| -link"> | | | | having to undertake lengthy flights. |
| | | | Although you will find many dive sites around the |
| Crete’s scuba diving scene goes from | | | | entire island, most scuba diving Crete operators |
| strength-to-strength | | | | are centred on the north coast. Dive boats head |
| Visibility and variety draw scuba divers to | | | | out from here to locations all around the island |
| Crete’s clear water. | | | | including popular southern destinations such as |
| Ten years ago Crete might not have been near | | | | Dia’s wreck in Agrilla Bay. Diving sites off |
| the top of every diver’s wish list due to its | | | | the south coast also allows you to explore ocean |
| protective regulation of the dive industry, but now | | | | walls, dropping straight down from 15m to 40m, |
| things have changed and it’s no secret | | | | and magnificent volcanic rock formations. For |
| that Crete’s scuba scene is extremely | | | | those opting to shore dive, deep water can be |
| healthy. A more relaxed approach has led to the | | | | found within 50m to 60m of entry. |
| opening up of this mystical underwater Aegean | | | | Some of the best known diving on the island is |
| landscape, which now offers an excellent dive | | | | accessible from dive centres in Agia Pelagia, |
| alternative to the Red Sea. | | | | Amoudara, Malia, Panormo and Adelianos Campos. |
| ** PUBLISHING GUIDELINES ** | | | | Key dive sites in this area include Mononaftis or |
| Permission is granted to publish this article | | | | Lonely Sailor — a hug rock erupting from |
| electronically in free-only publications, like a | | | | the sea around 50m offshore, the stunning El |
| website or ezine (print requires individual | | | | Greco Cave and Reef, Blue Cave — with |
| permission) as long as the resource box is included | | | | its fabulous stalagmites and stalactites, and |
| without any modifications. All links must be | | | | Anchor Valley — where turtles have been |
| active. A courtesy copy is requested on | | | | sited. In the Gulf of Mirabellou, you’ll find |
| publication (email ) | | | | interesting Minoan sites dating back 4,000 years, |
| Sea walls, caves, canyons and holes, shipwrecks | | | | where boats sunk with their cargoes of amphora. |
| and Minoan settlements give the experienced | | | | Sea life you’re likely to encounter whilst |
| diver plenty of variety, whilst learners can | | | | diving Crete’s crystal waters includes |
| undertake almost any course, with most dive | | | | octopus, lobster, seahorses, moray and conger |
| centres being PADI affiliated. The lack of strong | | | | eels, schools of barracuda, salemas, bream and |
| currents or tides means that diving in Crete | | | | snapper, red and black scorpionfish, sea rabbits, |
| offers excellent conditions for beginners and is | | | | cuttlefish, squid, stingray, and colourful sponges. |
| also a location of choice for learners due to | | | | Various dive locations here are well known as |
| it’s history of high dive safety standards. | | | | being home to some seriously large grouper, and |
| Divers are attracted to Crete due to its crystal | | | | tuna — along with other silvery pelagics |
| clear waters which give excellent visibility — | | | | — are commonly sighted. Whilst the fish |
| between 30 - 40 metres is common — | | | | may not be as immediately colourful as the Red |
| and, with hot sun, blue skies and sea | | | | Sea, the variety of volcanic rock formations, plant |
| temperatures of 27ºC in the summer months, | | | | life and dive experiences on offer, coupled with |
| the island is fast becoming a firm favourite on the | | | | the clarity of the water make Crete a fantastic |
| dive circuit. Its location is also a winner, allowing | | | | underwater playground for divers. |
| divers from UK easy and fast access, without | | | | |