Scuba Diving at Explosion

Diving atExplosion (Greece)

Combining significant historical context with a vibrant underwater environment, Explosion dive site in Crete, Greece, offers a surprising tranquility below the surface. Named for a World War II event, it's an advanced dive, drawing explorers into its depths and revealing remnants of the past amidst diverse marine life.

Tonight's objective overview for Explosion shows an air temperature of 14.6°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.38m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.

Dive Site Coordinates

35.2516, 25.7588

Key Dive Site Facts

Max Depth30m / 98ft
Entry TypeBoat
Water Typesalt
Dive TypesReef

Dive Site Overview

The dive profile at Explosion begins with a controlled descent, following an anchor line that guides divers down to an initial plateau. This relatively shallow area, around 5 meters, serves as a transition point before the site drops away into what divers often refer to as the 'Big Blue.' Moving onward, the underwater landscape unfolds with large, scattered rock formations, providing immediate refuge for various small schooling fish.

A prominent elephant-shaped rock, notably truck-sized, stands out as a key navigational landmark, consistently found between 14 and 20 meters. Its weathered surface adds to the site's distinctive character. Beyond this point, the seabed plunges more rapidly, creating a sense of increased depth and inviting exploration of the open water column down to its maximum reported depth of approximately 30 m / 100 ft.

Near the conclusion of the dive, an imposing wall formation commands attention, ascending from about 18 meters towards the surface. This vertical topography provides a dramatic backdrop and hosts various organisms.

The site, situated west of the local diving center, benefits from its eastern side's natural protection against prevailing winds. This orientation frequently translates to calmer surface conditions, facilitating easier entry and exit and enabling uninterrupted focus on the underwater environment.

Divers can also encounter scattered bronze shells, remnants from World War II canon impacts, which lie embedded in the seabed, adding a historical layer to the natural reef structure.

Best Time to Dive

Visibility often dictates the ideal diving window; at Explosion, conditions are frequently superb, extending beyond 30 meters / 100 feet. From May to September, visibility generally reaches its peak, coinciding with warmer air temperatures averaging from 20.4°C / 68.7°F in May to 28.5°C / 83.3°F in July. Rainfall is minimal during these months, with July and August experiencing barely any precipitation (around 0.05-0.06 mm), reducing runoff and contributing to clearer waters. While diving is possible year-round, summer months provide a combination of excellent visibility and comfortable surface conditions. Wind speeds vary, but the site's eastern side typically offers protection, making it accessible even with moderate surface chop.

Jan: GoodScore: 8/10
Feb: GoodScore: 8/10
Mar: GoodScore: 8/10
Apr: GoodScore: 8/10
May: GoodScore: 8/10
Jun: GoodScore: 8/10
Jul: GoodScore: 8/10
Aug: GoodScore: 8/10
Sep: GoodScore: 8/10
Oct: GoodScore: 8/10
Nov: GoodScore: 8/10
Dec: GoodScore: 8/10
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Moderate
Poor
Unsafe

Climate Historical Averages

Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.

Month
Air Temp
Max Waves
Wind Speed
Rain
January15°C0.9m21 km/h1.8 mm
February14°C1.0m23 km/h2.0 mm
March16°C0.8m21 km/h1.2 mm
April17°C0.7m21 km/h1.0 mm
May20°C0.6m21 km/h1.6 mm
June26°C0.7m24 km/h0.5 mm
July29°C0.8m27 km/h0.1 mm
August28°C0.7m25 km/h0.1 mm
September26°C0.8m24 km/h0.2 mm
October22°C0.7m18 km/h0.3 mm
November19°C0.7m18 km/h0.8 mm
December16°C0.8m19 km/h2.2 mm

Dive Experience & Conditions

Currents at Explosion are typically absent, allowing for relaxed exploration of its features. Classified as an advanced dive, it demands proficiency due to swift depth increases and a deep drop-off. Water temperature ranges from approximately 15-25°C / 59-77°F, seasonally influencing thermal protection needs and dive comfort. Divers can expect about 45-50 minutes of bottom time, ample opportunity to appreciate extensive wall formations and the 'big blue' feel of deeper sections. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is key for navigating varied topography and respecting historical artifacts without disturbance. These conditions suit divers comfortable with rapid descents and managing air consumption at depth.

Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines

No specific warnings are consistently reported for Explosion itself, suggesting a straightforward dive in stable conditions for those properly certified. A primary safety consideration involves managing the rapid depth profile, as the site quickly drops to depths around 30 meters. Divers should be advanced, competent in deep diving procedures, and maintain careful buoyancy control, especially along the wall structure. Adherence to no-decompression limits is crucial given the depths involved. Diving with a reliable buddy is always recommended; proper planning for air consumption and ascent rates is paramount in these conditions.

Recommended Equipment

No verified equipment items yet.

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Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.

Recommended Dive Suit

According to recent observations, water temperatures near Explosion are approximately 18°C (64°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 15°C (58°F).

Forecasts suggest rising temperatures later this week. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.

Most divers exploring waters at this temperature rely on 5-7mm wetsuit for effective insulation. A thermal robe or jacket is recommended between dives. Water temperature is only one factor influencing overall comfort during a dive. Surface intervals may feel noticeably cooler once you exit the water.

Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.

Dive Logistics & Preparation

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Hyperbaric Chamber

Check local Greece medical facilities.

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Entry Requirements

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Currency

EUR

Nearest Airports

Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.

✈️Sitia AirportJSH
31 km
✈️Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis AirportHER
54 km
✈️Karpathos AirportAOK
128 km

Marine Life at Explosion

Upon entering, divers often first notice schools of small fish congregating around large rock formations near the initial descent. As the dive progresses, larger inhabitants like groupers, snappers, morays, and bluefin trevally can be spotted. This location provides habitat for lionfish, barracudas, and various nudibranchs, alongside common Mediterranean reef species. Historical bronze shells scattered on the seabed also act as micro-habitats, attracting smaller organisms.

Dive Centers Near Explosion

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth at Explosion?

Depths at Explosion rapidly increase to about 30 meters, with a significant drop-off into the "Big Blue." Divers should be prepared for deep diving profiles and proper air management.

What level of diver training is recommended for Explosion?

This site is recommended for advanced divers due to its quick descent to significant depths and the need for good buoyancy control along the wall. Beginners may find conditions challenging.

What are the typical water temperatures?

Water temperatures vary seasonally, generally ranging from 15-25°C / 59-77°F. Thermal protection should be selected accordingly to ensure comfort during the dive.

Is there much current at the Explosion dive site?

According to reports, currents are typically absent at Explosion, providing for a more relaxed and focused exploration of the site's features and marine life.

What unique features can be seen underwater?

Key features include a large elephant-shaped rock between 14-20m, remnants of WWII bronze shells, and a dramatic wall that extends from 18m towards the surface.

How good is the visibility at Explosion?

Visibility is often excellent, frequently exceeding 30 meters, especially during the peak diving season from May to September. Clear views of the site's topography are common.

Why is it called "Explosion"?

Named after a World War II event, the site takes its name from canon explosions on the cliff directly above the diving area. Parts of the bronze shells are still visible underwater.

Liveaboards Sailing to Explosion

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