciting dive site is officially coming to life beneath the waves! We're excited to share some of the very first underwater shots of this historic wreck! Shots captured April 6, 2025.
Tugboat R/K Nestor The ship was donated to the muncipilaty of Apokoronas.
Video of the sinking can be found here
Max Depth: 15.5m
Min Depth: 9m
Length: 23.5m
Width: 8m
🚨 Urgent Update: The 44 reef structures were placed onto the seabed in October 2024! These artificial reefs were created using advanced technology from the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, offering a safe haven for marine life in Ombros Gialos.
If you're searching for unforgettable diving in Almyrida or exploring the underwater world around Chania, there's exciting news on the horizon. A brand-new diving park in Apokoronas is currently under construction—and it's set to become one of the most impressive dive sites in Greece.
As a dive centre based right here in Almyrida, we’re thrilled to be located just minutes from what will soon be one of Europe’s top destinations for recreational diving, underwater exploration, and marine conservation.
What Is the Diving Park in Apokoronas?
Located in the stunning area of Ombros Gialos, Apokoronas’ new diving park is a protected marine area spanning over 60,000 square meters. It’s being developed not only to attract divers from around the world but also to support local marine life through artificial reefs and sunken ships.
Whether you’re looking for a scuba diving adventure in Chania, a new spot to explore from Almyrida, or an eco-tourism experience that makes a difference—this dive park delivers on all fronts.
What You’ll Find Underwater
🌊 Artificial Reefs
44 reef structures have been placed to encourage coral and marine life growth. This will create a vibrant underwater ecosystem perfect for photographers, marine life lovers, and conservationists.
⚓ Shipwrecks to Explore
Two decommissioned Greek navy vessels are being transformed into artificial wrecks within the diving park, creating a unique opportunity for safe and exciting wreck dives accessible to a range of certification levels.
The first ship has already been successfully scuttled—(scroll to the top for the latest update!)—marking the beginning of this underwater transformation.
The second vessel, named Folegranros, is scheduled to be scuttled in November 2025. At 42 meters in length, it will be the larger and deeper of the two wrecks, offering an even more thrilling dive experience.
🤿 Dive Routes for All Experience Levels
With depths ranging from 8.5m to 25m, the park is suitable for everyone—from beginners trying their first open water dives, to seasoned divers seeking new challenges. The park will feature three distinct dive routes, each offering unique underwater experiences and perspectives.
A Decade in the Making: The Journey to Establish the Diving Park
The realization of the diving park in Apokoronas is the culmination of a project that began in the autumn of 2014. Over the years, the initiative faced numerous bureaucratic challenges, requiring 46 approvals and decisions by eight ministers, along with two joint ministerial decisions, before its final publication in the Government Gazette.
The development process involved meticulous planning and significant interventions to create an organized facility suitable for recreational diving. This included the addition and removal of materials on the seabed, installation of artificial reefs and sunken ships, directional signage, lighting, and mooring points for visitors' boats.
The establishment of the diving park not only enhances the region's appeal to diving enthusiasts but also contributes to marine conservation efforts by creating new habitats for marine life. This initiative underscores the commitment of the Apokoronas municipality to promote sustainable tourism and preserve the natural beauty of Crete's underwater landscapes.
Why the Underwater Park Matters: Benefits Beyond the Bubbles
The creation of the Apokoronas Diving Park isn’t just exciting for divers—it brings a wide range of benefits for the local environment and community:
🌿 Marine Biodiversity
The sunken ships and artificial reef structures provide shelter and breeding grounds for marine life, helping to restore and protect underwater ecosystems in the area.
🌍 Tourism & Local Economy
As word spreads, the park is expected to attract divers and ocean lovers from around the world, offering a valuable boost to local businesses—from dive centres to restaurants and accommodations.
📚 Education & Conservation
The site will serve as a living classroom, offering visitors hands-on learning experiences about the Mediterranean marine environment and the importance of sustainable diving and ocean stewardship.
🌊 Alternative & Eco-Friendly Activities
The park opens the door to a range of responsible recreational activities—from guided snorkeling tours and marine photography to citizen science dives—all centred around exploring the wonders beneath the surface.
For more information on marine conservation efforts in Crete, check out the Greek Ministry of Tourism.
Why It’s Great News for Divers in Almyrida and Chania
For anyone looking to enjoy diving in Chania or diving in Almyrida, the new park brings even more variety and excitement to our local dive sites. Best of all, it’s only a short drive from our dive centre in Almyrida—which means we’ll be among the first to offer guided dives and tours..
Whether you're visiting Crete for the first time or you're a returning diver, this park adds a whole new reason to dive with us. Our full guides can be found here:
Dive Into Adventure with Kefi Divers
Based in the heart of Almyrida, Kefi Divers is your local gateway to the incredible new Apokoronas Diving Park. We’re crafting unforgettable dive experiences -whether you're interested in guided tours, custom dive packages, or relaxed day trips. Our expert instructors will help you explore the vibrant underwater world safely and at your own pace. And yes, we’ll be right there to capture the magic with professional photos and videos for you to keep.
Plan Your 2025 Dive Holiday in Crete
2025 is the perfect time to visit Crete. The diving park in Apokoronas will bring world-class underwater experiences right to our doorstep in Almyrida, offering new sites to discover and a deeper connection to the beautiful waters of Chania.
Whether you're a beginner, an experienced diver, or somewhere in between, we can’t wait to welcome you and show you the magic of Crete beneath the surface. Get some more inspiration with Our Ultimate Guide To Scuba Diving In Crete
👉 Want to be one of the first to explore the new park? Reserve your dive experience here and let the adventure begin!
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