Diving in Almyrida & Chania Just Got Even Better: Discover the New Diving Park in Apokoronas, Crete
- Matt Shahid
- Apr 7
- 12 min read
Updated: Apr 19
🚨 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.
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. Located in the stunning Ombros Gialos, the new diving park in Apokoronas offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and man-made structures designed to enhance the underwater experience.
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.
Contents
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.
Explore the Beauty of Apokoronas, Almyrida, and Chania
Local Attractions Around the Diving Park: Apokoronas, located on the northwestern coast of Crete, is a beautiful region filled with a mix of charming villages, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're an avid diver or accompanying someone who is, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque area. After your dive at the new diving park, take a relaxing stroll around the charming streets of Almyrida. This seaside village is known for its cozy tavernas, cafes, and sandy beach, perfect for unwinding after a day of underwater exploration.
For those interested in history and culture, a short drive will take you to Chania, one of Crete's most historically rich cities. The Venetian Harbor in Chania is a must-see, offering stunning views of the sea and an array of local shops and restaurants. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania or explore the Ancient Aptera ruins for a taste of Crete’s ancient history.
For nature lovers, the Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a challenging but rewarding hike through Crete’s rugged landscape. Or, simply enjoy the serenity of the surrounding olive groves, a signature of Cretan rural life.
Accessibility from Popular LocationsThe diving park in Apokoronas is easily accessible from several key locations on Crete. If you're staying in Almyrida, the diving park is just a short drive away, making it an ideal destination for anyone visiting the village. Chania, only 20 km away, offers plenty of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions to make it a convenient base for divers. For those staying in Heraklion, Crete’s capital, the diving park is approximately a 2-hour drive, offering easy access for a day trip to the area.
Local Dive Shops and Facilities: As a locally owned business, Kefi Divers is proud to be part of the vibrant diving community in Apokoronas. Our dive center is fully equipped to provide you with a safe and memorable diving experience. We are one of the first dive centers to explore the newly scuttled Tugboat Nestor wreck, making us a trusted authority on diving in this unique location. Our experienced instructors are ready to guide you through the new diving park, ensuring that you get the most out of your visit.
For those who are new to diving or want to expand their skills, we offer a range of diving courses, from beginner to advanced, ensuring that there’s something for every level of experience. Our team can also help you explore other nearby dive sites, giving you the opportunity to discover the diverse marine life that Crete has to offer.
Whether you're a seasoned diver or a first-time visitor, Apokoronas and its surrounding areas offer the perfect combination of underwater adventure and Cretan culture, making it an unforgettable destination for your next diving trip.
Scuba Diving in Crete
Crete is one of the most popular places to dive in Greece and for good reason. With warm, clear waters, a wide range of marine life, and dive sites that suit every level, it’s the perfect island for both beginners and certified divers looking to explore. Whether you’re discovering your first underwater world or diving deep on a wreck, scuba diving in Crete offers something for everyone. Read more...
Scuba Diving in Chania
The region of Chania has quickly become a favourite among divers visiting Crete. From natural reefs to underwater caves and now the newly established diving park in Apokoronas, it offers plenty of variety. Scuba diving in Chania is a great way to explore the hidden side of the island while enjoying the area’s rich culture, beautiful beaches, and welcoming atmosphere. Read more...
Scuba Diving in Almyrida
Located just a short drive from the diving park in Apokoronas, Almyrida is an ideal place to stay if you’re looking to dive. With calm waters and easy access to shore dives, it’s a great base for those learning to dive or looking for relaxed underwater exploration. As the home of our dive centre, we’re proud to offer courses, guided dives, and insider knowledge on some of the best local sites - including being the first dive centre to visit the Tugboat Nestor wreck!
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.
Meet the Tugboat Nestor
Before becoming an underwater attraction at the diving park in Apokoronas, the Tugboat Nestor served a very different purpose above the surface. Tugboats are powerful, compact vessels designed to maneuver larger ships by towing or pushing them in harbors, over open water, or through narrow channels. Known for their strength and durability, tugboats like the Nestor are built to withstand tough conditions, making them ideal candidates for artificial reefs once decommissioned.
Now resting peacefully on the seafloor at Ombros Gialos near Almyrida, the Tugboat Nestor has taken on a new life—providing both a thriving habitat for marine life and an exciting wreck site for those interested in diving in Chania and exploring the rich underwater landscapes of Crete.
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.
Why Scuttle a Ship?
Scuttling a ship—intentionally sinking it in a controlled and environmentally responsible way—is a widely used practice to create artificial reefs that benefit both marine ecosystems and divers. In the case of the diving park in Apokoronas, the sinking of the Tugboat Nestor adds a captivating new wreck for divers to explore while providing a secure habitat for marine life to thrive.
Wreck diving enthusiasts visiting Chania or staying in Almyrida now have access to a fascinating underwater structure, designed specifically with safety and ecological impact in mind. The Tugboat Nestor lies at the perfect depth for Open Water Divers, making it accessible to those new to wreck diving while still being exciting for more experienced divers. It rests in ideal conditions for exploration, making it a must-visit for those interested in artificial reef diving in Crete.
By transforming decommissioned vessels into vibrant dive sites, projects like this not only enhance the diving experience but also support the long-term health of local ecosystems. It's a win-win for the environment and for anyone passionate about wreck diving in Greece.
Video of the sinking can be found here
Artificial Reefs & Environmental Impact
The Diving Park in Apokoronas is a groundbreaking initiative, blending both adventure and conservation. At the heart of the project are the artificial reef structures - artificial reefs are man-made structures placed underwater to promote marine life. They have been designed in collaboration with the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, which provide essential shelter and feeding grounds for marine life. These innovative reefs are not only a refuge for fish and other marine creatures but also act as a unique environment for divers to explore.
The park’s design promotes eco diving in Crete, offering divers a chance to experience the underwater world in a way that actively contributes to marine conservation. By attracting visitors to the artificial reefs, the diving park helps reduce the strain on over-exploited natural dive sites, ensuring that these important ecosystems remain healthy and protected. This commitment to sustainability also supports sustainable diving in Chania, making it a vital part of responsible tourism in the region.
In this way, the diving park does more than offer an exciting new diving experience; it plays a crucial role in preserving the marine environment for future generations of divers and marine life alike.
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 - What makes the Apokoronas Diving Park Special
Beyond the artificial reefs, wrecks, and crystal-clear waters, what truly sets this site apart is the feeling you get when you're underwater here. There’s a sense of something new, something growing — not just coral and fish, but an entire underwater community in the making.
As a local dive centre, we’ve watched the progress from early proposals to the sinking of the Tugboat Nestor, and now to the first dives exploring its decks. In fact, we had the privilege of being the first dive centre to visit the wreck, marking a special milestone in both our journey and the dive park’s story.
This isn’t just another location for diving in Chania or a new entry on a list of dive sites near Almyrida — it’s a place that shows what happens when environmental care, community effort, and diving passion come together. That’s why we’re proud to take our divers there. That’s why we think you’ll remember it long after the dive ends.
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.
👉 Want to be one of the first to explore the new park? Reserve your dive experience here and let the adventure begin!
Visitor Tips: Planning Your Dive at the New Diving Park in Apokoronas
Planning your diving adventure in Apokoronas, Crete, is an exciting experience, especially with the newly established diving park at Ombros Gialos. To make the most of your time exploring this beautiful underwater destination, here are some essential tips to help you prepare for a memorable dive:
1. Know the Best Time to Dive
The best time to experience the diving park in Apokoronas is between May and October, when the weather is warm, and the sea conditions are at their calmest. During these months, water temperatures typically range from 22°C to 28°C, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced divers. Visibility is usually excellent, often reaching 20–30 metres, providing crystal-clear views of the artificial reefs and the vibrant marine life at Ombros Gialos. Planning your dive during this season ensures the most enjoyable and comfortable conditions for exploring the underwater world of Chania and Almyrida.
2. Dive with a Certified Instructor
While the diving park is designed to accommodate divers of all skill levels, it's always a good idea to dive with a certified instructor, especially if you're unfamiliar with the site. The park's various dive sites are suitable for Open Water Divers, but a guide can enhance your experience, ensuring you explore the most exciting spots while remaining safe. Kefi Divers offers experienced and professional instructors who will guide you through the process, making sure you're comfortable every step of the way.
3. Bring or Rent the Right Gear
Whether you're diving for the first time or you're a seasoned pro, ensure you have the right equipment for a safe dive. If you don't have your own gear, the dive centre can provide high-quality rental equipment suited to the conditions of the diving park. If you're looking for added comfort, the centre also offers wetsuits to accommodate the water temperature, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the dive.
4. Consider the Best Dive Sites
The diving park in Apokoronas, specifically at Ombros Gialos, is home to a range of dive sites that cater to different experience levels. If you're a beginner or looking for a leisurely dive, the shallow waters around the tugboat Nestor wreck are perfect. For more advanced divers, deeper spots within the park offer a greater variety of marine life and underwater structures to explore. Be sure to consult with your instructor about the best dive sites based on your skill level and interests.
5. Book Your Dive in Advance
Since the diving park in Apokoronas is becoming a popular destination, especially during peak season, it's highly recommended to book your dive in advance. This will not only ensure that you secure your spot but will also allow the dive centre to prepare for your visit, providing you with a seamless and enjoyable experience.
6. Respect the Environment
As you explore the beautiful underwater world, it's essential to follow environmentally responsible diving practices. This includes respecting the marine life, not touching or disturbing the wrecks, and avoiding damage to the reef structures. The artificial reefs in Apokoronas have been created to protect marine life, so divers should be mindful of their surroundings to ensure they remain in pristine condition for years to come.
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.
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