Diving & Snorkelling in Halkidiki
Halkidiki, with its three green peninsulas – Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos – stretching into the north Aegean, has some of the clearest water in Greece and one of the largest choices of dive centres in the country. Reefs and walls, underwater caves, shipwrecks and easy snorkelling bays are all within a short drive of Thessaloniki.
Underwater highlights
Kassandra: Paliouri and Pefkochori
Southern tip of Kassandra
Porto Valitsa and Koursaros bay near Paliouri offer reefs and a drop-off for wall diving, with very clear water. Off Loutra, volcanic gases still rise from the seabed – an unusual dive.
ReefsWallsThe Mytilini wreck
Kassandra
An old motorship sunk in 1961, one of the Greek wrecks officially open to recreational divers. Diving is allowed around the outside of the wreck, with an authorised dive centre.
WreckCertified diversSithonia: Porto Koufo and the south coast
Southern Sithonia
The deep natural harbour of Porto Koufo, an old iron ship from the early 20th century and the Erika underwater cave east of Porto Koufo – plus granite rocks and crystal-clear bays along the coast.
CavesWreckKelyfos island
Toroneos Gulf, between Kassandra and Sithonia
A small uninhabited island in the middle of the gulf, with around ten spots to explore on its sea bed.
Boat divesAmmouliani and the Athos coast
Ouranoupoli, Athos peninsula
More than twenty dive sites around the island of Ammouliani and Ouranoupoli, at the gateway to Mount Athos, with calm conditions and good visibility through most of the season.
ScubaSnorkelling
Header photo: Kavourotrypes, Sithonia – kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Dive centres in Halkidiki
Halkidiki has more than twenty dive centres. These are some of the established, certified centres on each peninsula. Tell us where you are staying – or let us suggest a centre – and we will check availability for your dates and arrange your transfer and hotel.
Kalamitsi Dolphin Diving Center
Kalamitsi, Sithonia
PADI 5-Star Dive Resort: courses, boat dives, snorkel trips and equipment rental, on one of the most beautiful beaches of Sithonia.
Ocean Diving Center
Lagomandra, Neos Marmaras, Sithonia
Dives and courses on the west coast of Sithonia, for beginners and certified divers.
Poseidon Diving Academy
Neos Marmaras / Porto Carras, Sithonia
Courses for beginners and certified divers, with instructors who also teach emergency first response.
Triton Scuba
Pefkochori, Paliouri and Kallithea, Kassandra
Scuba, night and wreck diving in Kassandra, operating since 1995.
Sredetz Tech Dive Center
Pefkochori, Kassandra
Recreational and technical diving at Porto Valitsa, Avlaki and the volcanic vents of Loutra.
Athos Scuba Diving Center
Ouranoupoli, Athos peninsula
PADI 5-Star Dive Resort: daily boat trips around Ammouliani, try-dives, kids programmes from 8 years old, snorkelling trips and PADI courses up to Divemaster.
Dive centre services and seasons can change; we confirm everything with the centre before your trip. For wreck dives, the dive centre registers your dive with the authorities the day before.
Getting there
Halkidiki is reached from Thessaloniki airport: about 1 hour to Kassandra and 1.5–2 hours to Sithonia or Ouranoupoli. We arrange your flight to Thessaloniki, a private transfer and a hotel close to your dive centre.
Frequently asked questions
Which peninsula is best for diving?
All three have good diving. Kassandra is closest to Thessaloniki and has reefs, walls and the Mytilini wreck; Sithonia has caves, wrecks and the clearest bays; Ouranoupoli and Ammouliani on the Athos peninsula offer many sheltered sites.
Can beginners dive in Halkidiki?
Yes. Most centres offer try-dives with an instructor in shallow, calm water, and some have programmes for children from 8 years old.
When is the diving season?
Mainly from May to October. The water is warmest from July to September.
Can I combine diving with other things to do?
Of course: beaches, a boat cruise along the coast of Mount Athos, Thessaloniki city, or the ancient sites of Vergina and Pella. Tell us what you like and we will plan it.
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