Safety · Destination Guide
Ionian caverns, clear coves, Venetian streets, and easy shore-to-boat adventure
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 28 sources
Corfu diving is generally accessible, but its hazards are specific: overhead environments, boat traffic, rocky entries, summer heat, and weather-driven site changes. Use licensed operators, carry dive insurance, and make a recompression plan before diving because divers should not assume immediate on-island chamber access.
Use conservative profiles, especially on repetitive boat days. Carry an SMB, computer, whistle, and torch for guided cavern dives. Avoid solo diving and do not enter caves, swim-throughs, or wreck interiors unless your certification, guide, gas plan, and lighting match the route. Freedivers should use a float and trained buddy, keep away from boat lanes, and avoid cave temptation. Respect no-fly guidance after scuba before departing from CFU.
For life-threatening emergencies call 112 first. Corfu has hospital and clinic support, but divers should carry DAN or equivalent dive insurance and call DAN for decompression-illness triage and chamber coordination. If DCS or arterial gas embolism is suspected, stop diving, give oxygen if trained and available, hydrate if conscious, keep the diver lying down, and coordinate emergency evacuation through medical professionals.
Overhead environments are not casual swim-throughs
Corfu's caverns are beautiful, but cave entries, tight passages, and wreck penetration need training, lights, gas planning, and a local guide. Do not follow another group into an overhead space.
Rocky entries, urchins, and slippery steps
Many good snorkel spots are pebble or rock entries. Water shoes, slow movement, and hand protection from sharp rock help prevent avoidable cuts and urchin injuries.
Summer heat and sun exposure
July and August are beach-friendly but hot. Plan castle hikes, Old Town walks, and shore entries early, then shift to shaded lunches and evening sightseeing.
Boat traffic around caves and coves
Use a surface marker or bright float, stay out of harbor approaches, and do not snorkel across tour-boat paths at Paleokastritsa, Kassiopi, or busy beach routes.
Corfu's Ionian habitats include Posidonia seagrass, rocky reefs, caves, dolphins, turtles, and Mediterranean monk seal habitat. Divers and boaters should avoid anchoring on seagrass, keep distance from seals, turtles, and dolphins, avoid cave disturbance, never feed wildlife, and collect no shells or artifacts. Use good buoyancy near sponges and seagrass, secure dangling gauges, and take trash back to shore.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when overhead environments are not casual swim-throughs. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Emergency Number | Police, ambulance, fire, urgent rescue coordination | 112 | 24/7 |
| Greek Ambulance Service | Medical emergency dispatch | 166 | 24/7 |
| General Hospital of Corfu | Main public hospital on Corfu | +30 26613 60400 | 24/7 emergency care |
| Hellenic Coast Guard Emergency | Marine emergency and rescue | 108 | 24/7 |
| Central Port Authority of Corfu | Local port authority call center | +30 26613 65211 | Call center |
| DAN Europe Emergency Hotline | Diving emergency medical advice and evacuation coordination | +39 06 42115 685 | 24/7 for diving emergencies |