Tag Archive for: scuba diving

At the easternmost tip of Ithaca, on the crest of a sloping reef that shortly reaches the contour line of 100 meters, lay the remains of a Luftwaffe Ju88 twin-engine bomber. The aircraft met its fate as it ditched a short distance offshore reportedly hit by allied fire.

Dive starts at the shot line on top of the reef at 12 m following the slope to the first Jumo 211 engine. It is shocking to imagine the force of the crash as the two engines can be found far apart at 22 and 28 meters and further away the tail sitting at 36m. On the steep slope bellow, aluminum remains indicate the path of fuselage and the wings drifting towards the abyss, undiscovered by divers so far. Apart from the aircraft remains, divers have the chance to explore the magnificent reef where large predators such as amberjacks and dentex and even dolphins or tunas occasionally, feed on the clouds of sardines and damselfish, while on the sides of the reef agile mottled groupers ambush to chase their prey. On the way back, divers can find many more, smaller scattered pieces of the aircraft, such as the standard twin machine gun and discover slipper lobsters and morays hiding in the crevices of the reef. Heading to the shot line to initiate the ascend and safety stops, the seagrass meadows bellow may grant the chance of seeing schools of barracudas. Quite often divers can catch the currents into a drift dive.

The average depth or the dive is 20 m, while the max is 37, reserving the site for experienced divers. The visibility is usually greater than 20m while temperature ranges between 18-26 C in summer months, depending on depth. Occasionally there may be strong currents close to the surface. Boat ride duration 35′.

IMG_0813 IMG_0818 IMG_0994 Lardigos 4-7-11 DSC02975+

 

Dias is a rocky islet once home to a monastery and in earlier times a temple dedicated to Greek God of Gods, Zeus. This is the dominant landmark of an area of swallow reefs and some of the richest fishing fields around Kefalonia.

It takes more than one dive around the rock to explore the cavelets and passages that hold numerous species of fish, crustaceans and cephalopods, while Loggerhead turtles are common visitors. Among the stars are slipper lobsters and triton’s trumpets. Along the route pottery and ceramics from the ancient and the Christian temples can be spotted.

The average depth of the dive is 12 m, while the max is 22 m, appropriate for divers of all levels.

The usual visibility is 25 m and temperature ranges between 23-25 °C in summer months. Occasionally a weak surface current may be encountered. Boat ride duration 35′.

 

 

As divers enter the idyllic fresh water lake they come across impressive kelp-like sea grass and schools of sea bass and grey mullets. Karavomilos is the estuary of the famous Melissani Lake and the doorstep to an amazing world. The cave sets breathtaking scenery of stalactites and stalagmites to the experienced divers. As soon as technical cave divers enter the second chamber, light gives room to a silent dark world.

The average depth of the dive is 9 m, while the max is 17 m, however due to the cavern-cave characteristics, Karavomilos is reserved for advanced divers and further penetration is permitted by technical cave divers only. The visibility reaches an amazing 40+ m and temperature is constantly 14 °C. No currents are present. Car ride duration 45′.

IMG_1744 IMG_1755 IMG_1768 IMG_1784

 

Around this shallow colorful reef, divers can spend time observing a surprising variety of fish, since the holes and crevices on the rock are home to parrotfish, cardinal fish, blennies, sea bream, mullets, small crustaceans and many more species that find shelter there. An arch-shaped swim-through along the coast can be crossed by divers giving the opportunity to get impressive views of aquatic life against the blue background, just like looking through a porthole on the seafloor!

The average depth or the dive is 8 m, while the max is 12 m, appropriate for divers of all levels.

The usual visibility is 20 m and temperature ranges between 22-27 °C in summer months. No surface currents are present. Boat ride duration 3′.

DSC03612 DSC05761 IMG_1091 IMG_1237