Safety · Destination Guide
Two Cyclades islands, clear Aegean wrecks, caverns, beaches, and easy island-hopping
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 27 sources
The main safety theme is surface management: wind, boat traffic, ferry schedules, sun, and overhead boundaries. Underwater, most guided recreational sites are straightforward, but the Bristol Beaufighter depth, caverns, amphora areas, and wreck etiquette require discipline. Conservation is centered on Posidonia meadows, protected turtles, possible monk seal habitat in the wider Cyclades, and Greece's underwater cultural heritage.
Use local operators for wrecks, caverns, and deeper reefs. Carry an SMB, stay close to the guide on boat dives, and confirm whether a site is suitable for your certification before boarding. Do not turn the Bristol Beaufighter into a long air dive; it sits around 33 m and bottom time is limited. In caverns, stay in the light zone unless properly trained, avoid silting, and never touch walls or formations. Watch for fishing line, boat traffic, surge around rocks, and wind-driven chop on exits.
Naxos and Paros have local medical facilities for stabilization, and serious diving injuries may require evacuation to Athens or another specialist facility. There is no practical assumption of an island recompression chamber for a visitor dive plan. Call local emergency services first for life-threatening situations, put the diver on oxygen if trained to do so, contact DAN Europe, and preserve the dive computer data for medical review.
Meltemi wind can rewrite the day
July and August northerlies can create surface chop, cancel exposed departures, force site swaps, and disrupt ferries. Build buffers and keep plans flexible.
Do not touch wrecks, amphorae, or cave formations
Greek underwater heritage is protected. Photograph only, keep fins off the bottom, and follow licensed guides near wrecks, amphora fields, and antiquity-adjacent sites.
Overhead environments are not casual swim-throughs
Caverns around Panteronisi and Paros are for guided divers with buoyancy control. Freedivers and snorkelers should stay outside overhead spaces.
Boat traffic and water sports are real hazards
Use SMBs, bright floats, local guides, and marked swim zones. Do not cross ferry approaches, windsurf lanes, or busy tour-boat channels.
The Central Aegean Natura 2000 network includes priority Posidonia meadows and important habitats for rare and protected species. Do not anchor independently on seagrass, harass turtles, approach monk seals or sea caves, collect shells from living habitat, feed fish, or remove artifacts. Naxos Wildlife Protection asks visitors to keep distance from turtles, avoid touching or feeding them, and report injured animals or hatchling tracks. Underwater antiquities and wreck materials are protected by Greek authorities, so photograph only.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when meltemi wind can rewrite the day. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Emergency Number | Police, fire, ambulance, and emergency coordination | 112 | 24/7 |
| EKAB Ambulance | Medical emergency ambulance service | 166 | 24/7 |
| Hellenic Coast Guard | Maritime emergency and port police coordination | 108 | 24/7 |
| DAN Europe Emergency Hotline | Diving emergency medical advice and evacuation coordination for members | +39 0642115685 | 24/7 |
| Naxos Wildlife Protection | Sea turtle and wildlife rescue reporting in Naxos and the Cyclades | +30 697 679 7070 | 24/7 wildlife rescue phone |
| Naxos Health Center - Chora | Local medical stabilization and hospital contact | +30 22853 60500 | Local hospital and health center hours; call emergency services first for urgent cases |