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Santorini diving - get close to a volcano!
Have you ever wondered what Santorini looks like under water?
Well, as much there is to see and be impressed by above sea level, there are also many exciting sights to behold under the water.
A dive in the sea surrounding Santorini is unique because you are diving right above a still active volcano. The geological uniqueness of the island can easily be found under the water surface.
Over many thousands of years, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have created remarkable underwater rock formations.
Common scenery on a Santorini diving trip are big and dramatic walls of lava to dive along and in between.
You may also be exposed to some of the nice marine life found here.
Diving for beginners
So, what if you have never done any scuba diving before? Is a Santorini dive for you?
Absolutely! Santorini has a lot to offer not only the experienced diver but also the curious absolute beginner.
A great feature of Santorini diving is that there is great variability in depth around the island. This provides opportunities for divers at every level of experience to find a dive spot that they can feel comfortable with.
On Santorini, diving courses and tours are available for all levels of experience.
Around the volcanic islands
Around the small volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni there are plenty of unique lava formations to explore.
This is also a popular hangout for crabs, lobsters, octopus, shrimps, eels, clams, and many other species for you to enjoy while below.
The lava rocks provide these creatures with good shelter and the hot springs ensures plenty of good nutrition.
A popular dive here is to explore a passenger ship that sunk in the bay of Nea Kameni.
The wreck lies at a fairly shallow depth, only about 18 m down, so even inexperienced divers can visit it.
Near the main island
Below the cliffs of the caldera is likely where you will find most of the colorful marine life, such as sponges and large schools of fish.
In some places, it is possible to get real close to the fish and even touch them as they swim by you!
Here you will find a couple of nice coral reefs, which is always an attraction to marine life and thus to divers.
One popular dive spot, although not for the beginning diver, is called The Caves and lies at the southern-most tip of the island.
Here you will find many fascinating underwater caves that also provides a home to much of the Santorini seal population.
Some caves have large air pockets where you can surface and breathe without your equipment.
Around Thirassia
A place particularly rich in plant life, thus attracting many forms of sea life is outside the island of Thirassia.
On the south side of Thirassia is where you find the rock formation known as Elephant's Feet, beneath which there is one of the best Santorini diving sites.
Santorini Dive Centers
Did we wet your appetite for some diving? Would you like to try it out yourself?
Don't be shy. Get in touch with one of these Santorini diving operators:
- Aegean Divers
Located opposite the Mexican restaurant above the port of Athinios. - Volcano Dive Center
Located on Kamari beach at the Dolphins hotel. - Santorini Dive Center
With dive centers located in Perissa and Akrotiri
Learn more about Santorini diving
For more on Santorini diving including details about the many diving spots, check out this Santorini dive atlas.
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