Mykonos, the “Queen of the Cyclades,” offers more than its iconic beaches and vibrant nightlife. Its underwater realm is a diver’s paradise, boasting crystal-clear turquoise waters with incredible visibility and a diverse range of marine life. Scuba diving in Mykonos is a top activity for adventurers seeking to explore underwater caves, shipwrecks, reefs, and even encounter rare species like monk seals. Here’s a guide to the best dive sites, booking costs, and the ideal time to experience the underwater wonders of Mykonos.
Best Dive Sites in Mykonos
1. The Peloponisos Shipwreck
Located on the northeastern coast of Mykonos, this 64-meter passenger-cargo ship sank in 1926 and now lies in two parts on the seabed. The site, challenging due to weather conditions and depth, is ideal for experienced divers. The shipwreck has become an artificial reef, thriving with marine life, offering a rewarding dive experience filled with adventure.
2. The Anna II Shipwreck
Another must-see wreck is the Anna II, a 62-meter cargo ship located off the southeastern coast. Resting at a depth of 25 meters, this site is accessible for both advanced and intermediate divers. Its well-preserved condition and surrounding vibrant marine ecosystem make it one of the island’s most famous dive spots.
3. Kalafakiona Reef
Known for its striking topography and rich marine life, Kalafakiona Reef offers a dive to depths of around 20 meters. Divers can spot schools of Mediterranean barracuda alongside smaller fish and explore the ancient amphorae scattered across the seabed. It is ideal for intermediate divers.
4. Paradise Reef
Located near Paradise Beach, this easily accessible shallow reef dive is perfect for beginners. The site is teeming with marine life, including sponges, barracuda, starfish, and octopus. With excellent visibility and a depth of only 12-18 meters, Paradise Reef offers a vibrant and relaxed dive.
5. Lia Beach & Lia Reef
Lia Beach provides two distinct diving experiences. During the day, divers can explore the reef’s marine life, while night dives at Lia Reef reveal a new underwater world filled with nocturnal creatures like nudibranchs and sea sponges. The depth ranges from 20 to 40 meters, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels.
6. Agia Anna
Ideal for novice divers, Agia Anna has calm waters and fascinating marine life, such as moray eels, sea urchins, and octopus. The site features an interesting wall dive with a depth range of 4-26 meters, perfect for beginners to intermediate divers.
7. Dragonisi (Tragonisi) Caverns
Located off the coast of Mykonos, this uninhabited islet offers breathtaking underwater rock formations and extensive cave systems. As a nature reserve, Dragonisi is home to rare monk seals and other marine life, making it a dream dive for underwater photographers and cave diving enthusiasts.
8. Prasonisia
This small island near the coast of Mykonos is ideal for divers of all experience levels. Depths range from 5 to 18 meters, and the site offers a combination of marine life, archaeological treasures, and modern shipwrecks.
Best Time to Dive in Mykonos
September and October are the best months for diving in Mykonos. The water temperatures remain warm (around 20°C-24°C / 68°F-75°F), and the summer crowds have mostly left, allowing for a quieter and more relaxed dive experience. Hotel rates also drop, making it a more budget-friendly time to visit.
Late Spring (May-June) is also a good time to dive. While the water is cooler, requiring a thicker wetsuit, you can still enjoy great visibility and avoid the peak tourist season.
Water Conditions: The waters around Mykonos are famously clear due to the absence of phytoplankton, offering visibility between 25 to 50 meters depending on the season and weather. Water temperatures range from 18°C-24°C (60°F-74°F).
Booking Your Dive in Mykonos
Diving in Mykonos is easily accessible, with most dive centers located on popular southern beaches such as Paradise Beach, Super Paradise, Agios Ioannis, and Kalafatis. Dive centers offer a variety of packages, ranging from beginner courses to advanced wreck and cave dives. They provide equipment rentals, guided tours, and certifications.
Cost of Scuba Diving in Mykonos
Here’s an approximate breakdown of diving costs in Mykonos:
Single Dive: €50-€80
Two Dives (Full Day): €100-€150
PADI Open Water Course: €400-€500
Advanced Open Water Course: €450-€550
Dive centers also offer snorkeling tours, a great option for beginners or children who aren’t ready for scuba diving. It’s a more accessible way to enjoy the underwater beauty of Mykonos, and prices typically range from €30-€50 for guided snorkeling tours.
Marine Life in Mykonos
As a diver in Mykonos you can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including Mediterranean barracuda, octopus, cuttlefish, grouper, moray eels, sea sponges, nudibranchs, and sea urchins. In certain areas, such as Dragonisi, there’s even the chance to spot the rare Mediterranean monk seal, an endangered species that finds sanctuary in the region's protected waters.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Mykonos offers an unforgettable diving experience. From wreck dives at Anna II and Peloponisos, to cave explorations at Dragonisi, the island’s underwater treasures are waiting to be discovered. With its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and thrilling dive sites, scuba diving in Mykonos is an adventure you won’t want to miss.