Safety · Destination Guide
Volcanic Aegean reefs, easy training bays and Hippocratic island culture
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 26 sources
Kos is an accessible recreational dive island, but safe planning still depends on wind, boat traffic, conservative profiles, no-fly timing and respect for protected underwater cultural heritage. Use insured operators, carry dive insurance, follow archaeological rules, and treat Pserimos, Nisyros, wreck and wall days as forecast-dependent.
Use conservative profiles and do not push depth on vacation schedules. The Thor Star, wall routes and drift sections are for experienced divers with current skills, a computer and a surface marker buoy. July and August wind can make entries and boat pickups rougher, so listen to local guides and accept site swaps. Do not freedive after scuba on the same day in a way that adds decompression stress. Observe no-fly times before departing from KGS, especially after repetitive or deeper dives.
Kos has a general hospital and ambulance service for acute care, but dive-specific hyperbaric routing should be confirmed with your operator and insurer before you dive. In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then contact DAN Europe or your dive insurer for specialist advice and evacuation coordination. Keep certification details, insurance policy number, dive computer logs and emergency contacts accessible.
Meltemi wind can change named-site plans
July and August can bring north or northwest wind, surface chop and site swaps. Treat named wreck, wall and Nisyros routes as forecast-dependent, not guaranteed.
Protected antiquities are not souvenirs
Greek underwater antiquities are protected. At amphora sites such as the Potteries, do not touch, move, collect or disturb anything, and follow your operator's photography instructions.
Rocky beaches need water shoes
Many of the best coves and entries have rock, pebbles, urchins or sudden depth changes. Water shoes are useful for snorkelers and shore-entry divers.
Heat and sun exposure are real in peak summer
Plan ruins, cycling and hikes early, carry water, and avoid long exposed walks at midday in July and August.
Greek underwater antiquities are protected, and removing or disturbing artifacts is illegal. Do not touch amphoras, wreck material, pottery, shells, sponges, seagrass or marine life. Maintain buoyancy over Posidonia seagrass and rocky reef, avoid anchoring damage, give turtles and dolphins distance, and never handle lionfish or scorpionfish. Use mineral sunscreen carefully, but physical sun protection is better than over-applying lotion before entering the water.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when meltemi wind can change named-site plans. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Emergency Number | General emergency | 112 | 24/7 |
| EKAB Ambulance | Ambulance and medical emergency | 166 | 24/7 |
| Hellenic Coast Guard | Maritime emergency | 108 | 24/7 |
| General Hospital of Kos | Hospital and emergency department | +30 22423 60200; emergency department +30 22423 60306 | 24/7 emergency care |
| Kos Port Authority | Port and maritime coordination | +30 22420 26594; +30 22420 26595 | Office hours and maritime response coordination |
| DAN Europe Emergency Hotline | Diving medical advice and evacuation coordination | +39 0642115685 | 24/7 |
| Kos Tourist Police | Visitor assistance | +30 22420 26666 | Local service hours |