Beneath the Blue: Sustainable Diving in Alonnisos
Beneath the Aegean surface, Alonnisos reveals a hidden side: glowing sea caves, submerged ruins, and thriving marine life protected by the National Marine Park. Whether you’re floating over the amphorae of the Peristera Shipwreck, gliding through sapphire-lit caverns, or exploring gentle reefs on your first dive, each underwater journey here deepens your connection to nature, history, and sustainable adventure.
Experience Alonnisos from below, where each breath connects you deeper to the marine world and its quiet mysteries.
📍Blue Cave, Steni Vala
The Blue Cave is a magical diving site accessible by boat from Steni Vala. As you descend, the light dances through narrow openings in the rock, casting sapphire glows across the seabed. Divers can explore archways and caverns while surrounded by groupers, octopuses, and shimmering schools of fish. This spot offers a surreal underwater landscape, reminding us that the Aegean holds as many wonders below as it does above.
What to expect:
• Depth: 10–20 meters – ideal for beginners to intermediate divers.
• Cave diving: Stunning light effects and unique rock formations.
• Marine life: Rich biodiversity protected by the marine park.
Why it’s sustainable:
• Access via eco-certified dive centers committed to marine protection.
• Strict “look, don’t touch” policy to preserve fragile ecosystems.
• Located within the Alonnisos Marine Park — diving here directly supports conservation efforts.
Slip into the stillness of centuries past, where shipwrecks whisper stories and archaeology meets ocean life.
📍Peristera Shipwreck
Just off the coast of Peristera, this ancient shipwreck lies silently on the sea floor, whispering stories from the 5th century BC. Now part of the world’s first underwater museum, it allows divers to float above amphorae once filled with wine and oil — untouched for millennia. It’s more than a dive; it’s time travel.
What to expect:
• Depth: 22–30 meters – best for advanced divers.
• History meets nature: A rare blend of archaeology and marine life.
• Certified guides only: Strict diving routes ensure minimal impact.
Why it’s sustainable:
• Regulated entry under UNESCO standards.
• Dive fees support archaeological preservation.
• Protects marine heritage through education and awareness.
Discover the gentle side of diving where calm waters, sunlight, and seagrass welcome beginners to the underwater world.
📍Tzortzi Gialos Bay Reef
A shallow reef perfect for eco-snorkeling and introductory scuba dives. Crystal-clear waters reveal colorful sponges, seagrass meadows, and curious nudibranchs. It’s a place where even first-time divers can witness the magic of marine biodiversity.
What to expect:
• Depth: 3–10 meters – perfect for beginners.
• Easy access: Shore entry from a quiet beach.
• Family-friendly: Ideal for younger explorers or casual snorkelers.
Why it’s sustainable:
• No boat traffic – reducing noise and pollution.
• Locally-led excursions promote ocean stewardship.
• Supports sustainable tourism in lesser-known parts of the island.