Safety · Destination Guide
Dive wrecks, caves and pine-fringed island coves beside one of Europe's easiest city gateways
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 34 sources
The main safety themes are wind-aware site choice, boat traffic, heat, no-fly timing, overhead-environment discipline and respect for protected antiquities and seagrass. Athens has strong medical infrastructure, but a remote boat, island cove or ferry schedule can still slow response. Dive with operators that carry oxygen, communicate clearly and brief emergency procedures.
Use a conservative computer and follow no-decompression limits. Carry and know how to deploy an SMB, especially near boat routes. Do not penetrate wrecks, caves or overhead spaces unless trained, equipped and explicitly guided for that environment. Freedivers should never dive alone and should use visible buoys, trained safety and oxygen-backed instruction. Summer heat can dehydrate divers before they notice it; drink water before and after dives. After diving, keep at least 12 hours before flying after a single no-decompression dive and at least 18 hours after repetitive or multi-day diving, then follow the more conservative guidance from your computer, agency or DAN.
For life-threatening emergencies in Greece, call 112. For marine emergencies, the Hellenic Coast Guard emergency number is 108. DAN Europe provides a 24/7 diving emergency hotline at +39 06 4211 5685. Athens has hyperbaric medicine services, including military and private facilities, but divers should route suspected decompression illness through emergency services or DAN rather than self-driving without medical advice. Give responders your dive profile, computer, gas mix, symptoms, onset time and any first-aid oxygen already delivered.
Wind-driven site swaps
Northerly summer winds and winter fronts can change the safe plan. A reliable operator should be able to move between sheltered coast, island, reef and training options.
Heat and sun exposure
July and August can be draining on boats, ruins and ferries. Bring water, shade, reef-safe sun protection and plan heavy walking early or late.
Protected antiquities
Greek underwater cultural heritage is protected. Do not touch, move, collect or enter restricted archaeological areas unless your licensed operator has explicit permission.
Boat traffic and ferry lanes
The Saronic is an active maritime region. Use SMBs, visible buoys and guide instructions, and avoid harbor mouths, marina approaches and ferry routes.
Control buoyancy over rocky reefs and Posidonia seagrass. Do not anchor, stand, fin heavily or drag gear through meadows. Keep hands off octopus dens, nudibranchs, turtles and morays, and secure dangling gauges. Greek underwater antiquities are protected, including wrecks, aircraft, harbors, settlements and objects older than protected thresholds. Photograph, do not move. Use reef-safe sun protection, avoid feeding fish, collect trash when safe and report injured turtles to ARCHELON rather than attempting a rescue without guidance.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when wind-driven site swaps. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Emergency Number | Police, fire and ambulance emergency triage | 112 | 24/7 |
| Hellenic Coast Guard | Marine emergency, search and rescue, port authority support | 108 | 24/7 |
| EKAB Ambulance | Emergency medical response in Greece | 166 | 24/7 |
| DAN Europe Emergency Hotline | Diving accident assistance and hyperbaric referral | +39 06 4211 5685 | 24/7 |
| ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Network | Injured or sick sea turtle reporting in Greece | +30 6941 511 511 | 24/7 phone line |
| Athens Hyperbaric Medicine | Private hyperbaric oxygen center; confirm emergency routing through EMS or DAN | +30 210 610 7288 | Listed business hours; emergency support should be coordinated through EMS or DAN |