Santa Irini Cavern

About this dive site

This dive site, Santa Irini Cavern, located in Greece, features two underwater caverns near an old chapel dedicated to Saint Irene. The site's shallow depth and generally calm conditions make it accessible to divers of all levels, although boat access is recommended. The chapel's history adds a unique element to the dive. Navigating the underwater landscape is relatively straightforward, following the rocky formations to discover the caverns. Be mindful of potential changes to the entry and exit points based on tidal conditions.

The marine life is a highlight of this dive. Expect to encounter a diverse array of species, including octopus, cuttlefish, moray eels, nudibranchs, lionfish, scorpionfish, starfish, sea breams, ornate and rainbow wrasse, and various sponges. This abundance of small creatures makes it an excellent location for macro photography. Although larger pelagic species are less common, the abundance of smaller life more than compensates.

The best time to visit is during the summer months (June-September) when the water is warmest and visibility is at its best. The calm conditions during these months are particularly suitable for both scuba diving and freediving. Divers and freedivers should always exercise caution when exploring the caverns and maintain proper buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the delicate ecosystem.