Safety · Destination Guide
Mediterranean caverns, clear-water reefs, Minoan history, and big-island freedom
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 26 sources
Crete is generally accessible diving, but the main risks are wind, site swaps, overhead environments, deep wreck objectives, boat traffic, summer heat, and complacency around clear water. Conservation rules matter because the island has Natura 2000 areas, turtle nesting beaches, Posidonia seagrass, dive-park projects, and protected underwater cultural heritage.
Dive with licensed local operators, especially for caverns, wrecks, night dives, Dia Island, and unfamiliar shore entries. Carry and know how to deploy an SMB. Confirm oxygen, emergency communications, guide ratios, and nearest suitable medical plan before deep or repetitive dives. Do not enter overhead environments without training, lights, gas planning, and a guide. Avoid solo dives and avoid spearfishing or collecting while on scuba. Respect no-anchor and no-touch rules around seagrass, reefs, artifacts, and wreck material.
For emergencies, call 112 or ask a local person to call 112 immediately. Diving accidents should be treated with oxygen, hydration when appropriate, no further diving, and medical evaluation. DAN Europe provides a 24/7 international emergency hotline for members and can help coordinate specialist advice. Recompression chamber availability and referral pathways can change, so serious divers should verify the operator's active evacuation and chamber plan before travel, especially for deep wrecks or repetitive multi-day profiles.
Meltemi wind and exposed departures
Summer northerly winds can make north-coast boats choppy and force site changes. Ask your operator what is realistic for the forecast rather than fixating on one site.
Overhead environments are not swim-through shortcuts
Caves and caverns such as Elephant Cave and El Greco require lights, buoyancy, gas planning, a guide, and comfort with overhead rules. Beginners should stay outside caverns unless the operator runs a certified-safe route.
Do not touch antiquities or artifacts
Greek underwater cultural heritage is protected. Do not move, collect, or disturb pottery, wreck parts, anchors, or ruins. Accessible archaeological underwater sites have specific guide and route rules.
Turtle nesting beaches need darkness
On nesting beaches, avoid night walks, artificial lights, driving on sand, bonfires, and moving furniture into turtle pathways. Hatchlings must reach the sea on their own.
Crete's coastal environment includes Natura 2000 sites, turtle nesting beaches, Posidonia seagrass meadows, and cultural heritage. Keep fins off the bottom, never kneel in seagrass, do not feed wildlife, avoid night disturbance on turtle beaches, remove litter, and use moorings where provided. Stalis reef dive park is an example of a managed artificial reef and sanctuary approach designed to support both diving and fish recovery. Treat all ancient material underwater as protected, even if it looks loose or abandoned.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when meltemi wind and exposed departures. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| European emergency number | All emergencies | 112 | 24/7 |
| EKAB ambulance | Medical emergency service in Greece | 166 | 24/7 |
| Hellenic Coast Guard | Marine emergency and port authority coordination | 108 | 24/7 |
| Hellenic Police | Police emergency | 100 | 24/7 |
| Hellenic Fire Service | Fire, wildfire, and rescue | 199 | 24/7 |
| DAN Europe Emergency Hotline | Diving emergency medical assistance and referral coordination | +39 06 42115 685 | 24/7 |