If you’re dreaming of a diving or snorkeling session in the Cyclades, follow our guide to the most beautiful spots on the Greek islands.
What does the idea ofa trip to the Cyclades inspire in you? Perhaps you instantly think of whitewashed houses, mezes to be enjoyed on the terrace, ancient relics and the blue of the sea? And when you think of the sea, you probably want to dive in, don’t you? And rightly so! The Aegean is just incredible. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced scuba diver, you’ll love the beauty of the seabed in the Cyclades archipelago.
The Cyclades offer a wealth of opportunities thanks to their crystal-clear waters, rich marine fauna and immense heritage. Multicolored fish, large turtles, centuries-old shipwrecks, underwater caves… In short, there’s plenty to enjoy! Of course, remember that conditions can vary depending on the season and the weather. If it’s too windy, the bottom will be churned up and the experience less enjoyable. We therefore recommend that you consult local dive centers for the best real-time information.
In the meantime, this article will help you identify the best diving spots in the Cyclades. FromAmorgos to Naxos, Santorini to Paros, dive into the heart of the Greek islands!
Enjoy night diving
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Sporty at heart? You’ll love Naxos. And with good reason: Naxos is an island dedicated to outdoor sports. Thanks to its steady winds, windsurfers and kiteboarders go there. You can also go horseback riding, hiking or mountain biking. But what you really want to do here is dive in the clear waters. The underwater fauna is extremely varied, and you may even spot turtles without a snorkel. In fact, snorkeling in Naxos can even be an opportunity to swim with a big, beautiful turtle and enjoy a magical moment.
On a scuba diving trip, you can also spot sunfish, angelfish or moray eels. Some agencies even organize night dives. In this case, you’ll be treated to an entirely different spectacle, as the glow of the moon takes you into an environment of absolute calm and serenity. Just entering the water to the sound of lapping waves under the stars is an extraordinary experience!
Diving departures, whether from the shore or from a boat, are generally on the west coast, south of the port of Naxos.
Head off in search of wrecks and amphorae!
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Just a stone’s throw from Naxos, enjoy a diving experience on Paros, the island at the heart of the Cyclades archipelago. Paros is very popular in high season, but quieter in the off-season. So make the most of the off-season to enjoy diving and its many facets. You’ll be able to get close to breathtaking underwater caves and ancient shipwrecks. It’s always impressive to come face to face with a boat that has taken up residence on the seabed and is home to a host of fish. You’ll also love discovering old amphorae dating back to antiquity and still present on the seabed. It’s best to set off with a guide who can point out all these well-buried archaeological treasures.
In terms of wildlife, around Paros you’ll see stingrays and barracudas… Of course, this isn’t always the case, as it depends on the weather and the season. But from May to October, there’s a good chance you’ll come across some magnificent underwater creatures.
Diving starts are mainly from the north of the island, in Naoussa Bay or on the east coast. In the south, nearAntiparos, the small island next door, you’ll also find diving clubs and schools. They invite you to explore the seabed between Paros and Antiparos.
Discover the most beautiful scuba diving spots
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Milos is home to some of the most beautiful diving spots in the Cyclades. Head for Milos for an unforgettable diving experience in the Greek islands. More than Milos, it’s its two smaller neighbors that offer a great underwater experience: Kimolos and Polyaegos. These two islets to the north of Milos are home to magnificent fish such as barracudas and groupers in the clear blue sea.
The big plus is the possibility of diving into the ruins of an old sunken church. There’s also the presence of a shipwreck slumbering in the heart of underwater canyons. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see turtles. The turquoise waters of Milos are incredible. And once you’ve completed your session, all you have to do is enjoy the island’s beauty from the boat’s deck. Watching the white cliffs from the water is one of the main reasons why travelers come to Milos.
To enjoy a diving experience in Milos, head for Pollonia, where you’ll find schools that will take you close to Kimolos and Polyaegos.
Relive the Grand Bleu experience
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An article about diving in Greece is bound to mention theisland of Amorgos. And why is that? Because almost everyone has seen the film The Big Blue (1988). The scene in which Jacques Mayol and Enzo Molinari are children was filmed on Amorgos. Admittedly, there are no longer the sponges on Amorgos as there were in the film, but the great depths still allow us to enjoy an exceptional underwater environment.
There are coral reefs, caves and shipwrecks. The island of Amorgos is very rocky, so you’ll be able to enjoy the rocks even below sea level. In some places, the rocks form galleries that are as frightening as they are breathtaking: maybe you’ll dare to slip inside!
Two spots are particularly popular on Amorgos. Around Nikouria, the islet opposite Agios Pavlos on the west coast, or Agia Anna on the east coast. You can dive at the foot of the magnificent Panagia Chozoviotissa monastery, clinging to the cliffs. The view is breathtaking!
Combine Cyclades and diving
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Although theisland of Ios is best known for its festive atmosphere, it also embodies a sense of calm. To find this tranquility, leave Chora and venture out into the sea for a great diving session. From Gialos, the beach close to Chora, or from Koumpara, you can reach Cape Diakofto. This is a sort of islet off the coast of Ios, whose rocks fall into the sea, offering beautiful underwater caves and magnificent coral reefs.
If you’re lucky, you may also spot turtles and dolphins swimming off the coast. For this opportunity, you’ll need to stay away from Chora, as marine animals like peace and quiet. If there’s too much noise around you, you’re unlikely to come across one…
Explore enchanting volcanic depths
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Santorini, nicknamed « the volcano island », is one of a kind in the Cyclades. Its colors, ochre and even red, stand out from those of its neighbors. In fact, its seabed is also unique. Santorini’s seabed is shallower than that of most Cycladic islands. This makes it ideal for diving beginners, although experienced divers can also enjoy exploring the volcanic seabed.
On the unpleasant side, we have to mention the overcrowding in July and August. But if you come to Santorini outside the high season, you’ll have more room and more comfort. You’ll appreciate the rock formations that lie dormant at the bottom of the turquoise waters, inviting you to try your hand at diving.
You’ll find diving clubs departing from Perissa and Kamari, in the south-eastern part of the island. We usually take you to the south ofAkrotiri, near Red beach.
So, are you ready to jump into the turquoise waters of the Cyclades with your tanks strapped to your back? Whether you’re a beginner looking for a first dive or a seasoned diver, you’re in for a treat in the underwater world. And which spot are you most tempted by? 🤿