Top Dive Sites

The Great Wall

Description: The Great Wall in Chios offers an exhilarating dive along a steep underwater cliff adorned with vibrant marine life. Dropping dramatically to depths of over 30 meters, this site is perfect for those who relish descending into the blue.

Marine Species: Expect to encounter a rich variety of species such as groupers, octopuses, and various nudibranchs. Soft corals and sponges color the wall, creating a picturesque underwater landscape.

Unique Encounters: The wall is known for its small caves and crevices, which are home to shy moray eels and the occasional lobster. Divers may also spot schools of barracudas patrolling the blue waters adjacent to the wall.

Photography: The sheer vertical drop and vibrant corals make this site a paradise for underwater photographers. The clear water enhances the visibility, making it ideal for capturing the vivid colors and intricate textures.

Suitability: This dive site is best suited for intermediate to advanced divers due to the depths and the occasional currents that can be experienced.

The Cathedral

Description: The Cathedral is a mesmerizing underwater cave system complete with large chambers and narrow passageways. The entrance is wide enough to accommodate multiple divers, and once inside, you’ll be enveloped by the cathedral-like structure that gives the site its name.

Marine Species: Inside the cave, you’ll find diverse resident marine life, including shrimp, crabs, and the ever-captivating flashlight fish. Outside, the surrounding reef teems with life, from wrasses to damselfish.

Unique Encounters: The play of light filtering through cracks and crevices enhances the surreal atmosphere. Divers may also witness the occasional monk seal resting in the shadows.

Photography: The interplay of natural light and shadow within The Cathedral provides excellent opportunities for capturing dramatic and atmospheric photos. A wide-angle lens is particularly useful here.

Suitability: This site is suitable for intermediate divers comfortable with cave environments and possessing good buoyancy control.

St. Isidore’s Reef

Description: Located near the picturesque St. Isidore Chapel, this reef offers a gentle slope adorned with a variety of hard and soft corals. It’s a shallow dive site, making it accessible yet captivating.

Marine Species: This reef is a haven for smaller marine species such as blennies, gobies, and seahorses. It’s also common to see parrotfish and the occasional sea turtle gliding by.

Unique Encounters: The reef’s shallow waters make it a nursery for juvenile fish, and during certain seasons, you might witness the magical sight of spawning events. Additionally, the seagrass beds near the reef are home to cuttlefish and pipefish.

Photography: With clear waters and ample sunlight, St. Isidore’s Reef offers wonderful macro photography opportunities. It’s a fantastic spot for capturing close-ups of intricate marine species.

Suitability: This site is perfect for beginners due to its shallow depth and calm waters, but it also holds plenty of interest for more experienced divers seeking a relaxing dive with abundant life.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: The water temperature around Chios varies between seasons. During the summer months, from June to September, temperatures range from 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F). In the spring and autumn, expect cooler water between 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F), while winter temperatures can drop to 14°C to 16°C (57°F to 61°F).

Visibility: The visibility in Chios is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters (98 feet). However, certain factors such as plankton blooms and weather conditions can occasionally reduce visibility.

Currents and Tides: Currents around Chios are usually mild, making most dive sites accessible to all levels of divers. However, some advanced sites may experience stronger currents, particularly around headlands and during tidal changes. It’s recommended to check tide charts and local advice before planning dives.

Safety Tips:

• Always dive with a buddy and consider hiring a local guide, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
• Be aware of boat traffic, particularly near popular dive sites. Use a surface marker buoy (SMB) for safety.
• Keep an eye on weather conditions, as sudden changes can affect both surface and underwater conditions.
• Ensure you have adequate exposure protection, considering the seasonal temperature variations.
• Carry a dive knife or cutting tool, as fishing lines and nets can be found in certain areas.

Regulations:

• Respect all marine protected areas and do not disturb marine life or remove anything from the seabed.
• Following local diving regulations is crucial. Some sites may require permissions or diving permits.
• Adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ principle to maintain the natural beauty and ecological balance of the dive sites.
• During the nesting season, avoid disturbing the habitats of protected species like sea turtles.