Safety · Destination Guide
Ionian wrecks, blue caverns, turtle harbors, and mountain days in one Greek island trip
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 26 sources
Kefalonia is a safe, approachable dive destination when treated as Mediterranean island diving rather than a tropical resort conveyor belt. The main risks are deep wreck ambition, heat, surface chop, boat traffic, slippery rock entries, and delayed emergency logistics. Conservation behavior is equally important: protect turtles, avoid seal caves, keep off seagrass, and leave all wreck and amphora material untouched.
Dive with licensed local operators, especially on wreck, cavern, or heritage sites. Carry a computer, SMB, and audible surface signal. HMS Perseus requires advanced or technical planning because the wreck lies around 52 m; do not pressure an operator to take you without recent deep experience. On snorkel and freedive days, use floats and avoid harbor approaches. Plan no-fly time before leaving from EFL, and avoid heavy drinking after repetitive dives.
Kefalonia has a general hospital in Argostoli and island health services, but divers should treat serious decompression illness as an emergency coordination and evacuation scenario unless DAN and local responders confirm the current care pathway. In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, start oxygen if trained and available, and contact DAN Europe for dive-medicine guidance. Travel and dive insurance with evacuation and hyperbaric coverage is strongly recommended.
Deep wreck risk
HMS Perseus is not a novelty stop. Depth, gas management, decompression, current, boat pickup, and emergency planning must be handled by qualified divers with an experienced local operator.
West-coast surf and cliff beaches
Myrtos, Petani, and other west-facing beaches can look calm from above but develop strong shorebreak, surge, or steep pebble entries. Snorkel only in settled water.
Heat and sun exposure
July and August can make cylinders, black gear, car interiors, and unshaded trails punishing. Hydrate, shade tanks, and avoid aggressive profiles before long drives or flights.
Boat traffic in coves
Freedivers and snorkelers should use visible floats and stay out of harbor approaches, ferry routes, and busy beach boat corridors.
Kefalonia is important for loggerhead turtles, Posidonia seagrass, and rare monk seal habitat. Watch turtles from a respectful distance, do not feed or chase them, and keep lights away from nesting beaches at night. Never enter suspected seal caves. Maintain buoyancy over seagrass, do not break urchins for fish, and never remove amphorae, shells, or wreck pieces. Support operators involved in cleanups, turtle awareness, monk seal monitoring, or scientific diving.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when deep wreck risk. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Emergency Number | Police, ambulance, fire, and emergency dispatch | 112 | 24/7 |
| Hellenic Coast Guard | Sea emergencies | 108 | 24/7 |
| EKAB Ambulance | Medical emergency ambulance service | 166 | 24/7 |
| General Hospital of Kefalonia | Hospital in Argostoli | +30 26713 61100 | 24/7 |
| DAN Europe Emergency Hotline | Diving medicine emergency advice and coordination | +39 06 4211 5685 | 24/7 |
| Wildlife Sense | Sea turtle conservation organization and turtle reporting contact | +30 698 486 5941 | Local program hours and reporting support |