Diving atKassandra Shipwreck (Greece)
The Kassandra shipwreck holds a compelling story of maritime misjudgment. On February 27, 1973, laden with 580 tons of cement, the ship veered off course towards a rocky islet near southern Evia. Despite a last-minute attempt to correct its path, it ran aground. After its crew abandoned the vessel, the Kassandra ultimately sank on March 2, 1973, now resting upright as a dive attraction.
As evening covers Kassandra Shipwreck, the local air temperature is measured at 10.3°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.12m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
38.1069, 24.0916
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
This site serves as a striking underwater landmark, combining a significant wreck with a natural wall dive. The Kassandra, a freighter that found its demise after a navigational error, now lies perpendicular to the end of an island’s rocks, settled firmly on a sandy seabed.
What remains visible today is primarily the midship to the stern section, showing clear signs of past salvage operations that cut away parts of the original vessel. Divers can explore various rooms, including the engine room, where the ship’s engine, pump, and some instruments are still visible.
Safe passages through stairs and small corridors are possible for those with appropriate training. The wreck acts as a thriving artificial reef, drawing in an array of marine life, which makes it a compelling subject for underwater photography.
While suitable for Open Water divers with specific wreck training, its interior explorations are best appreciated by advanced divers.
Best Time to Dive
Considering conditions first, diving the Kassandra shipwreck is feasible year-round, though the experience changes seasonally. During peak summer months, from June through September, air temperatures range between 24.5-30.4°C (76-87°F), often coinciding with the best visibility. Rainfall is minimal in these months, typically under 0.5 mm, reducing runoff and improving water clarity. Spring and autumn, specifically March to May and October to November, offer excellent diving conditions with air temperatures from 13.1-19.9°C (56-68°F), and moderate wave heights under 0.47 meters (1.5 ft). Average wind speeds are generally manageable, ranging from 17.1 to 22.6 km/h (10-14 mph). Even winter, despite cooler air temperatures around 11.1-12.2°C (52-54°F) and slightly higher rainfall (around 2-3 mm), maintains a 'Good' dive score, allowing year-round access for prepared divers.
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.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Exploring the Kassandra offers a distinct depth profile, with its shallowest point at approximately 20 m (66 ft) and resting on a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 30 m (100 ft). The wreck stands upright, positioned parallel to an underwater wall, creating a dynamic environment that attracts diverse marine life. Water temperatures typically range from 19-28°C (66-82°F), providing comfortable diving for much of the year. Visibility can extend up to 25 m (82 ft), particularly in summer, allowing clear views of the ship's structure. Currents are reported as generally absent, contributing to a relaxed dive experience around the wreck. Inside, divers can navigate through the engine room to observe machinery and explore accessible corridors and stairwells with care.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving the Kassandra shipwreck requires careful adherence to established wreck diving protocols. As a site with accessible penetrations, including the engine room and smaller corridors, maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to prevent disturbing silt and ensure a safe exit. Given the evidence of past salvage operations and subsequent 'cuts' to the hull, divers should be mindful of potential sharp edges and unstable sections within the wreck. Always carry appropriate wreck diving equipment, such as a dive light and redundant air source, especially when considering interior exploration. This site is recommended for certified advanced divers who have received specialized wreck penetration training, even though aspects of the exterior are suitable for Open Water divers.
Recommended Equipment
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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
5-7mm wetsuit is widely used for recreational dives in waters of this temperature. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. Strong cold advisory: dress warmly immediately after exiting the water. Those diving at Kassandra Shipwreck today will likely encounter water temperatures in the region of 16°C (61°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 10°C (51°F).
Forecasts suggest rising temperatures later this week. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Water temperatures can occasionally shift throughout the day depending on currents and depth layers.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
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Marine Life at Kassandra Shipwreck
The Kassandra has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, drawing a diverse array of marine inhabitants. Large schools of fish, including bream and scorpionfish, frequently gather around the hull. Numerous microorganisms, crustaceans, and mollusks thrive across the ship's surfaces, contributing to a rich ecosystem. Occasionally, schools of jackfish visit the wreck, adding to the dynamic underwater scenery. Its status as a living habitat provides excellent opportunities for underwater photography.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth of the Kassandra shipwreck?
The Kassandra shipwreck rests on a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 30 meters (100 ft). The shallowest part of the wreck is found around 20 meters (66 ft).
Is the Kassandra wreck suitable for all diver levels?
While parts of the exterior are accessible to Open Water divers, particularly with specific wreck training, its interior penetrations are best suited for advanced divers with specialized wreck diving experience and proper equipment. Careful navigation is always advised.
Can divers enter the Kassandra shipwreck?
Yes, divers can safely pass through stairs and small corridors, and explore the engine room where the ship’s engine and instruments are still visible. These penetrations require appropriate training and caution.
What kind of marine life can be seen at the Kassandra?
The wreck serves as an artificial reef, attracting various species. Divers can expect to see large schools of bream and scorpionfish, alongside numerous microorganisms, crustaceans, mollusks, and occasional schools of jackfish.
Are there strong currents at the Kassandra shipwreck?
No, currents at the Kassandra shipwreck are generally reported as absent, contributing to a calm and enjoyable dive experience around the wreck structure.
What is the water temperature like at the Kassandra?
Water temperatures at the site typically range from 19-28°C (66-82°F) throughout the diving season, with warmer temperatures in the summer months.
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